June 25, 2014
My latest edition of Motorcycle Classics arrived earlier today and what should be on the cover but a Gary Nixon tribute Triumph. Not only that but a seventies Oil-in-Frame T120R set up ad such.
Number 9: baby blue. Lookin’ cool as ice.
It is a build from Union motorcycle workshop in Nampa Idaho http://www.unionmotorcycle.com/index.html . great article about a basket case brought in by a customer wanting a bobber – a little discussion and this roadworthy repli-racer was developed.
Me? I’m sold! Every inch is perfect. The lines, the big race tank, curvy fairing, alloy rim’d wheels, short seat, one up one down exhaust.
It sets you up for, what I believe to be, the perfect riding posture.
I WANT THAT FAIRING!
Posted in cafe racer, Design, Engineering, Racing, Restoration, Triumph Bonneville |
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June 3, 2014
The kick start was the owners way of getting the motorcycles engine spinning up for ignition up until the early to mud seventies. It takes a little finesse, careful setup (lest you get an ankle biting kick-back) and a smooth, but hefty swing of the leg. Getting your weight over it eases the proceedings as is an audience of zero. Add one or two bystanders and it all goes to pot. Misfire, blowback pop, slipping pawls or over zealous throttle to get the engine revving like its being mistreated.
When it all goes smoothly and the stars are aligned it can be a beautiful thing: swoosh, crack, put-put…. Into an low rumbling idle…
The road awaits!
Posted in Engineering, Photography, Restoration, Triumph Cub, Writing |
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May 31, 2014
A fabulous long ride around the south part of Lake Michigan through the Indiana State Dunes Park to New Buffalo Michigan. Cool bright morning turning into a warm day suitable to be called May 31st. We stopped in at Bob Goodpastors ‘shop in Hobart.
Benches lined with engines: race and road both. The floor with half built chassis such as featherbed, and Goldstar. Shelves packed to the gunwales with boxes of parts, cylinder heads, gearboxes, hubs. A veritable Aladdin’s Cave!
Wheels overhead hang with miles recorded in the tension of their singing spokes. Tools bedeck the wall ready for plenty of action the old machines require. A back shed if filled further with plentiful supplies of cycle components awaiting projects needing donor parts.
And of course in the center of it all is the friendly and gracious Bob, more than willing to show us the nooks and crannies if his world. Pup was super friendly too!
Posted in BSA, Chicago, Maintenance, Norton, Photography, Restoration, Triumph Motorcycle |
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May 9, 2014
Four square: as the project heads into the final laps I need to get my head into its appearance. So I’m reviewing various examples of trials set up Cubs. This one has the footpeg and rear brake positioning necessary for the slow and deliberate riding: placement further back to allow a standing stance on the ‘pegs giving correct weight distribution. The kick start is also a folding bent crank to swing past these rear placed pegs. The high-mount exhaust and small ‘seat perch’ add further neat details to the proceedings. I won’t have this alloy tank, using the typical Cub tank of the period. It is a nifty looking machine!
Posted in Restoration, Trials, Triumph Cub |
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May 5, 2014
The clutch slotted into place easily this evening with primary chain and crankshaft sprocket also slotted onto its splines. New friction plates and springs should give the clutch refreshed bite. I bolted the cover on and dropped the cylinder head temporarily into place to get a feel of the engine as a complete unit. “Lookin’ Good Billy Ray” “Feelin’ Good Louis!”
Posted in Photography, Restoration, Triumph Cub |
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May 3, 2014
An outing today saw Morrie’s Place in Ringwood IL as the destination. Run by British Bike master Ed Zender it is an Aladdin’s Cave of old motorcycles, endless parts shelves, a well tooled workshop and knowledgeable help.
BSA’s, Triumphs, Norton’s, AJS’s, Vincents… Bonneville’s, Tigers, Thunderbolts, Gold stars, Black Lightning, Rocket 3’s. Clean examples, oily well ridden ones, custom racers, correct restorations.
There is always someone passing through for a part, a chat, dropping off or picking up. The ‘phone rings often. Ed’s encyclopedic ken is great when working on a project. It’s great that there are resources like this for keeping these classic machines on the road.
