Just Having Some....

EstuaryBoy

EstuaryBoy

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After many trials and tribulations wrestling this back into shape, just making the most of the good weather here :)

'Previous Owner' (or PO's 'mechanic'.... it came with receipts) had attempted to cure poor clutch with an RGM Needle Roller kit.... Thing is, it needs space to work in, which was only there because the plates were distorted enough to add approx two plates width/height to the stack... Didn't cure a thing, and on replacing all plates with new showed the RGM kit as a non starter for this application, though in fairness they do point out in their advert that a specified clearance is required... Also 'receipts' for 'ignition timing', which should have read: 'Rev Limiter fitted', as it all went mighty flat after 5k rpm.....

Final jobs: New shocks and handlebar grips (visually as 'original') are on their way, would love a 'proper' set of bash plate clips but Mr Emery's substitutes do the job, but naughty using the OE part number when they're nothing like....
Just Having Some....
 
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The RGM belt clutch or any diaphragm sprung belt clutch is a major improvement over the 3 spring AMC wet clutch, but a lot of work making it fit in the P11 primary. I think the needle bearing gizmo only helps reduce wear caused by the clutch push rod on the adjuster face. Making a 3 piece clutch rod does similar and does not require making additional space anywhere.

I thought you said you were hitting 90 mph and running at 6K RPM 1st through 3rd in that video you posted. By the way, 28-30 degrees all in ignition advance is enough. The 32 degree all in advance spec is is good for leaded fuel and low RPMs, but could be limiting in high RPMs with today's hotter burning pump gas. Then again you might have some other issue, or you fixed everything you mentioned and were just passing on some information about what you had to deal with.

Rural farm land pic looks like an area with low traffic. Must have been a great ride.

I'm stuck watching TV and wasting time on this site. Left rotator cuff decided to take a crap when I turned off a light switch back handed. Not 25 years old anymore anywhere but in my mind. :)
 
Schwany said:
The RGM belt clutch or any diaphragm sprung belt clutch is a major improvement over the 3 spring AMC wet clutch, but a lot of work making it fit in the P11 primary. I think the needle bearing gizmo only helps reduce wear caused by the clutch push rod on the adjuster face. Making a 3 piece clutch rod does similar and does not require making additional space anywhere.

I thought you said you were hitting 90 mph and running at 6K RPM 1st through 3rd in that video you posted. By the way, 28-30 degrees all in ignition advance is enough. The 32 degree all in advance spec is is good for leaded fuel and low RPMs, but could be limiting in high RPMs with today's hotter burning pump gas. Then again you might have some other issue, or you fixed everything you mentioned and were just passing on some information about what you had to deal with.

Rural farm land pic looks like an area with low traffic. Must have been a great ride.

I'm stuck watching TV and wasting time on this site. Left rotator cuff decided to take a crap when I turned off a light switch back handed. Not 25 years old anymore anywhere but in my mind. :)
Click to expand...
The idea behind the roller gizmo is it lifts the end plate square and even, early Norton clutches had a 'mushroom' push rod end too, I believe..

Yes, motor now pulls 6k, I'm guessing the PO or his lacky timed it as per Commando at 28ish, once I'd confirmed it was still on low compression pistons I set it as per book at 32 btdc. With E5 fuel and N4 plugs it's running as well as I and my rose tinted memory recalls, and despite the obvious 'vibes', has yet to blow an indicator bulb :) .... Mirror flaps a bit (yet to be 'loctited') but I put that down to metric threads ;-)
 
Ordered Tuesday, delivered Friday. Length and spring rate as requested, five position spring adjust, £137 all in..
 

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New grips arrived and fitted, knew the ex's hair dryer would come in handy one day!
Re: The AMC clutch..... As mentioned way back, when I built this nigh on forty years ago I ordered a set of 'lighter' springs from one of the spring manufacturers (Redditch?) that advertised in Classic Berk... Can't remember my exact request, but the reasoning was the donor Atlas was, a) Heavier than the P11, b) Was set up for carrying two people, and c) Was also expected to pull a sidecar if required..... Which made me think it might be a tad OTT in my application.. Clutch pull is now lighter than my Commando, I can use one finger (but don't), and at the time doing runs up a one in seven hill in all gears showed no sign of slip. 7/8 lever centre and venhill featherlight (no sniggering!) cable...
 

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Sum total of motorcycle expenditure this past fortnight...... 15p!! For one nyloc nut to hopefully cure the flapping mirror stem :)
On the thorny subject of expense, I calculated (roughly) that given the purchase cost in 1988, plus import costs, parts to restore et al, when first sold in 2000(ish) I possibly doubled my money....
Cold comfort, perhaps, but I still had a bike in the garage (VFR400R) and more importantly kept the garage and house... Sliding down the property ladder brings a harder climb than trading motorcycles..
Fast forward to 2022 and the surprise appearance and subsequent repurchase at auction, add to that the renewal of clutch, carbs, tyres, chains etc, etc... I now doubt that given the 'classic' vehicle market trends whether I'd recoup two thirds of my outlay.
I can admit to that in print, being single! :)
 

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EstuaryBoy said:
Sum total of motorcycle expenditure this past fortnight...... 15p!! For one nyloc nut to hopefully cure the flapping mirror stem :)
On the thorny subject of expense, I calculated (roughly) that given the purchase cost in 1988, plus import costs, parts to restore et al, when first sold in 2000(ish) I possibly doubled my money....
Cold comfort, perhaps, but I still had a bike in the garage (VFR400R) and more importantly kept the garage and house... Sliding down the property ladder brings a harder climb than trading motorcycles..
Fast forward to 2022 and the surprise appearance and subsequent repurchase at auction, add to that the renewal of clutch, carbs, tyres, chains etc, etc... I now doubt that given the 'classic' vehicle market trends whether I'd recoup two thirds of my outlay.
I can admit to that in print, being single! :)
Click to expand...

