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I think the front wheel drive with the weight at the front helps with traction, and yes, it's a light car too, especially by modern standards. The tyres are 155 width, which helps cut into the snow like a ice skate, whereas wide tyres can sometimes be like skis. You can still get these tyres from classic car suppliers.

Hi David. The switch is for the yellow spot lamp (seen at 1:52 in the vid). I use it as a daytime running light because it has an LED bulb, so doesn't overwork the fragile 6V electrics. At night I switch it off because it is too dazzling for other road users. Thanks.

Thanks. I like to hear the "note" of the engine change when the generator is turned on.

Yes. The first steam test and seems to run with a healthy beat.

Bumburiburiburiburiburiburi... V4 Submarine

The 250s are still very popular bikes in the club, especially for touring. It's hard to beat a 2 stroke for simplicity isn't it. No oil and filter changes, no valves to adjust. They may not be as efficient and a modern bike, but they certainly are rugged and reliable.

Ha. You're right. If I recall it was ordered but hadn't arrived, so I made do with a painted one in the meantime.

I agree 😀the tyres especially, but that may also necessitate lifting the mudguards of course. I found the handlebars OK, but wider might make it easier.

@@stevesworkshop2194 Yeah, just a few inches wider might help it in ruts or slightly more difficult terrain. You've certainly given me food for thought and its so nice keeping the old bikes going. My problem is I have to travel 14 miles before the fun green lanes begin. I'm considering a DT175 or Suzuki TS185, although they're getting pricier these days.

Likewise, I have about 10 miles to reach my closest green lane. The road section is not much fun on a 125. DTs are nice, my mate had a 50cc one back in the day when we were 16. That was great off road because it was so light.

If you had the chrome side panels, then you had a Lux (delux) model. These usually had a rev counter too. Mine is the cheaper Alpine model, with less chrome and the speedometer in the headlamp shell.

Ah great memories, thanks for sharing. The MZ electrics are a weak point I would agree. This bike has a later regulator which is electronic, rather than mechanical, which is an improvement I think, but generally 6v electrics can be troublesome. They certainly are good bikes for handling, and I find mine very comfortable too.

They are nice little bikes. I find mine very comfortable, with a keen engine in a lightweight frame. Shame that yours got wiped out, it being such a low mileage example too.

I guess the simplicity of them means they can break, but (so far) I've always managed to get mine going again. Always carry a spare plug!

I knew nothing about them until I had this one. But the more I learn about them, the more I appreciate the design and thought that has gone into them.

Yes. It's good to get lost in the countryside. Travelling alone is a nice way to clear your head too.

Thanks Dave. Most of the track was straightforward but the ruts caught me out. Unfortunately the track was fenced off at the end so I had to go back the same way. The fence was the Cotswold airfield perimeter which breaks up the old Roman route. The tracking shots are made with a camera on a stick (so to be used with some caution) and the software removes the stick. All very clever. The camera collects data from all 360 degrees too, so you can frame it later. I think it comes from Google earth technology. A case of shoot and point, rather than point and shoot like in my day.

I'd heard of the invisible stick thing, but your shots are all so stable - in fact in your opening shot you can see the bike bouncing over the road, yet the scenery is all completely stable - this is absolutely amazing ! I expect it's old technology to everybody else on the planet though. Cotswold airfield is what used to be Kemble is it ? I can't remember the Fosse Way geography now. Shame you had to turn around - you were prob expecting to have to do that though. Dave

The image stabilisation is astonishing. I think on that opening shot it has locked onto the horizon leaving the bike to move against this fixed datum? The camera uses Gyros. At one point it fell off and tumbled along the ground, but the footage remained locked in the correct direction! Yes the airfield is Kemble. There is a bike friendly cafe there called the "AV8 cafe" and that was my goal, but the time I lost battling the ruts and the dead-end meant I had to start heading back.

@@stevesworkshop2194you can get further than Cotswold airport by going off the track before you reach the dead end section and there’s a path through the field and beyond. Dropped pin goo.gl/maps/pMA7KTjkebc4GzpVA goo.gl/maps/pMA7KTjkebc4GzpVA

Then on the road to Rodmarton, turn left in Oathill Lane and follow it along u tip you reach another on your right that you can follow heading north east from … Dropped pin goo.gl/maps/tUPwNSFJosrUEnwd9

Hi David. The car is a 1971 model. I'm just an ordinary driver, but In the slippery conditions it holds the road reassuringly. It is a light car with thin tyres, FWD and modest power, which helps it in the snow. In this respect it is better than a newer car fitted with wide tyres, especially the rear wheel drive ones.

