Twists and Turns! BSA Bantam D5 Frame Inspection plus, a visit to Ivan Dutton's 'Shed Racing' Garage

Let's have a detailed look at the D5 frame I bought 'sight unseen' for the Trials/Greenlane project.
It isn't good news, that I can tell you!
Plus, I paid a visit to Ivan Dutton's workshop 'Shed Racing'. What a fantastic afternoon that was.
‪@shed_racing‬
I hope you enjoy the video, please like and subscribe if you do.
Best wishes, Dean.
You can write to me:
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[@AGEngineering]

A great update and visit to Ivan, many thanks 👍

[@retromechanicalengineer]

Thanks Ade. I've been enjoying your progress with the BSA Scrambler.
Best wishes, Dean.

[@petermckee1061]

Thanks for the update Dean. A pity about the frame but it would be nice to have a crack at straightening it. A man of your skills!
Cheers,
Peter.

[@retromechanicalengineer]

Thanks Peter. I do have some ideas that I'd like to try. We'll see what happens.
Best wishes, Dean.

[@philhermetic]

Excellent stuff sir, and Ivan too! You are blessed!
Phil

[@retromechanicalengineer]

Thanks Phil. Life is a blessing, that's for sure. Best wishes, Dean.

[@MrFactotum]

eyup Dean
Shame about the frame but i'm sure you will come good, Ivan's got a beast there!!
see you next time
regards
Kev

[@retromechanicalengineer]

Thanks Kev, there's always a way. We'll get there.

[@carlwilson1772]

Absolutely brilliant video. Shame about the frame, its a good job you have the new bench now. The visit to Ivan looked marvellous. He and John are true gentlemen and experts. The aircraft engined racing car is an absolute beast.

[@retromechanicalengineer]

Thank you, there might be hope for the frame yet but I have a plan B. The visit to Ivan's was fantastic.
Best wishes, Dean.

[@carlwilson1772]

@@retromechanicalengineer I'm sure you will sort it.

[@InTheShedUK]

When I saw that frame my first thought was 'looks like one of BM's frames'... I think I would just go with it.

[@retromechanicalengineer]

Thanks Ian. That seems to be the way forward, with a bit of extra bracing. I may try to pull it a bit but I'm much less concerned now.

[@BritanniaMotorcycles]

If it is for a trials project the steeper head angle is a plus. A bit more gusseting and you are in business.

[@retromechanicalengineer]

I never thought about it like that Michael. Damn, I should have said I did it on purpose! Perhaps I just need a better subframe.
Thanks very much, Dean.

[@montana2strokeracer]

But yet another BSA, I too, just like Michael, would like to know how you keep your coat so clean. It seems just walking into my shop, the grease and grime jumps on to my clothes. When I was up picking the YL2 Yamaha up, the man also had a BSA Bantam 175. It was hard for me to leave without it. Beginning of another awesome project. Nice work Dean.

[@retromechanicalengineer]

Dale, you two have me thinking that perhaps I'm not working hard enough! Too long off the hangar floor and in the design office. You could go back for the BSA, try out some stone age two stroke technology! Always great to spend time with you.
Best wishes, Dean.

[@paulhewitt1488]

Another interesting video Dean , shame about the frame although something to be unfortunately expected I guess considering the unknown life of the bike. Had to laugh when I read the comments from no less than Michael Waller in reference to your shop coat.may I suggest a well worn Black Sabath T shirt may suit the forthcoming episodes. It’s fantastic to be able to enjoy these videos from you and others. Well done everyone. To subscribe is to enjoy. 👍👍

[@retromechanicalengineer]

What a generous comment, thank you Paul. Mr Waller has dispensed some good advice which may well give us a way forward. I will take the tee shirt under consideration!
Best wishes, Dean.

[@montana2strokeracer]

Sorry about the Frame Dean. Hey I watch Shed racing and Michael's channel also. Both are masters, as are you thanks for the grat videos.

[@retromechanicalengineer]

Thanks Dale, Michael has me thinking I should run with it. He expertly changes the headstock angle, mine has been done in a more ..... rudimentary fashion! You are right, Michael and Ivan's channels are excellent.
Best wishes, Dean.

[@OzBSABantams]

Great video again Dean. Would the steeper headstem angle be a bonus for a trials bike? I'm not sure but I always remember hearing Sammy Miller quote an angle he did on all his bikes (which I can't remember). Those swingarm pivot pins can be a real bugger to get out as well, so you had a win there. Proof of patience and preparation paying off. That aircraft engine at Ivan's sounded magnificent and thanks for letting us know about him...........I've had a look at his stuff and another interesting channel to follow.

[@retromechanicalengineer]

Bones, the steeper head angle has been mentioned by Michael at Brittania who is the trials guru, so I think it's less of an issue than I originally thought. I thought the swinging arm pivot would be worse, it was a pleasant surprise.
Best wishes, Dean.

[@Straight_Outta_Hopton]

Get a jack in between that subframe mounting and the bottom of the gusset, give it a bit of warmth and push it out, it'll go.

[@retromechanicalengineer]

Thanks very much, I will be persevering with this frame so I'll give it a go. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!
Best wishes, Dean.

[@cainbeeping8480]

Sad about the frame. A cool field trip.

[@retromechanicalengineer]

Thanks Cain. Not to worry, I take everything as an opportunity to learn. Best wishes, Dean.

[@davestephens6582]

I would cut the down tube away from the headstock and bend the top tube some more. A steep angle is just the job for a trials frame

[@retromechanicalengineer]

Thanks Dave, Michael was of a very similar mind.
Best wishes, Dean.

[@BritanniaMotorcycles]

Dean, the really important question is how do you keep your coat so clean?

[@retromechanicalengineer]

I sneak it into the wash when no one else is around Michael!
Best wishes, Dean.