I don't think I've spent a cent on my P11 in 2 months. Haven't ridden it in a month or so either and the sun has been shining. I might start it today. Then again I might not.

I couldn't recoup 1/2 of what I have spent on my P11. Maybe 1/3 if lucky.

I had a Black 1990 Yamaha FZR400 with the Deltabox frame in the garage with a few other toys. I looked into importing a not legal here VFR400R, which is what I actually wanted at the time, but it was a pain in the rear to make happen as far as I was concerned, so bought the little Yamaha.
 
Schwany said:
I don't think I've spent a cent on my P11 in 2 months. Haven't ridden it in a month or so either and the sun has been shining. I might start it today. Then again I might not.

I couldn't recoup 1/2 of what I have spent on my P11. Maybe 1/3 if lucky.

I had a Black 1990 Yamaha FZR400 with the Deltabox frame in the garage with a few other toys. I looked into importing a not legal here VFR400R, which is what I actually wanted at the time, but it was a pain in the rear to make happen as far as I was concerned, so bought the little Yamaha.
Click to expand...
I only purchased the VFR because a guy at work was desperate for money, so it came cheap. Even with all 'consumables' renewed, at the time of my divorce a realistic sale value for it was £800, whereas I'd had firm offers for the P11 of £4k....
 
EstuaryBoy said:
I only purchased the VFR because a guy at work was desperate for money, so it came cheap. Even with all 'consumables' renewed, at the time of my divorce a realistic sale value for it was £800, whereas I'd had firm offers for the P11 of £4k....
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Oh you didn't want the VFR. A steadfast British bike man. That is something I am not.

Did you ever ride it, or was it too embarassing? lol
 
Schwany said:
Oh you didn't want the VFR. A steadfast British bike man. That is something I am not.

Did you ever ride it, or was it too embarassing? lol
Click to expand...
Bottom line is I didn't go looking for one, but was interested enough to part with cash for it!! (Not something I do easily ;-) )

And yes, rode it often. Awesome engine, exceptional build quality (put my neighbour's brand new Yamaha to shame) and did exactly what it said on the tin! Saw an indicated 130 on the motorway and it would run all day, every day, whatever the weather... An 'upgrade' to a 600cc machine would have doubled the price of everything: Consumables, Road Tax etc., so a great 'compromise' in my opinion.. Only downside was accessibility for servicing, exhaust replacement etc.. Buy the dedicated lifts/stands for one job or send it to a Honda dealer? Usually no difference in cost. And why a single sided swingarm with the exhaust on the wheel removal side? Doh!!
On paper out specced both Nortons, but as much character as any other Japanese 'appliance'... Should have hung on to it perhaps, it would have turned forty next year and be eligible for 'classic' (no tax) status.
Guy who bought it 'conveniently' turned up with a few quid short in his bank roll, so I told him I'd hold it for a day! Wasn't going to insult it by letting it go cheap..
 
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EstuaryBoy said:
... Only downside was accessibility for servicing, exhaust replacement etc..
Click to expand...

That’s where you went wrong.

I mate of mine had one in the dim and distant past. He bought it with a gazillion miles on it… then proceeded to do a gazillion more.

The only time it had a spanner on it was for brakes, tyres, chains. The fcuking thing just kept going and going and…
 
Schwany said:
The RGM belt clutch or any diaphragm sprung belt clutch is a major improvement over the 3 spring AMC wet clutch, but a lot of work making it fit in the P11 primary. I think the needle bearing gizmo only helps reduce wear caused by the clutch push rod on the adjuster face. Making a 3 piece clutch rod does similar and does not require making additional space anywhere.

I thought you said you were hitting 90 mph and running at 6K RPM 1st through 3rd in that video you posted. By the way, 28-30 degrees all in ignition advance is enough. The 32 degree all in advance spec is is good for leaded fuel and low RPMs, but could be limiting in high RPMs with today's hotter burning pump gas. Then again you might have some other issue, or you fixed everything you mentioned and were just passing on some information about what you had to deal with.

Rural farm land pic looks like an area with low traffic. Must have been a great ride.

I'm stuck watching TV and wasting time on this site. Left rotator cuff decided to take a crap when I turned off a light switch back handed. Not 25 years old anymore anywhere but in my mind. :)
Click to expand...
I thought I was the only one with a ruined left rotator cuff. What a PIA. What on earth can be done about it?
 
Fast Eddie said:
That’s where you went wrong.

I mate of mine had one in the dim and distant past. He bought it with a gazillion miles on it… then proceeded to do a gazillion more.

The only time it had a spanner on it was for brakes, tyres, chains. The fcuking thing just kept going and going and…
Click to expand...
Totally agree 100%... That little engine was a marvel..

But mine needed rear down pipes, which IIRC were in unit with collector box... Engine had to be raised to access the manifold bolts, but the collector box didn't permit jacking from below.... Chicken and egg!! Seem to recall stands that lifted the bike from under the lower yoke, luckily there were two Honda dealers locally, though wasn't best pleased with the service from either :-(
 

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