BSA ZB32 Goldstar

[Maritime]

POst the Vid to Youtube or another host then copy the link into the reply box and it should imbed.  Nice Job.

[davidc]

That should link to the video

[Maritime]

Worked, will have to watch it tonight at home.

[swan]

One of the nicest sounds in the world. Great work, thanks for sharing!

[davidc]

One of the nicest sounds in the world. Great work, thanks for sharing!

Thanks Swan,
I was doing all of this on my own so, I wasn't able to record a vid of the first trip around the block.
After the enigne had heated up, I went around the block at the workshop a few times- there's a fantastic twitter on the over-run which amazed me. I thought that the early pipes like mine didn't have the 'goldie over-run'.
This is after lying up for at least 20 years and with a new open pipe.
Wait til your DBD fires up!

On another front, there is a rattle when hot at the top end -possibly tappets and an oil leak from the many casings on the top of the rocker box.
So I'll have to pull it down again- old bikes huh!

[ProSimex]

oh how cool is that!

[andycafe]

Thankyou  this is a damn cool bike my friend, DAMN COOL!!!!!!

[joea]

nice job, great to see another bsa on the road again ...joe

[davidc]

Thanks for all the replies and encouragement.

I will continue with the restoration as far as I can- I got a bantam battery cover - but it is a bit small and doesn't look right- even with modification.
I will keep looking for a cover and see what I can find.
If I have any more dough, I will convert the drive to a belt- but I think I might have to send the enigne to Phil Pearson first.

All advice and criticism is appreciated

David C

[ProSimex]

why would you do that?

[davidc]

why would you do that?

At about 60mph there is a lot of vibration- I think it is more than timing or carburation.
There is no knock or major noise- but I would hate to damage  the engine severley by not dealing with the vibes before it begins to knock.
At 50MPH it seems OK
The gearing is probably wrong of the bike- so it could be struggling to make the speed in top gear- I will get someone who knows more than me to ride it first

Thanks

David C

[davidc]

Update on the goldstar.

I left it with a friend for a ride, he thinks it may be a front wheel issue- the wheel is a chrome dunlop rim and was bought new about 20 years ago - but never used.
I put a new tube in it- (I had to get a tube from Harley Dublin  21" tubes are impossible to get)
The wheel/tyre /tube have nto been balanced -Is this a problem?

I am not convinced, but I am going to re-set the timing and check the carburation.
If the vibration persists- I think I will have to let it develop and then look at the enigne as it becomes more obvious.
A risky business - I know!

Anyone with other ideas-  would be appreciated.

Following the photos on DTT, I was made an offer of €4750.00 ($6200) for the bike, I didn't accept.

[ProSimex]

Good man

[davidc]

 I took the BSA out for a ride yesterday- 70miles over the mountains in sun, mist and heavy rain. Biking in Ireland is always like this- 4 seasons in 2 hours.
I thought that the rain and water would get into the magneto - as there is no weather cover- just a metal cap held by a spring. - but It didn't miss abeat for the whole trip.
All went well for 50 miles, then I heard a knock up front. The knock did not follow the enigne revs- so I was sure it was in the frame or wheel area.
I could not identify the problem on the go, so I continued on until I saw the front fuel tank retaining bolt had fallen out and the fuel tank was hitting the frame.
I stopped - but was in the middle of the countryside -so I got a small branch from a tree and stuffed it between the fuel tank and the frame and continued on-
The bike runs very smooth up to about 55miles and hour and then it's a bit too vibey. But at 55, its plenty quick for the twists of the mountain roads around here- also the road surface is crap - so the plunger at the back is bouncing all over the shop.
So it make for a super ride at lower speeds on real twisty roads- so unlikely for me to die.

After a few more miles the branch got crushed by the vibes and fell out- I brought the bike back home with one hand holding the tank off the frame and the other on the throttle.

When I got off I noticed oil on my hand (the one holding the tank) and all over the oil tank, frame, battery and casings.
Looks like a top end oil leak - so I'll have to look for that too.
Also the bolt through the magneto/dynamo strap had fallen out - probably not tight enough.
So after 2 tanks of fuel (300miles) following the rebuild- the only problems are :-

1. Oil leak on top end
2. Fuel tank bolts and rubbers to be replaced
3. magneto bolt to be replaced
4. still no speedo

Not bad for a 60 year old machine that was off the road for 25years

David C 
 

[Dale]

Great story so far, and beautiful motorcycle! :-)