Tango

Depends what bike it is. Mine and many others have a chain guide on the top of the swinging arm that the chain rubs against. As EAB says...make sure you have the correct sprocket on the front. This is a common problem on my bike and there are recommendations around to change the size of the front and rear sprockets to stop the chain guide wearing out. Did the judering exist before you changed the chain? If not then there is something wrong with the adjustment. Again as EAB says...double check the tension. Bob

Sorry chaps......going out on the other bikes with my lads tomorrow. Maybe the next one. Cheers, Bob

I may come along. Either meet you en-route or down there. What time are you planning Roy?

OK Neil, I know WSB is on Sunday, so a few may be going to that anyway. BonnieBird is not back until Monday Eve, so I'll go for a run anyway. Maybe Sunny Hunny. Plan to leave 10:00 - 10:30. Maybe as Billy No-mates but that don't matter. Cheers, Bob

Looks like the weather may be OK. Anyone up for a run? Ideas & Times? Cheers, Bob

I knew a guy who worked for MCN.....you would have actively avoided going anywhere he was likely to turn up.. MCN Girls going to be there....does that mean I've got to put clean undies on then?

Well...I put half a bottle in the Expansion tank (after draining some water from the system) and ran the bike until the fan was cutting in/out. Had a run to Southwold today (200-220 miles) and no sign of any liquid coming from the rad core....so fingers crossed.. Probably going to invest in a rad protector. Don't want to push my luck!! Cheers guys, Bob

BonnieBird is away....so I'll come down on my own. Got the week off. Went to Southwold today.....gonna see how the weather is looking for tomorrow before planning where to go (if anywhere!!)

Got a bottle of K-Seal £10 inc postage and arrived next day!! Put it in and gonna run the bike a bit this week with luck. So I'll keep you all posted, Cheers guys.. Bob

Can you jack it and put axle stands under the footpegs or somewhere?

Louis...are you saying that it didn't come with a rear wheel, or the rear wheel is shot? I'm not sure what wheels would fit that year of bike. Keep us posted...and if we can help we will.. Bob

If you are running a non-standard exhaust you may need to change the main jets. A 2-1 exhaust can alter the back pressure so that some of the Fuel/Air mixture will pass straight through the combustion chamber or not reach it at all....net result is that you run lean. Go onto the Motad site and see if they recommend re-jetting for that exhaust. Valve gaps too tight are worse than too loose in my book. If the valves are not closing fully you can loose compression....which will make the bike run poorly...if at all!! Last few things by the sound of it....and you've got a good runner!! Bob

Yep....don't sound too inspiring does it. Think we may just go for a run instead....and spend £12 on a coffee and slice of cake!!

Hmmmm....I think that the problem came from the exhaust valve. I have a bit of a problem with this synopsis of the cause. My normal experience of a failure of a valve spring or collet is a dropped valve. The collet and spring collar are what attaches the spring to the valve. I would think that any damage to these components would cause the tappet gap to open up not close as the valve itself would also not be closing....causing the loss of compression. Now obviously if the valve mushroom has come off and has dropped onto the piston crown then I could see that there would be nothing stopping the valve stem coming up and closing the tappet gap completely. Just my thoughts really. Anyhow, I hope you get the bike back working soon. Bob

eBay....or there are people around that can rebuild wheels. I'm guessing that it's a wire spoked wheel and not an alloy? Hagon rebuild wheels....but I don't know how much it would be.

Yeah...if the plugs are whiteish when you take them out it points to running too lean. Are you running standard exhaust?

The 100+ mile journey to the TMBF rally last Saturday was something special!! It started raining when we left and got heavier as we went on. Basically it rained for the whole journey and hard enough to penetrate my wet weather gear. But there was a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I have to say that I don't enjoy riding in the rain these days....and the bike is about enjoyment. So, unless I specifically want to take the bike, I'd normally wimp out and take the car. Bob

There's the BMF Tailend show at Lincoln in Sept? Obviously it won't suit everyone....but there may be enough people to make it a mini-meet. So, as others have said, rather than a full blown Rally it would be interested TMBF members getting together at an organized show for a few beers in the evenings and maybe organize a rideout on one of the days? I think we can all understand just how much hard work the guys put into the main TMBF Rally (and it was much appreciated too.. ) but this could be a meet on the back of someone elses organization. There was a campsite near Bodium castle in Sussex that had a fairly relaxed attitude that me and BonnieBird went to a few years back. Maybe a "Southern" meet there? I'd happily go to Northumberland for a meet. I just love that area. Some reasonable campsites around Seahouses. Basically, I think we would consider any meet....and as TC said it may be just to hook up with others just for a camping weekend. How many would consider a trip to Pete & Rusty's in France? Just throwing some ideas into the mix. Bob

I think generally the consensus is for R&G crash bobbins. Looking at them myself at the moment.

Staggering about in an RAF uniform, Flying Helmet and goggles and a beer soaked moustache.......apart from that novery much.. Oh...and getting drowned riding up to Matlock on saturday..

Yep....looks like that bike was well overdue a service. You'll reap the benefits for sure. As for oil...I'd go with semi-synthetic on a bike that age. If you intend to keep the bike I'd be inclined to use a better oil than the real cheapo stuff. Good work so far though...

Just check you haven't got a loose caliper or that. If it is the head bearing and the knock is not too bad you could be OK. But check all other possibilities first. And book it in sooner rather than later...

Thanks for the replies folks. The Abba stand is quite a lot more expensive than a paddock stand...but it looks like it should be easier to put the bike on without assistance?

Been looking at Rad covers from R & G......bit late for me now though.. Guess it depends on whether you want something for show or just purely functional? Just make sure that whatever you like the look of that they don't restrict the airflow.

Could be headstock bearing loose. Not sure about your bike, but they are adjustable on some bikes. Have you got a centre stand? If so get the bike onto it and jack the front so it lifts the front wheel off the ground. Then gently push and pull the bottom of the fork legs backwards and forwards. If you can feel a slight knock it'll most likely be the head bearings.