ST70 Re-Commission The Fun Begins

[xbally]

Thanks Kev. Next job is to try to get the electrics all working. At the moment the horn and rear light work but not too much else. I also need to order a few more minor spares such as a new carb to airbox rubber, maybe a few 6v bulbs and check the tappets etc, etc.......As it's a historic vehicle as soon as it's sorted after some basic final safety checks I can venture out on the road which should prove interesting. I shan't be going on any main roads though -just intend to keep to the county lanes round here.

[xbally]

I've worked out with some help from my bike mechanic mate that the neutral light switch is booked so I ordered a new one.
The gearing is way too low so again with my mate's help we've worked out what should be more useable on the road and the parts have been ordered from the online specialist.
In the meantime I've resprayed the magneto cover and hope to resolve the remaining electrical maladies so I can go for a proper test ride.

[xbally]

Sorry fooked not booked. The screen on my phone is so small I can't fully read the text of what I'm posting...

[Moto63]

All sounding pretty promising Martin. Best of luck with the first spin
Cheers, Michael

[xbally]

Thanks for the encouragement Michael.

[xbally]

Parts have arrived.
New neutral light switch has restored power to the indicator bulb. Now I've got to look into why the headlight / pilot / and brake lights aren't working.
Also got to fit the higher geared sprockets and chain which I hope will make the plot more rideable at country lane speeds. If this works as anticipated I shall be investigating fitting indicators. The wiring already seems to be present. I'll also need a rear view mirror - both steps essential safety features in my mind these days.
Baby steps. If it all goes wrong then I'll consider selling it on .I'm very interested in getting something British if I do but we'll see.

[themoudie]

Aye xbally,

Have a scan of this Amazon link, I am sure that you will find something to your liking.

Amazon_motorcycle_indicator_selection

I have seen a set of the small round type fitted to a Velocette.

Good health, Bill

[iansoady]

I use a local place (in Redditch so not far from you Martin). They have a good selection of Lucas type indicators as well as various others.

https://www.classicbikeshop.co.uk/electrical-lighting/lighting/turn-signal-indicator.html

[xbally]

Thanks both.

[xbally]

Well the gearing's been changed and another test ride undertaken but I've come to the reluctant conclusion this bike ain't for me which is a shame but although it's from my era and has many attributes it's just too small and under powered for the use I envisaged for it. That's a shame as Ive enjoyed the re-commissioning process. I think I might put it up on eBay unless I can part exchange it for something more suitable

[Moto63]

Yes, that is a shame Martin but at least you’ve enjoyed the time you’ve had with it. Maybe part exchange it for a GROM 😉
Still not most powerful of machines but will top out at about 60mph (downhill, with a tail wind😁) plus they’re not that small physically once you’re sat on it. Just a thought, oh and approx 180miles to a gallon.
Keep us posted on any developments 👍
Cheers, Michael

[iansoady]

Some years ago I restored an NSU Quickly with the vague hope that I could hang it on the back of our car so I could pop off to the boulangerie on our French caravan holidays.

I found the same as you Martin (although possibly even more so) as despite a careful rebuild of the engine it was unable to tackle even the skightest incline. A shame as it as a nicely built machine.

[xbally]

Thanks for the replies........
Yes I enjoyed working on it and its size is both good and bad. It was great not having to worry about the weight of the plot and it falling.
I've only got limited space and was able to literally manhandle it to the back of my workshop or at the front of my sports car in the garage.
As alluded to on this forum I've been looking at the Triumph 400. I've wanted a Triumph for some years and in fact my first (field) bike was a Tigercub.
While there are plenty of Hinckley models in my price range and I've always liked the Speed Triple I think the reality these days is they'll be too heavy. No point in the Bonneville derivatives as I have an Enfield 650 Interceptor and have always struggled a bit with the weight getting it in and out of the workshop.
I'd love a T160 but too heavy and expensive now and have looked at the T140 but worry about reliability.
So if I can sell the Monkey and possibly one of my other bikes I may well test ride a 400 but I don't think there's a local dealer. The one up the road has just gone bust unfortunately.
Watch this space but plans could well change on a whim!

[kevberlin]

Martin,
Interesting to read about your latest project and the upshot of it all. If a bike doesn’t grab you, then it’s “fait accompli” as they say. We’ve all been there.
Streetbike has ceased trading then. That’s a bit of a shocker. The trouble is that the move to big dealerships invariably means there are fewer of them, and that often means significant travel.
Anyway, good luck. Keep us up to speed on your next move.
Kev

[Moto63]

Well Martin, Having owed 5 triumphs,  3 speed triples, from the first of the bug eyed 850 then a 995 then a 1050. They were all fantastic bikes, especially the 1050 truly brilliant bike. However I was riding a lot faster in them days. Then also owed a 660 trident and now a 900 speed twin. I’ve never had anything but brilliant service etc from triumph and the dealership I use locally. ( Phillip Youles triumph Blackburn)
I absolutely love the 900 speed twin I now have, although it does feel quite heavy when pushing around my driveway etc. I would love a test ride on one of the 400’s like Ian has bought but not quite ready to trade in the speed twin having only had it a year.
Keep us posted on any developments, especially if you do decide to go for a triumph 400
Best of luck with the decision making 👍
Cheers, Michael