Lovely big Ford F350 hauling vehicle with appropriately sign painted bed panels.
Posted in BSA, Chicago, Maintenance, Norton, Restoration, Triumph Motorcycle |
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April 30, 2014
After the last few entries of assembly here’s a review of the exploded workshop manual drawings. I’ve posted these before during research but now we’ve seen the components go back together they have more life.
The cylinder head with valves; crankshaft, pistons and timing cams. I like the penmanship of these technical drawings, you can see the draughtsmans unique hand in them.
Posted in Graphics, Restoration, Triumph Cub |
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April 29, 2014
The clutch is the hidden unsung hero of the transmission: where rotational power is transfered from the engine driveshaft, through the gearbox and on to the back wheel. Allowing power to be controlled to change gearing whilst allowing the engine to continue spinning. Known as a basket clutch it contains a series of alternating friction and smooth plates each with inner and outer lugs that provide a keyed link between the outer drive drum and inner driven shaft. Under normal operation springs squeeze the plates together forming the engine to wheel power transmission. When the clutch lever is pulled in the clutch is disengaged. But you all know that!
Posted in Restoration, Triumph Cub |
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April 28, 2014
The rear shocks arrived today, ordered directly from NJB Suspension in the UK who manufacture rear units specifically for Triumph Cubs; amongst other pre 65 twin shock machines. They slotted straight on and, along with the forks threaded into the steering head triple tree, start to give the chassis some semblance of the motorbike it it yet to be. I could attach the wheels and she’d roll! Progress!
Posted in Restoration, Triumph Cub |
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April 27, 2014
The pieces fit together as planned; well, mostly. That is what the soft blow hammer is for, to encourage the required mating of the Cub engine components.
Today the case halves were reunited again with enclosed crankshaft. Chilled bearings were driven home, oil seals installed and the main gear spindle with drive sprocket, and the weighty big-end threaded correctly to its bushing, then the cases buttoned up with a smear of liquid gasket and nine peripheral bolts tightened in the workshop manual recommended ‘star’ tightening pattern.
Timing side pinion bolted directly to the crank, tappets slid up to their home and the timing cams and gear meshed according to marks.
I’m on a roll! Cylinder studs threaded down into the lower, piston aligned with gudgeon pin and circlip retainers popped in. Barrel dropped into place minding that the piston rings seat between the piston and barrel wall itself.
That’s enough for today! It all sounds like it went easily together but I don’t explain some removal, adjusting clearances, reassembling – repeat.. For a few of the steps.
Posted in Photography, Restoration, Triumph Cub |
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April 26, 2014
Engine assembly truly beginning today; the cylinder head had the valves installed: their respective springs compressed and collets popped in. Rocker spindles threaded with the arms set, covers and carburettor studs and exhaust sleeve screwed in. “Over ‘ere son; on the ‘ead!”
Posted in Photography, Restoration, Triumph Cub |
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April 18, 2014
I need me this instruction manual for the reassembly…. A step-by-step photographic explanation of the strip-down and bolt-together of this diminutive power plant.
Posted in Graphics, Maintenance, Motorcycle Poster, Restoration, Triumph Cub |
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April 17, 2014
Here’s the Bonnie fresh from its engine refit back in ’10. All splendid in its original Gulf color’s, drum front brake, upright bars and just a couple of dozen new miles on the Smiths clocks.
Posted in Restoration, Triumph Bonneville |
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April 15, 2014
Laid out on manilla sheet. Here’s the timing side and gearbox innards placed apart like some dissection tableau. More akin to a jigsaw now. I need to read up on the correct order of reassembly.
Posted in Engineering, Photography, Restoration, Triumph Cub |
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April 14, 2014
All parts present & correct. Best way to get ready for component assembly. Lay it all out in exploded view fashion. Here’s the cylinder head and barrel: including rockers, valves, piston, covers, studs bolts and gaskets. New valves, machined head and rebored barrel. Internal combustion here we come!
Posted in Engineering, Restoration, Triumph Cub |
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