FIDDELING AND FETTLING

Wow! I had to come down to earth after Marjorie's big day and get on with all the little jobs that became apparent after a quick run around the block.

But first thanks to Dejavw for his comment and Jacquie hopes that his reference to co-pilot relates to her, rather that five year old Emily. Also thanks to Dave from California and Sean for your good wishes.

First thing that needed attention was the tickover, I couldn't keep the engine running without choke. I ordered a pair of vacuum gauges, removed bonnet and engine cowling, connected the gauges and got the carbs balanced and ticking over at 1000RPM, but the gauges reacted differently as I opened the throttle, so I readjusted the tappets and now the gauges respond pretty much in the same way, hopefully that will stop the right cylinder running much hotter, indicated by the bluing of the header pipe. Engine not quite right yet, maybe the change of silencers and air filters requires the carbs to be re-jetted, a few more runs around the block required to determine.

Other jobs attended to was readjusting the gear linkage as initially I could only get 1st and just about 2nd gear. I moved the leaver back one spline on the shaft from the box and that made a big difference, but getting into 1st and and changing down was now difficult, fortunately every part of the linkage is adjustable so by shortening the final rod, I got it just right and now I can go up and down the box without a problem, for smooth down changes she still needs a blip of throttle,but it always did on the bike.

I have made basic adjustments to the steering; toe in and camber and Marjorie rolls much more freely now. The wheels looked nearly parallel whilst she was on the trestles, but tyre marks on the ground indicated I had far too much toe in. The steering wheel is now out of center and will have to be
adjusted accordingly.

By placing a chromed plastic edging strip around the rear I have tided up the back end, although It will have to come off when the barrel back, along with the other panels, are sent for spraying.

Next job is to find out why the speedo is not working and to glue and rivet the right side bottom panel in place. Plenty more jobs to do yet.