jon v8

Its a 26mm bore.I steam cleaned the bike this morning,but I had work that needed doing so I've yet to get the carb off for a clean out. Try to do it tomorrow if I get my work out of the way... Thinking about it, the carb is one I bought from Surrey Cycles for my new HT5 build, I only fitted it to the AJS because it felt strangled on the 22mm carb it had before,wouldn't rev out,given time it will now scream fairly hard - I don't like doing it,but some sections like there were at the March Hare yesterday really need it.

My 350 AJS has a recent Amal Premier carb on it with hard anodised slide and Ethanol proof stay up float etc. In the next couple of days I'll be washing the mud off it from the Golden Valley March Hare - todays event. The carb will then have a strip and clean,I'll make notes of jet and slide numbers etc, and post them up. I'll also post up a pic of one of the best mods that need doing on a Concentric Mk1. I can't say its the perfect set up,but it works on my bike,and those daft enough to have a go on it seem to think its OK.

That's a coincidence, we were looking at one of those motors at the VMCC jumble at Shepton Mallet yesterday. We had both seen this bike and like the idea as a project in a Bantam frame.While we were nattering about it an elderly gent joined in and mentioned he had 6 of those engines at home.Be a good project when all the others are done...

OTF is on the case here - Another vote for Paul Powell at Cotton Villiers Spares; http://www.cottonvilliersspares.co.uk/ Paul is a riding mate who does a good job in keeping Villiers stuff running.

I guess I did have the right specs on Richard... And Ken, it really doesn't encourage me to carry on and finish my HT5 replica. Clearly most others have given up on the idea of Pre Unit entries in the Miller series.Tis a shame,the bikes are still there - its difficult to wear them out,all it needs is classes that give riders a decent chance - and sections that reflect the bikes size/.weight. Looks like Sammy and the ACU have moved on. I have my own idea to get old bikes out of sheds,maybe next year I will put it into practice.Meanwhile I'll keep talking to local land owners and try to secure a couple more venues.

They are a bit variable,I have a couple of spare stayup floats,but one of them runs the fuel level too low and I can't tune the carb properly. I think your only chance is to carefully bend it so it will allow shut off, but keep the fuel high enough to allow it to work properly

Then maybe the ACU could do something useful for a change and recognise the problems we are facing.

No,and I like to be kind to my fellow riders,but the truth is at trials speeds you breathe more of your own bikes fumes than you would imagine.The exhaust from my AJS on Aspen fuel smells more like a woodburner than a petrol engine,and it suprises me how often I can smell it as I'm riding between sections,the wind clearly pushes the fumes in front of you.

This is the tank I made recently for my AJS,its not perfect by any means - but its tucked in,doesn't leak and holds enough oil for my needs.(About 1.5 ltrs)Its made from,(Secondhand) 2mm ally sheet with weld on fittings from Merlin Motorsport.The on/off tap came from Screwfix. Just below on the return line is an oil filter which is a fine mesh type.This is came from Ebay and was listed for a pit bike,but perfect for my needs.Room inside for a small magnet too...

Was talking trials to a mate today and got onto the subject of the Miller classes. he suggested I have a look at the "revised" rules for 2016. Is it me or has the point been completely missed ? There is STILL no difference in the classes to distinguish between a Pre unit big banger and a sub 190lb James/Bantam/Cub. Or have I read last years regs or the wrong page completely ?

Three suggestions, first AMC Classic spares might be able to help,they are VERY helpful and knowledgeable. 01462 811770. Secondly there is an excellent Autojumble this Saturday at Shepton Mallet run by the VMCC. Thirdly you could make your own oil tank to exactly your size/spec. If you don't have welding kit or skills you can still cut out and fold up some 2mm sheet and buy the fittings etc.All you need to do then is to find someone local to weld it up for beer vouchers...

Modern fuel wrecked the Miller fibreglass tank I had on my last TY,it also blocked jets and made the throttle stick. I've been using Aspen fuel (As Charlie is using) for a long time now in all my bikes,chainsaws and strimmers.The only downside is the price... ALL the engines start and run better on it,and the fumes don't give me headaches like normal unleaded does. As Woody says,I'm no chemist either,so I don't know what it is that is nasty about modern fuel,but I do believe that oil companies will use whatever cr-p they can get away with to make a profit.Like Corus said when shutting down Llanwern steel works " we are in business to make money - not steel..."

Got a free entry. See you there,might even clean me bike...

We all had a laugh when Mick Andrews told us it meant "Don't Order Two"...

Dunno about Charlie, but 14.5% red wine is less than 4 Euro's a bottle here... Like a pig in poo...

Nah, my 15 plate KTM is in for a £500 service... Going to bring back a twinshock 50cc Casal pizzaped and force an IRC on it. Portugal is still in the 60's in so many ways, I feel a bit modern really.

Yep,flying home especially to get back for it - Not... Will be there,not been for a few years,going to support our Golden Valley stand !

My workshop is huge compared to most, and I can't be bothered to heat it most of the time I'm working in it,the woodburner just eats too much to be practical. So, my bikes,lathe and anything else that are sensitive to damp just get a coating of WD40 - before the damp gets to them.I am thinking about getting one of those hot air blowers that are advertised in the classic bike mags,as its sometimes difficult to get bikes dry enough after a wash. The airline doesn't quite cut it,and I'm aware that my favourite bike is 66 years old now so keeping it looking factory fresh needs more care.

I don't use ATF in my Yam, I tried it once and wasn't happy with the clutch action. I use a manual transmission fluid - MTF94,sold by Landrover. (I run a Landrover garage) I think it is made for them by Texaco,and there are other brands to the same spec. Works well and is cheaper than motorcycle specific trans oil.

As Tony, I use Domino on all my bikes,comfy to use and very strong.

Most likely,mind you Yams do rattle,that dirty old heap in the picture is built out of 3 engines,only new rings. Rattles like hell,but its the best TY250motor I've ever ridden,plenty of grunt,but screams as well.

Will it ever be that clean again ?

No problem, every time I go there the whole thing amazes me,especially when you consider how and when it was built. We are spoilt for cool stuff here in the UK, not very good at promoting in in some cases...

Salisbury Cathedral, amazing building,houses the oldest working clock in the world,plus one of the four remaining copies of the Magna Carta...