Combat build - first steps

illf8ed said:

I did this mod on my '72 combat in 1998 during it's restoration - started at 20,470 miles, now over 52,000 miles. In retrospect I would not do it as it really didn't have any noticable gain. Still no bad affects either.

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Thanks for the feedback - it does show that the original setup worked 'most of the time'.
From what I've read (Old Britts and A-N websites), the problem was only evident when putting the motor under real duress, i.e. on the track or autobahn (having driven on American freeways and the autobahns around Germany you wouldn't believe the difference - those Germans really do like to max things out!) and I'm not planning to do that... very often :twisted:

I guess the only time you'd notice the difference is in the did/did not throw a rod through the cases scenario. As a former A65 owner I don't want to go there again :roll:

Progress!

Been beavering away at this one in the last few weeks, and I'm now - hopefully - on the home stretch.
The motor went together OK until it was time for setting the tappets - Combat head and standard pushrods don't match, but I believe that's how they left the factory :shock:
Apologies for the crappy phone photos - I promise to do better when I finally wheel it outside

I've found that holding the pushrods into the head with elastic bands saves about half an hour of faffing about.



When I stripped the head to get the port threads re-sleeved I noticed that the tappet adjusters were showing a lot of thread above the rocker, so expected some issues.
The original inlet valve tops were badly worn towards the edge, and it looked like the tappets hadn't been near the middle of the valves in all its life. Can't have been very good for the guides either, so they've all been replaced.

I assembled the top end to find there wasn't much adjustment left, so I removed 2mm from the pushrods and it all lines up properly now.
Didn't think to take any 'before' photos, but here's the result (note the sexy titanium valve spring collars):



I made up some 'combat' decals, but I'm not 100% sure I'll keep them on - they're only vinyl, so no biggie.



I still need to finish cleaning the carbs up - I'm limiting the work to new hard anodised slides and Viton tipped float needles as they didn't seem to be particularly worn.
Just waiting for a crimping tool to arrive so I can finish off the original-yet-messy-looking fuel pipe work.

Here's where I am as of today - waiting for a new LH switchgear, and I need to finish the wiring, as well as putting the front mudguard on.



Still not sure about the 'combat' graphics... :roll: Perhaps they look OK :wink:
With luck I may have it running by weekend - we'll see!

Oh yes indeedy the Combat label addition is something I've longed to see a long time. Might experiment with one Big C. I saved a graphic of one like this to have decals or stencils made, so maybe can work a deal with you? Ms Peel is just a cute name but her actual model label on here big ole IS tank should read Combat Comanche Commando. With two m's though. Its risky to try to clear coat thick enough to cover over decal proudness.

I mainly worry about police tickets as I don't qualify for a driver license so tend to get taken to jail and bike or car impounded

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my god Steve!

why in the world do you not have a valid DL?

did you have it revoked by the state for driving infractions?

I had my license suspended for three months when I was young; a series of speeding tickets. I told myself that I could get by with bumming rides or taking the bus. I looked at my bike for about 3 hours and couldn't help myself but go for a ride. For three months, I obeyed every speed limit and traffic law. It was tough, but I did it.

B+Bogus said:

Progress!

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I'm quite envious of the 'Farts Washer' - Does it only work on Old Farts or can it be used on fresh ones too ?