Just love this! Informative, calm and not a american shouting that everything is amazing... keep up the great work! I’d watch anything when it’s as good as this. Cheers from Sweden.
Brilliant videos thanks my friend. My dad had BSA's back in the 50s. I remember a photograph of him racing at Bathurst in Australia. He said that you had to dodge the potholes back then!
@@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel unfortunately im not on Facebook. Im building a motor which my grandfather used for vintage racing in the 70s and 80s . My plan is to get the bike together and do a run at Lake Gardner salt lakes in south Australia's far outback next year. Like to see what it can do in a recorded mile at land speed week 2022. Working on the carbon fibre fairings next once the motor is finished. Thanks for the response. Love the channel. Keep up the killer videos coming mate Cheers
The exposed rocker assembly is a big improvement on that on A10s... I have dim memories of a tool called a "pushrod comb" which held the rods in place as you lowered the rockerbox cover! Doing the job without this tool was very awkward.
Seems alot easier to fit the rockers on this one. My Honda were held in with pins which, were a bugger to get out. Top job. Oh....365 degrees rotation 😲 lol
Excellent series. Takes me back 35 years when I stripped down a1965 A65. Not as expertly as you, but still ran fine afterwards. I found mine had the devimead conversion to improve oil to big ends. After 30 years off 2 wheels due to family and a mortgage, last year I bought a Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor. Best of the old style and new engineering. So far I am loving it.
I’m totally engrossed in this brilliant series. Dave has such a calm demeanour and a wealth of knowledge. For someone thinking about entering the world of classic bikes, I would find it interesting to hear from some of Dave’s customers: what work they do themselves and what they ask Dave to do. I imagine owners have a broad range of skills and I would like to see how those skills integrate with Dave’s. Also feature customer bikes; whether they are show bikes or bikes that are ridden.
Takes me back 60 years when I had to rebuild my A7 a couple of times through exuberant use of the throttle, I notice the A 65 /A50 engine does away with the special comb shaped tool to fit the pushrods. That should be a nice ridable bike when finished, cheers from down under.
reminds me of my early bike days where you needed to have a certain mechanical aptitude just to own a bike. my first at 16 was an old leaky smoky C15, my first big bike was a Bsa Golden Flash 2 days after passing my test on the same week i turned 17. i have over the years owned many brit bikes, BSA, Velocette, AJS, and james. the worst being a A65 Lightning Clubman and the best in my opinion was the second A10, a lovely mellow engine that never let me down
When I was a kid I had a BSA B40 350 Star. It leaked like a sieve, was hard to start, it shook, but it was so much faster than my Suzuki 120 that it was worth the trouble to me. It broke its chain one time and it whipped up and hit me in the back which left a nice chain imprint on my t-shirt and my skin. I was 16 then I'm 66 now and have a 2020 KTM 790 Adventure which I truly enjoy. I wish I would have had some of your know how to make that old B40 have better manners but there's probably no 16 year old that has your kind of experience. Good memories however. Thanks for your great channel!
I did spot the deliberate mistake to see if we were awake, and it is 365 degree's, what happened to the 360 when I was at school? In saying that it's very interesting.
This series is fantastic! I've done several 2 stroke engines, good to hear some 4 stroke specific tips. Many thanks for that. Really looking forward for each new episode. Cheers from the Czech republic.
Happy New Year Dave and fellow viewers. Just the right amount of fast forwarding in those tedious spots to keep me from wanting to jumping over them, enjoying the dialog. Also interesting to see how the BSA design differs from the Triumph twin, I should have been a little more interested in the the BSA when I was in my early days of riding. They look a lot simpler and less likely to leak, where as the Triumph having the two pushrod tubes that could possible leak, (I was always told if it doesn't leak, it's out of oil.) All that is enclosed in the barrel assemble on the BSA, Smart! Always looking forward to the next video. Cheers.
Hey Bakerrv, thanks for the feedback on the fast forwarding, always a fine line with what to show vs keep things moving along. Quite a wide range of viewers on this channel and trying to keep it interesting for everyone no matter what their experience. Happy new year to you!
Great videos. Informative and enjoyable to watch. I am going over my 1969 A65 Lightning after sitting for 5 years unused. I did all of the usual preparations for long term storage and it was easy to get up and running again. I usually restore Japanese bikes and this BSA was purchased from the previous owner with an extensive work order from a reputable shop who rebuilt the motor so I am unfamiliar with the internals. At some point before I owned it, someone removed the tach drive on the motor and used a blocking plate like your single carb Thunderbolt has. I have replaced both meters and would like to locate a tach drive to allow my tachometer to work. I have looked at the exploded view in the parts manual and the service manual, but can't be sure if there could be something missing aside from the tach drive that is attached to the outside of the motor? I believe it runs off the oil pump? My BSA still has little mileage and runs beautifully, and I would rather not take it apart if possible.
Mr Mitchell, your workshop videos are superb, thank you. Question: What’s your opinion please about using Hylomar M instead of Wellseal? Example, on an oil sump pan, Hylomar M on pan face and gasket, but dry gasket against sump face?🕊️(Sump and sump pan are both aluminium.)
