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Messages - pptom
16
« on: July 24, 2013, 07:18:25 AM »
Also use Collect+ more often than not - think they use the 'home delivery network' as couriers - they always say 3-5 days but the last parcel i sent was there in 2.
Only small issue is that, despite advertising up to a certain size parcel, a couple of shops round here will not take one that big.
Perfect for me though - cheaper than royal mail, tracked, insured, can buy online 24hrs a day via paypal and because i spend all day driving around town, I'm always passing a shop.
17
« on: July 23, 2013, 10:03:33 PM »
Well, just goes to show - take nothing for granted!
Plugs checked - all good
Tappets - all too big
Points gap - both too small
Cam chain 'adjusted'
Swingarm greased (was fairly dry)
Timing - quite a few degrees out
All sorted now, but i'm thinking i should probably sync the carbs to be sure - got to have a word around locally to see if anyone has a gauge.
That was a couple of hours well spent!
Depending on various couriers / royal mail - should get the suspension sorted tomorrow evening, then we're all ready to go!
18
« on: July 23, 2013, 12:23:43 PM »
Thanks, will get some grease in there tonight. Don't think its that bad as i really had to put a fair bit of force into it to see any glimmer of visible movement.
I'll also have a look at the head bearings when i get the forks out later this week. Just got the progressive fork springs ordered, thought it would be better to just drop them in when i'm doing the seals, rather than messing about with shims etc
19
« on: July 23, 2013, 06:48:49 AM »
I think DK's brought it in (got one of their numberplates), but in 1995, on 5k miles, so its in this great condition despite being in the UK for 18 years and having done an additional 10k miles over here.
20
« on: July 22, 2013, 09:52:21 PM »
Just had a proper swing on the swingarm, i reckon movement at the end is about 1mm, there is a little (can't feel it, only just about see it), but it definitely feels properly bushed.
Thanks for the advice.
Tom
21
« on: July 22, 2013, 08:41:57 PM »
Know what you mean about riding an 'old' bike, but I also ride a 58' Norton dominator featherbed (domiracer style) - I know its old and a bit fragile, but as soon as i jump on it, i'm pretty sure the spirit of one of those old Isle of Mann riders channels through me!!!
22
« on: July 22, 2013, 08:33:21 PM »
Well, as promised - here it is, garage photo's only i'm afraid and mirrors removed for transport:       Its about the mintest bike I've ever owned, the exhausts look like they came out of the wrapping last week. Going to spend the next couple of nights doing the 3k service items for peace of mind, but i see no reason to worry about anything being out, its a really well looked after bike - roll on the MOT! Thanks to James for some helpful buying advice. Tom
23
« on: July 22, 2013, 07:34:02 PM »
Thanks chaps, thought about the ATF thing, I've used it plenty in the past, but I like using modern stuff now, plus there is the option of fine tuning using different weights. Pretty sure I've read that 10Wt is about equivalent to ATF.
Thats a couple of convincing votes for the progressives - would you say they give the ride a 'sportier' feel?
24
« on: July 22, 2013, 05:09:23 PM »
Hello all, picked up the new bike on Saturday and am really pleased with it, runs lovelly - went out for a cheeky 20 mile 'shakedown' ride yesterday (no MOT yet). However, one thing that really surprised me is the handling - it feels really wallowy and a bit vague.
I suspect that at 36 years old the old springs have sagged somewhat, but to be honest i didn't really know what to expect having never ridden one before.
I've just ordered some new Hagon shocks - they've asked me my weight etc and I'll see how i get on with them, with the option to change springs as and when, if required, but i think my real issue is with the front end. Wheel bearings show no movement and i suspect the stem bearing may well already be tapered - think i can see this at the bottom of the stem - also there is no notchiness or free play. Tyre pressures good, new rear tyre and a matched 'ribbed' front - they are continental super twins?
I had a tiny weep from one of the fork seals, which may have been caused by transporting it, so new seals on order and i'll do an oil change with some modern 10Wt (everything seems pretty much spot on with the rest of the bike so i don't suspect maintenance has been scriped on or done incorrectly). I've read 'hondamans' advice about shimming the springs to take up the sag, but my other options seem to be new progressive springs from Hagon (they don't sell linear springs but reckon their progressives are about 10% firmer than the stocks) or the gold fork emulators (which would need to be coupled with some new linear springs) - both of which get pretty good reviews in the US.
Initial thoughts start with the cheapest option first - change oil and seals and measure springs, then make up shims to bring the spring free length back up to spec - but, since this will affect the springs characteristics, would i just be better off fitting the Hagon progressives?
I know its a heavy bike, but has anyone got some recommendations for sharpening things up a bit, particularly in the relation to the above fork options?
Photo's to follow by the way!
25
« on: July 06, 2013, 11:35:21 PM »
Good to hear from someone local mike. there's a nice little group of us over in Northampton, all riding old brit stuff in various states of 'modification', some are 'old boys' so its a pretty steady ride out. We're out most sundays through the summer, you'll be more than welcome to come along when you're sorted.
Have you got much to do with the bike?
Tom
26
« on: July 06, 2013, 08:49:41 PM »
Love the bike James - exactly what i'm after, can you give any details of how you brought it? was it through a specialist bike importer or did you source it directly from the states?
I'd also love to know what sort of 'ballpark' figure you gave for it - to help me know what i'm aiming for - please feel free to pm me if you want
Tom
27
« on: July 06, 2013, 08:17:30 PM »
Hello, all, I'm Tom, from Northampton.
Been quite heavily into bikes for a few years, more recently so old brit stuff - anyway, I've had enough of slow bikes which keep breaking down so am on the hunt for a CB550. Always loved the old Honda Fours, ever since I went to a sprint down the driveway of a country house here in Northants + saw all the old race bikes / replicas, it got me hooked, but somehow I got sidetracked, which I'm now trying to remedy.
Currently trying to sell a bike in order to fund the honda, but my dream is a nice condition green CB with a 4 into 4 exhaust, something I can add a couple of touches to such as clubman bars, rearsets, some nice period bits etc, but I don't want to go along the lines of a full build.
I'd appreciate any contact from anyone about to sell and would love to meet up if there is anyone in Northants?
Tom
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