First ride of the year

[iansoady]

I've just had the first short ride of the year on the little Yam "soulful V-twin". It went very nicely if lacking a bit in the punch department - but then it's only a 22bhp 250. It's confirmed my intention to put it up for sale when I've renewed the MoT in the next week or so, but am pleased that it performs so well for what it is.

A little pic for those who've forgotten about it....



So I will now concentrate my efforts on the Norton Electra, which now starts reliably on first push of the button, and the BSA-Zuki (to retain my thumper credentials) which I've tidied up a lot and changed the gearchange pattern from one down to one up like the Norton and all proper bikes.

[Moto63]

Looks like the sun was shining for you too Ian. 👍
Certainly a bonnie little bike. Best of luck with the sale once it goes up 🤞👍
Cheers, Michael

[iansoady]

Thanks Michael, it is indeed very pretty. There are only a few in the UK.

[xbally]

Yes, nice looking little bike.

I got my Crusader back on the road on Wednesday. Had a nice 20 mile run round the local lanes.

I can't agree with you Ian about the gearchange pattern as I'm mostly used to the Jap pattern of changing up for up and down for down , except first of course. Combine that with swapping the gear lever from left to right and the rear brake pedal from right to left and even after 500 miles I have to concentrate saying the mantra to myself " down for up and up for down."

I know the Italians and Brits of course were forced to adopt the swap over (by our friends the Yanks I think ) in the 70's and in fact when I ran both types of bikes in the 70's I had no trouble jumping from bike to bike, which sadly is no longer the case today.

The Crusader ran like a dream but yesterday when I went to take it out had developed a leak from the fuel tap.I tried swapping the seal today to no avail so I've ordered up a replacement from Hitchcock's.

I've also been having electrical troubles with my 650 Interceptor was well but my little RS250 continues to provide relaible service.

[iansoady]

You do make my point for me Martin, I'm trying to rationalise with all my bikes having the same pattern. As anno domini increases so does my inability to swap seamlessly. It wasn't a problem when I was in my 20s and hopping from bike to bike frequently!

Just another pic showing all 3 bikes.

[Moto63]

A cracking, eclectic selection of bikes Ian. I’m sure everyone offering something different to the next.        .cool😎.
Roll on those warmer, (hopefully) sunnier summer days eh 🤞
Cheers, Michael

[xbally]

You do make my point for me Martin, I'm trying to rationalise with all my bikes having the same pattern. As anno domini increases so does my inability to swap seamlessly. It wasn't a problem when I was in my 20s and hopping from bike to bike frequently!

Just another pic showing all 3 bikes.

Yes indeed Ian.

I've been out this afternoon on my Interceptor and done another 20 miles without a recurrence of the electrical issues.

The new fuel tap arrived for the Crusader from Hitchcock's today  and it's been fitted but not yet tested.

 I think you could usefully add an Enfield to the stable bearing in mind where you now reside!

By the way I'm still going through those boxes of classic bike mags you donated. Happy to pass the first box on to anyone interested but they will have to be picked up due to the weight.

Hopefully pics of the bikes will appear....

[Itsme]

Some lovely pictures of some very pretty bikes there gents, any one of them would be welcome in my garage. That is unfortunately not an offer of purchase Ian as I have nether funds nor space for another bike sadly. I agree about the gear change thing, I too could swap from side-to-side or up to down when I had Brit and German bikes in the 80s, but now I just know that if I tried it it would end in tears!

Ian