Initial Introduction post here:
http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,9095.0.htmlDropbox link to stripdown at 'Dodgy Rogers' place, so please don't come back to me saying my workshop is a tip ... it's not mine it's Rogers ( he bought James 1960 BSA Road Rocket) . Too many bikes at home at the 'mo. plus hidden from the family as I now have 7 bikes on the go
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/0agtuuiwlapg1dh/AADb1p7iwRSvBHqGgW0-ueeKa?dl=0Dropbox Link to 'as bought' pics:-
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/21k9xuwo609j418/AADTBR1RfmDbkqt3aPvZxzO7a?dl=0Good points found:
Really early VIN with rare crankcases
Cam and rockers look good, engine turns over with compression .. oil not too dirty was probably cared for.
Bike came with USA title.
Front forks not pitted at all in chromed area so just needs new seals.
Rear drum not cracked and bearing retainer not too nadgered up.
Frame and swinging arm looks pretty free of any major corrosion.
Wiring loom has dreaded Scotchloks from fairing fitted, maybe, but salveagable with a bit of repair.
Alternator checks out fine electrically.
Generator cover not marked.
Drilled front disk not scored ... good swapping item for non-drilled one.
Nice alloy rims .....good swapping material (want to use non-scripted re-chromed DID originals).
Kickstart, brake pedal, gear lever and standard USA handlebars not too pitted will definitely re-chrome OK.
Clocks look fairly good, redline still red !
Bike stripped ... just need to free off stubborn lower front engine mounts with out damaging the rare crankcases.
Obvious bad points:
Both guards beyond repair but got a new front one from DS ( needs smaller hole stays though to be strictly correct) and hopefully getting a 3-hole rear at least suitable for re-chrome
Top alloy yoke clamp broken .. Member Bryan has found me one
plus some other bits.
Grab rail missing but member Kent400 has one for me.. pretty sure it's the right one but if not Bryan has a rechromeable one.
Tank disgusting inside but squeaky clean spare one from James ...need to get it to Menno ASAP with covers for re-paint.
Seat beyond repair ... pan totally corroded on one side .. got a replacement from DK but it had an old mouse nest in the foam and all eaten away and pan looked brilliant on the outside but really badly corroded on the inside .... getting a refund/replacement but they are letting me keep the old one with it's fittings. If I can't find a decent one I may epoxy/glass fibre the underside, as the outside looks fairly pristine. Got a new cover & strap from Japan. it's here and already landed in the UK:
http://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/199534617Main issue is going to be finding new standard pipes that are double skinned headers. (was amazed to find the rusty headers fitted to it are double skinned .. the aftermarket 4 into 2 must have used the stock Honda header pipes).
All in all well pleased with it so a
BIG thanks to James for selling it to me (along with the CB175K4, which just needs cosmetic resto to retain its lovely patina)