bulpedro

For what it's worth, my alpina had spark with NO condensor on it! I was in the process of moving it to under the tank. I tried grounding the plug to the engine and hand cranking it. Sure enough, spark! I don't trust the spark test except as a field test. Good luck! Pete

I sealed my Alpina's tank with Caswell and painted it 5 years ago. I had zero problems with it until the summer of 2008. I'm in Maryland (MAVT area). That was when gas prices spiked. It was also when all of our pump gas finally had ethanol added to it. My tank started blistering. I've heard some say the ethanol eats the tanks and others say it won't. I just know what happened to my tank. After leaving gas in it for 4 years, I now drain all of the gas out every time I ride. Pete

I don't know your bike or which Amal carb is on it. One general way to tell is if you remove the air/fuel mix screw. If it is somewhat blunt it is metering air. If it is pointed it meters fuel. I'm sure someone will point out this isn't always true. My Bultaco uses an Amal 627 carb . Turning the screw out leans the mixture. You should be able to tell. Running the screw all the way in with the motor running should make it start to bog down from being too rich. At some point in bike history, they started making carbs where the screw metered fuel. I believe all modern bikes are that way. I hope this helps. Pete

I know of two sherpas right now that are for sale. Hugh's has one on their webpage. And a fellow around here has one as well (MD). Both are model 199's (I think). One red, one blue. Both are in good shape. Both are also asking about $3000. So I'll pass on that... -Pete

If you are still looking, go for a model 85 or 99. 85's come up often for sale. I ride a model 85 in trials. I still use the stock tank and seat. You will want the smallest front sprocket you can get. 12 teeth (I think). I'm using a 50 in the rear and wish I had gone a little bigger. I would try a 54 or 56 if I had it to do over again. I've been very happy with this bike. I did ride it in a hare scrambles a couple of years ago with mixed results. I couldn't walk for most of the next week. Too sore...... Hope this helps! Pete