New Old Bike Startup

I will be picking up a new (old) bike in the next week or so (500 Matchless single).

As much as I want to just tickle the carb and jump on the lever, I should check it over carefully before I do. What procedures should I undertake? I have my own thoughts but am interested in others’

Thanks, Ben

It depends on if it was a rider or if its been sitting, if its a ride then how long ago since its been out, if its been sitting then a complete check up of everything, change all fluids, check tyres, check brakes, battery etc etc, with any new bikes to the collection it pays to do a oil change and do a complete check and maintenance just for your own sake, it also depends on the PO and how they looked after the bike, hope this helps.
Anyway you have a nice single there, but it also depends on the condition of the all over bike, good luck with it.

Ashley

I think it sat. The seller purchased 40 bikes at once from the widow of a collector and is selling off some. I’ll have to go through the whole bike I think. Fuel comes to mind first, then oils, tires, nuts and bolts, wiring, timing, spark etc. thanks Ashley.

All good enjoy it.

Ashley

Scout63 said:

I think it sat. The seller purchased 40 bikes at once from the widow of a collector and is selling off some. I’ll have to go through the whole bike I think. Fuel comes to mind first, then oils, tires, nuts and bolts, wiring, timing, spark etc. thanks Ashley.

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Does the guy that sold you the Matchless have any Italian bikes for sale? I’m in MA as well. I remember the rotaries on rt 6.

I’ll check Dunstall. I’ll see the collection on Tuesday. I was kind of hoping he would have a 450 scrambler for sale. I have the sense that the Matchless was going since it is outside of his interest zone. He did say that he has two v7 sports and at least one lemans. And a Vincent. I got real quiet after that.

Scout63 said:

I’ll check Dunstall. I’ll see the collection on Tuesday. I was kind of hoping he would have a 450 scrambler for sale. I have the sense that the Matchless was going since it is outside of his interest zone. He did say that he has two v7 sports and at least one lemans. And a Vincent. I got real quiet after that.

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Nice, I’m trying to get all the parts for a Vincent Comet. I have a Mototrans built 450 in pieces. Not a scrambler.

One 'common sense' move in answer to your original question if the bike is a truly unknown quantity.
Don't attempt first turnover by standing on the kickstart. Remove the spark plug and use your hand on it instead. That way you'll be more sensitive to any resistance that, if present, will need further investigation...
(It certainly looks the part, though!)

I love rotaries, especially in rural France. They make so much sense. Oh to have my Commando in Provence

EstuaryBoy said:

One 'common sense' move in answer to your original question if the bike is a truly unknown quantity.
Don't attempt first turnover by standing on the kickstart. Remove the spark plug and use your hand on it instead. That way you'll be more sensitive to any resistance that, if present, will need further investigation...
(It certainly looks the part, though!)

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thats exactly the kind of info Imwas looking for. Thanks