Chit Chat and NW200 road racing.

[themoudie]

Aye SteveL,

Good weather! What good weather?     Cloudy all day, with heavy drizzle by 14:00hrs and then rain from 15:00hrs - 18:00hrs. Temperature ~12C. All a bit different from the 22C and sunshine that you are having "in the East"!

Spent much of the day shimming out end float from the 450 crank and getting the rod to sit in the middle of the crankcase. Now have to split the cases, put the gearbox shafts in and the gear selector drum and shim them for end float, without upsetting the crank.     Patience! New 'high capacity' 20% increase oil pump to go in and some other bits and pieces. 

Probably be out for a wee tour about, tomorrow, down the 'Unclassified' roads on 'Sally'.

In the meantime, if you like Irish road racing and couldn't get across to the NW200, try this link:
BBC_NI_NW200_plusCookstown

Don't forget the "Slip, Slop, Slap" link: Slip, Slop, Slap

The savannah lands of East Anglia could be hot and parched this year. More 'Abbot'! 

Good health to you.

My regards, Bill.

[Andy M]

24 degrees and blue skies in Gods Own County. It was lovely at 730 this morning over Holm Moss then the Snake pass. 

No NW200 coverage for me though  , grass cutting to re-balance the brownie points required for more running in bike time. Need it safe to use at 90% power for my upcoming "significant" birthday as I intend to spend the day in hiding at various cafes and seaside chip shops across Yorkshire and then the pub.

Started a website to log activity (non-thumper again) and added a bit to the Poortrek one:

https://sites.google.com/site/pooratrek/moto-guzzi

This may interest a certain bearded sidecar pilot in these parts:

https://sites.google.com/site/threewheelguzzi/home/intro

Andy

[002]

Hello young Andy !
I like your Poorertek site.....and t'other one too.

The Hinkley Bonnie is the same wheel base and geometry as a late '60s early '70s Bonnie.So should be the same size ! But does seem a lot heavier.
Fuel capacity and consumption is not too good.
The V7 Guzzi I have ridden I did like...the Café Racer was very nice the Road version I found the footrests too far forward and too high making it feel cramped.

Ridden a W800.....better looking than the Bonnie but found the handling too soft and squidgy for my liking.
Performance seemed a little soft too.

Do like the Bonnie. Had a 790...with a couple of spokes snapping in the rear wheel.
Got a Carb 865 as you know. Both undergeared....1 tooth up on sprocket sorts that.
Cant complain 865 with chair pulls like a train....with passenger,trailer and camping gear cruise at 60/65mph no problem.
And got the extra range with plumbing in a 20litre Jerry can.

Jethro

[guest7]

 Bad news from the nw200. Simon Andrews killed. Just saw a may clip of the accident on YouTube. I wouldn't want to hit a kerb at that sort of speed 😕

[andy230]

Very sad. RIP.

[andy230]

Love that guzzi tho andy

A

[Andy M]

Very sad. RIP.

Indeed, horrible and sad news.

I really didn't get racing until I watched the Guy Martin TT film. From the riders rather than spectators point of view I now get it a little more (still rather ride the I o M on a Sunday morning in October early enough to get bits to myself). I do feel rather conflicted though. This chap died doing what he loved, far better than having a heart attack in some grubby office. I hope the people he's left behind share this view though, there can't be much that will help when someone maybe had half their life still to come.

I've modified the Guzzi site based on the wheelbase info, thanks Jethro. I'd love to measure one, the Hinckley feels bigger and looks lower with the kinked exhaust. "Denser" round the engine maybe?

Andy

[002]

I've modified the Guzzi site based on the wheelbase info, thanks Jethro. I'd love to measure one, the Hinckley feels bigger and looks lower with the kinked exhaust. "Denser" round the engine maybe?

Andy

Just noticed you were thinking of using a Velorex clamp !
I wouldnt.......dont like them....OK on a small bike...light weight outfit.
But Heavier stuff.....they will move and when tightened up will crush frame tube.
I would go for an old British or Squire fitting the right size.Often found on Fleabay !

Jethro

[Andy M]

I am months if not years from starting this, so have only done a rough survey to prove it doesn't need the sort of Forth Bridge style truss the R1100/K100/Weestrom had/would have needed. The Velorex clamps are available new and I have the dimensions, hence the possibility. My old Bonneville outfit used two (had no hassle), plus an engine bolt and similar into a small subframe. I'd say the V7 would follow a similar route, so I'd then be torn between known (to be a less than perfect design) new/supported and unknown e-bay. I will bow to your greater experience but formed half  an idea that while 4 or 5 of these things is a recipe for hassle, 1 or 2 where nothing else will fit might be OK.

What are the British/Squire bits sized as? I worry about putting Imperial clamps round metric tube but maybe it's all really Imperial or US anyway?

I put 330 miles in yesterday Last bit of the run in Leeds-round lake Winderemere-Thirsk (picked up another V7 loaner for the service day) - Leeds. Runs like a train and has a tank range in excess of 230 miles (was getting a bit bum clenching there). Bar end mirrors arrived this morning

Andy



 

[Steve Lake]

hey bill.... and other reprobates!

Very sad about the NW200 fatality.... he was a local guy (for me) rides in BSB for RAF reserves team based at RAF Marham  (I was stationed there when I met the missus.. coincidently  celebrated our 48th yesterday) marham is about 10 miles up the rood from here...
Simon was an accomplished rider... a sad loss for many people...

[002]

What are the British/Squire bits sized as? I worry about putting Imperial clamps round metric tube but maybe it's all really Imperial or US anyway?

The clamps vary in size ! Measure frame tube and keep an eye out ! Do as I did and start collecting clamps and other bits now.
Easier than trying to get them all in one go !
I have used 1.25inch clamps on my Bonnie.One a modern Squire and the other an old British Clamp.
Had to drill the Eye on that one to pass Bolt through to fit Velorex arm.
And have a Squire clamp attatched to Velorex Chassis for lower mount.

The bottom two Bike mounts I made myself out of 10mm plate and welded threaded bosses on.
Front plate,which is quite large uses engine mount through bolt threaded into plate and a Squire clamp. Similar idea to a BMW Fitting I had on my R80.
Once settled down...hasnt moved in several years use !
I'm lucky I have a good friend that lets me use his lathe and oxy. And being a Landy owner have a couple of welding sets myself ;-)

Jethro

[002]

Talking of Landys.......!

Have put my Beloved Beasty up for sale on Fleabay. 
Will see how things go !

It will be a very sad day when it is sold....I like my Landy !   

Jethro

[themoudie]

Aye SteveL,
Congrats to you and your good wife for 48 years together, may you have many more. 
My regards, Bill.

[Steve Lake]

Thanks Bill.... I was hoping to get off early for good behaviour.... but looks like I'm going to have to do the full sentence!