Once a biker:- !!!

[starider]

:DHi,It is said"Once a biker always a biker",I decided recently to have one final "go" at biking while I can still get my leg over a saddle! I wanted a British Classic, but hadn't realised just how expensive British had become[BSA Gold Star £21,000, BSA Bantam £1500]so landed on a 1978 Honda CX500,only 18,000+miles at a sensible price[I've had one before].If anyone knows of a Bantam for sale for restoration, I would be interested.
On the electric bike front, I was recently given one to sell to raise funds for our steel band.The charger was faulty[37volts].I got one off e-bay, but I think the three 12volt batteries in their carrier may be so dis-charged this modern electronic charger hasn't enough ummph to start to charge.I think I will charge each of the three seperately then plug in the new charger to give the final charge.I know the rear wheel motor is OK as when I collected the bike the was some charge as the wheel turned on the throttle.Anyone interested? starider.

[howard]

I have a lovely Bantam I would consider selling. It's a 1969 175 in that lovely polychromatic blue (or whatever it was called!). I've had it for a long, long time but sadly never had the V5 for it. It's part dismantled (to replace wiring loom) and did run very nicely. It also has lots of new parts - if this interests you do please let me know. As for a price, I really don't have much of a clue these days but I'd not ask stupid money for it.

I don't really want to sell it but with the recent death of both my parents I am starting to realise that I'm probably NEVER going to get around to finishing it - so why not let someone else have a go?

[Bob Scrivens]

Hi Starider if the e-bike battery's are the SLA type then see if you can bring them back to life with a car battery charge, if you can get them all up to reading 12 volts each then the bike charger will properly work when you put them back in series and finish the charge.

[starider]

Hi Howard,
I could be interested in the Bantam.I am looking for one that needs TLC and yours sounds OK.You say it hasn't a V5C, but has it a Reg.no?
Prices vary quite a bit,we've trawled dozens on e-bay,Gumtree and various sites and prices vary between £200 to £600 depending on how much TLC is needed.Showroom and Concours considerably more.Have a look yourself and drop me either a PM or e-mail, [e-mail]
starider

[starider]

Hi Bob,
Thanks for that,I'll strip the batteries out of the casing and see if I can get the three of them upto 12volts as you suggest. ;)Will let you know. starider

[howard]

Yes, as you can see she has plates Here's some pictures to whet your appetite.

[starider]

Hi Howard,thanks for the pics :)exactly what I'm looking for[brownie points:-exact year and model the wife bought new]Can we discus price and where abouts do you live?I like the Moggie in some of the shots.I'm 2/3 the way restoring a 1969 van.Morris Minors[as well as DAFs]are my speciality.In the last 50years I've owned, 3 Saloons,1 Convertable,1 Traveller,2 Pick-ups and 4 Vans,wish I still had some of them,but several wives,children and houses, meant finances often lead to the sale of most of them!!   Thanks, starider.

[starider]

Hi[again]howard,Just read through your fleet of vehicles ,what's your opinion of the Allegro? my dad had a 1500 as well and I thought it was a lovely car,so much so I bought a 1300 from my Headteacher and my eldest son had lessons,passed his test in it and took it to University with him.Much malined.I notice you have 3xAerial3,an unusual machine but great fun to ride.I had 2 Cyclemasters[one 32cc and one 25cc].My mate who was at the time a police cadet,used it to take his motorcycle test on,unfortunately in those far off days the Examiner use to do the test on foot and he kept overtaking my mate.He stopped the test and suggested he came back the next day if he could get it to go faster.His dad found the exhaust port had carbonned up to a pin hole.A decoke and next day he passed.It was amazing in those days,you could pass your test on a Cyclemaster[passed mine on a BSA Dandy],then jump on an Aerial Square Four and roar off into the traffic!! starider

[starider]

Hi Howard, Great to meet you in person,thanks for all your help.Got the Bantam home safely.Going to have a go at firing it up tomorrow before the strip down.Will keep you informed as to progress.Thanks again. Regards     starider.

[starider]

Hi Howard,
Have stripped the Bantam and just re-sprayed the frame. Beginning to re-assemble the bike with the new parts as needed.Both wheels have a wobble and I think the front can be straightened by adjusting the spokes but the rear will need a new rim.The lack of V5C is a problem, as the bike was registered in Middlesex I have found that their records were destroyed, so I will have to apply for an age related number.This is quite easy to do via a member of the British 2 Stroke Club. Will post some pictures once there is more to see.I have had the blue metallic paint matched with a base coat and two pack laquer. starider

[starider]

Hi, just finished the forks and re-pinned and bushed the rear swinging arm. Had a good look at the wheels yesterday[having removed the tyres]and it appears that at some time the bike may have slid into a kerb as they are both deformed in one place and cannot be straightened, so it looks like new wheels and spokes. After fitting the forks the next job will be to fit the "new" head lamp with the wiring harness, so that the harness can be clipped to the frame et al. starider

[howard]

Wow, such a lot of progress in such a short time! Sorry that I've not been keeping up with things on the site but I've so much to do in the house.

From what I remember, the chappie that had it before me was no spring chicken himself and had lots of bikes that were just for "show". He may have never had a V5 for it simply because he may never have ridden it on the road. I've no idea of its history whatsoever, although as far as I know he is still alive so popping around for a catch up might be worthwhile. If only to see the lovely James Captain that he had again.

I'm thrilled that you've taken her on and are getting things done - I hope you will find it rewarding and that you don't find any other surprises. And like so many I can't wait for photos - they'll make my day!

[joe]

Does anyone here have a BSA Ariel 3 at all?

They are the only bike I really fancy, being powered by a Dutch air-cooled engine and being belt driven!

[howard]

Yes, Joe - I've got at least three of them!