@@stevesworkshop2194 Thanks for the information. It really is lovely. I have never driven on snow or ice, so am clueless in that regard! Regards, David

I envy you ! It’s always been my favorite Saab. I used to drive a 9000 cs Talladega and a 9-3 sedan , I couldn’t find a 96 V4 in my country and my wife can’t drive manual. Do you have to pay higher taxes because it pollutes more than the current cars ? Is it difficult to find an insurance for such oldies ?

I'd have to agree. For a 2-wheel drive car it is one of the best.

I hear you, but snow round here is quite rare. This video was in 2012 and I think we've had snow only twice since! The UK transport infrastructure is not well adapted to winter, we just salt the roads a slide around on our summer tyres. I am not sure you can even buy electric engine heaters here.🤥

Yes it takes a while to heat up, but once warm the heater is hotter than the midday sun - so the cabin is a good place to be on a winter's drive. I've never had a Beetle, but the key to traction is having the engine weight over the driving wheels I think. Sounds like the beetle speedometer drive came from the front wheel. I've never thought about it, but it makes sense.

@@stevesworkshop2194 Yes, the square end to the speedo drive cable came through a steel pressed in bearing cover cap in the middle of the front left hand wheel hub. It was secured by a split pin. All a bit crude maybe, but it worked and replacement of cable if ever needed was dead simple.

Merci

Lucky you, having a sports moped at 16. I had a Mobylette which was a disaster both mechanically and from a fashion perspective. I could only dream of a GT250.

Ha - yes those prices are nothing now. Back in the day everyone wanted a Fizzy - I had a Honda 90, so you would have had more street cred. than me on your Puch. I am finding the Puch good for miles per gallon and smiles per gallon. 😊

Thanks for the comment Richard. There are some great roads to explore in Wales.

Weather was mixed, but yes - the day in the Elan valley was perfect. We stayed in different places each night, Dolgellau, Hirwaun and Rhayader.

Yes - a very nice time.

One of these would make a great first bike. My first bike was a Mobylette 50 which was a disaster. The Sports moped era does bring back fond memories.

@@stevesworkshop2194 yes I agree 100% thanks for your reply

Thanks for the comment. Yeah it's a nice little bike. People go crazy for the Yamaha FS1E, but this has got to be up there.

Ha - yes. It's the most fun in the snow.

My first car, a 1970 savanna beige. Salted roads killed the body, but the machinery was perfect. This clip really made me miss it....

A nice bike for a 16 year old I'd say - and a bit quicker than some. I think you got lucky with the SS50 swap though. That was Honda's best sports moped.

Thanks for the comment. Since this video was made I've quietened it down a bit with some homemade baffles. It now runs quite well. I've been using it for getting about, and to and from work. A fun little bike. Perhaps its weakest point is the lights, which go from "barely visible" to "faintly dim" as you rev the engine 🙂

A bargain! They are fetching more money as the years pass. Mine is tatty, but honest, and it runs well. Nice to have one as a first bike, when I was 16 I had a Motobecane, which was a total lemon.

Hi Andrew, I hope the build goes well. Everything I know is on the website, but if you get stuck drop me a line and I'll try and help out. Is this your first machining project?

@@stevesworkshop2194 I found the plans on your site. Very useful thank you, lots of great tips. I built a water pump using lathes and milling machines when I was on course in the Navy. This was 4/5 years ago, I'm currently deployed in the Falklands so though it would be a great opportunity to get more practice in. Thank you

Really enjoying the build so far, instructions on your site a super helpful. I have a quick question regarding the boiler. Currently the only copper pipe I can find on the island is 40mm would this work ok for the boiler? I’m guessing that if I had 50mm I’d get a little longer running time or is there more to it with regards to pressures? Thank you

@@landroverandrew6602 Hi Andrew. Good question. The 40mm is probably OK. Like you say the runtime will be shorter, unless you add a top up pump! The main thing to check is that the tube is not too thick or too thin. Thermal heat transfer is proportional to surface area and inversely proportional to thickness. So we want the largest area and thinnest tube BUT not so thin that it is unsafe. If you measure the tube wall thickness, you can use this formula to check the maximum safe working pressure. P = (2T x σ )/D T = Tube thickness P = Working pressure D = Boiler Diameter σ = Maximum tensile stress for copper. σ for copper is about 30500psi, but you should apply a factor of safety of about 8 or 10 to this number (divide). Usually I use metric units, but for boiler pressure PSI makes most sense so you need to use inches for your dimensions. Have a go at the sum and let me know what you get.

