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!
Quite Shocking!
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!
‘Gin & Tonic
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.
It’s all in the head
Bert Piddock is the man!
More engine parts
A Head Case
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!
Not your ordinary cutlery…
Grass Track
It’s the front end for forks sake!
Rebuilding the forks this weekend! Tubing, bushes, seals, springs, bolts ‘n’ all: it’s all about oil management under compression. We need to absorb bumps and jostles on the lane so the hand grips aren’t wrenched out of your control. The new stanchions and recently powder coated lower legs will give it a nice appearance. But I’ll be putting bellow’d boots over the shiny bits to stop mud ingress to the all too precious seal.
Green Grow the Rashes O
Green grow the rashes, O
Green grow the rashes, O
The sweetest hours that e’er I spend,
Are spent among the lasses, O
There’s nought but care on ev’ry han’,
In every hour that passes, O
What signifies the life o’ man,
An’ ’twere na for the lasses, O.
Green grow the rashes, O
Green grow the rashes, O
The sweetest hours that e’er I spend,
Are spent among the lasses, O
The warl’y race may riches chase,
An’ riches still may fly them, O
An’ tho’ at last they catch them fast,
Their hearts can ne’er enjoy them, O.
Green grow the rashes, O
Green grow the rashes, O
The sweetest hours that e’er I spend,
Are spent among the lasses, O
But gie me a cannie hour at e’en,
My arms about my dearie, O,
An’ warl’y cares an’ war’ly men
May a’ gae tapsalteerie, O!
Green grow the rashes, O
Green grow the rashes, O
The sweetest hours that e’er I spend,
Are spent among the lasses, O
For you sae douce, ye sneer at this
Ye’re nought but senseless asses, O
The wisest man the warl’ e’er saw,
He dearly lov’d the lasses, O.
Green grow the rashes, O
Green grow the rashes, O
The sweetest hours that e’er I spend,
Are spent among the lasses, O
Auld Nature swears, the lovely dears
Her noblest work she classes, O
Her prentice han’ she try’d on man,
An’ then she made the lasses, O.
Green grow the rashes, O
Green grow the rashes, O
The sweetest hours that e’er I spend,
Are spent among the lasses, O
Robert Burns 1759-1796
Framed
Okay! Bolting parts of the frame together. A little bit of a dry-run a some new nuts and washers are required. But taking shape nonetheless. A lot more straight forward than the Bonnie. Also a better workshop and tool setup helps too!
The rear sub frame bolts on at the swingarm spindle bolts and the upper frame seat/tank junction. Lower footpeg and side stand brackets attach here too. The swingarm is temporarily suspended. Measuring for a new set of stainless nuts bolts and washers. All Whitworth thread too.
Any color as long as it’s Black
Frame and fork components were returned today in splendid gloss black powder coated finish. All slick and span and ready for chassis assembly. The work was carried out very capably by JTS Coatings & Cycles in Lakemoor IL.
Charley the Quality Control Cat looks on approvingly. He doesn’t miss a trick!
Bud
I picked up my cylinder head and barrel today from The Machine Shop, a little hidden gem in Rogers Park where Bud Clements works his time honored magic on engine parts old, new, common and esoteric. He rebored the cylinder to receive the new 60 over piston and cleaned, set new guides, and lapped seats for a pair of valves too. He knows his stuff down to the micron.
The great convergence is upon us!
Andorran Adventure
Taking a nifty small bike to the gravelly mountain trails looks like huge fun. This Sammy Miller Cub special owned by ‘Julie from Leicestershire’ is seen doing just that in the Pyrenees.

Backroads through woods and up alpine valleys is an ideal venue for the 200cc single. The peaks reflecting off the aluminum gas tank adds a touch if visual drama too.

I ordered my trial ‘knobblies’ today. I feel that if I have the wheels built up it’ll give a good impetus for the rest of the project…
…probably not get to the Pyrenees but hopefully some local hill sometime!






