@@stevesworkshop2194 thank you for you answer. I’m learning lots from doing this. When I get back down to the workshop I will check this out. Thank you.

Thanks Dave. Yes the GroPro image stabilisation is really quite good. It's the sound that is a let down, hence the cheesy music. I guess there is a way to use an external mic, but then where to put it? The wooden deck on the Penmaenpool bridge is like railway sleepers, but most of them seem loose, so it's a clattery ride.

Thanks for your comment. A foot change yes. It is interesting that you say it's a VF. I looked up the VF model and it looks like mine, but the plate on the frame says VZ?

@@stevesworkshop2194 Vz stands for engine model

@@karlbertiljonsson9050 Useful thanks. I'll remember that when ordering spares.

@@stevesworkshop2194 VF stands for 'foot' as in foot change. The VZ and VF engines are the same. Has the bike been re-sprayed? That is defo a VF. Could be some one's built a VF from a VF engine and equipment, but with using a VZ frame. The rack should be chrome. Not sure the VF was available on a 1974 plate. They tended to come a bit later...the summer of 75 on a N. I worked at a Puch dealers on Saturday and became a bit obsessive (!) I Loved restoring Puch bikes. So well made and reliable.

@@binkyboobosh1 OK thanks for the information. You could be right that someone has put two different bikes together, a lot could have happened over the years. Interesting that you mention they are reliable. It used to run great, but I have run into trouble with mine. Running too rich all the time. I have to fit a new plug every few days due to carbon build up. I cleaned out the exhaust this weekend and now it doesn't run at all. It idles, but won't pull with any power. I tried another carb too, but every time I touch it, I seem to make it worse. I have lots to learn about 2 strokes.

You might be right. I struggled with all the hairpins in the wet to be honest. I was lacking confidence in my rear tyre and had my right foot out motocross style, which I don't think is how it's done :-( Yes - I like the BMW.

Hi George. This is my first BMW but I really like it. I had a few issues with the points closing up, and a puncture on the first day too, but it ran really well.

@@stevesworkshop2194 Have had them for years. The best classic for the money by far. Enjoy my friend.

Hi Dave. Yes, engine seems quite healthy and keen. Fastest speed was an indicated 40mph. It's quick up to 30mph and then steadily climbs if the road allows. Sadly, no tacho at the moment. I'm looking for a replacement. The camera is a GoPro Black 5. I bought it because of the image stabilisation which is quite good with a robust clamp.

@@stevesworkshop2194 There are synthetic oils that will allow 50, 75, and even 100:1 mixes.

@@kensroswell Thanks for this information. I'll look up some oils and options going forward.

Thanks for the comments. I had to use music to cover up the camera wind noise, perhaps I should buy an external mic next time. That's a good excuse to go on another trip.

Dave. Yes that's right. I didn't know this road but the Hotelier in Dunoon suggested it as a route to Glencoe. It was really good and lots of people were camping there like you say.

@@stevesworkshop2194 I was usually there camping in Sept., so no - one else there. Still _very_ midge infested though, just like the rest of the western highlands :o( You got away from that mostly on this trip I guess ?

@@noakeswalker I was ready for the midges, but saw very few. I've been eaten alive before now, but it was fine on this trip. :-)

Thanks Dave. Yes it's taken weeks to gather footage, most of which I didn't use. I've yet to find a good camera for motion work without wobbly frames and wind noise.

Hi Eddie. This video was made 8 years ago, but I still have the car. I drive it regularly in all weathers. Although it's old it has good brakes, twin speed wipers, a good heater, bright lights and good road holding. It can move with modern traffic and is quite comfortable.

Steves Workshop I love the idea of a classic like this getting used and excelling in the worst conditions. Long may it continue to serve you!

@@eddieallen6401Thanks Eddie. I hope you find yourself a classic soon.

@@stevesworkshop2194 Make sure the wheel mounts don't rust away. My parents had to scrap theirs when wheel mounts sheared off testing new brake pads.

@@johndododoe1411 Yikes! that sounds scary. I'll look out for it.

Yes - its a good winter car.

Thanks John. It is a very simple pot boiler fired from solid fuel tablets. If you'd like to copy the design you can download plans from the website. www.steves-workshop.co.uk/modelboats/steamlaunch/boilerdesign/simpleboilerdrawings.pdf

Nice plans!