Great series thank you. You've inspired me to take on a project but with no previous experience or mechanical training its hard to know where to start! Can anyone suggest a video that starts with a very basic level of classic bike restoration and the basic workshop kit I would need? Any suggestions for a suitable project gratefully received! Thanks again and what a fantastic channel 👍
@@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel it certainly has inspired me! No project bike yet as no idea where to start with my first project but I'll continue to research it 👍
@@GR-332 Right on G R, that is actually the best thing that you can do, then take action, you will learn so much by just doing it. When you get the bike get all the workshop manuals for it too (they may not come with the bike).
I'm a Honda rider but I really enjoy watching your videos. A question or two if I may: Do you find that assembly lube is unnecessary? I see that you use plain old motor oil for this. And would some Loctite on the short head cover stud have been helpful? Thanks.
I enjoy your videos and I have a question about the tachometer drive that you mentioned at approximately 18 minutes on Part 7. I have a 1969 A65 Lightning that I've owned for years and I am freshening it up for spring, and would like to make my tachometer work. A previous owner had the blanking plate where the tachometer drive should come out of the case. Possibly from a Thunderbolt? I am hoping that you may know if it is simply a matter of locating a tach drive adaptor as shown on page 22 of my 1969 parts book? It looks like the Thunderbolt has a drive that's blanked off because it has no tach, but yours appeared to have the drive in the cover. The parts book shows the option of a tach drive adaptor or the plate with no mention of any other differences. If you know if this is correct, I would be very grateful. Thank you, Andre in Canada.
Are their any videos of cleaning and adjusting, a single carb twin. I am working on a 1950 AJS Model 20 Twin, with an Amal 76. Also ignition timing adjustment video would be great, it does have the original points which I would like to keep ideally. I have gotten it running, just needs fine tuning. Thanks for the great content.
Hey, there sort of are but they're contained within larger videos and I don't think they'll be what you're after. We've pulled a few apart recently but they've had to be in time lapse due to time constraints, thanks for watching the videos.
I've no intention whatsoever of rebuilding my 'bike. Not as long as I have breath in my body will that happen. So why have I watched all 7 parts. What do you think Doctor? I think you have the worse case of tool envy I've ever seen. But I think l know someone who can help you. I'll refer you to my colleague Dr. Snap-on.
If you'd like to watch the entire series in a playlist, here's the link th-cam.com/play/PLLaaC3JrqSLAHvKe2Z5jSDY4Dp5EZqFOs.html
Just love this! Informative, calm and not a american shouting that everything is amazing... keep up the great work! I’d watch anything when it’s as good as this.
Cheers from Sweden.
LOL- that nets you a thumb's up from an American.
Glad you enjoyed it Kimmy, thanks for saying!
Brilliant videos thanks my friend. My dad had BSA's back in the 50s. I remember a photograph of him racing at Bathurst in Australia. He said that you had to dodge the potholes back then!
I’m hooked on this series, fantastic build.
Comment of the day George, we’re all really happy people are enjoying it
Another one enjoyed.
All the fun of rebuilding an engine without the dirt under ones finger nails.
Glad you enjoyed the video Wallace, so true!
This series has been brilliant for a novice like me building a A65 atm. Cheers mate from Australia
Right on Tristan! If you've got some shots of your bike why don't you share them on our Facebook page, we'd love to see where you're at!
@@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel unfortunately im not on Facebook. Im building a motor which my grandfather used for vintage racing in the 70s and 80s . My plan is to get the bike together and do a run at Lake Gardner salt lakes in south Australia's far outback next year. Like to see what it can do in a recorded mile at land speed week 2022. Working on the carbon fibre fairings next once the motor is finished. Thanks for the response. Love the channel. Keep up the killer videos coming mate Cheers
The exposed rocker assembly is a big improvement on that on A10s... I have dim memories of a tool called a "pushrod comb" which held the rods in place as you lowered the rockerbox cover! Doing the job without this tool was very awkward.
That sounds like a good option Steve, thanks for sharing...
I've done this job myself a few times (A65 top ends) but we all learn tips from each other.
Seems alot easier to fit the rockers on this one. My Honda were held in with pins which, were a bugger to get out. Top job. Oh....365 degrees rotation 😲 lol
Thanks again Pike :)
Excellent series. Takes me back 35 years when I stripped down a1965 A65. Not as expertly as you, but still ran fine afterwards. I found mine had the devimead conversion to improve oil to big ends. After 30 years off 2 wheels due to family and a mortgage, last year I bought a Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor. Best of the old style and new engineering. So far I am loving it.
Thanks for your nice comments Steve, always good to hear these stories :)
I’m totally engrossed in this brilliant series. Dave has such a calm demeanour and a wealth of knowledge. For someone thinking about entering the world of classic bikes, I would find it interesting to hear from some of Dave’s customers: what work they do themselves and what they ask Dave to do. I imagine owners have a broad range of skills and I would like to see how those skills integrate with Dave’s. Also feature customer bikes; whether they are show bikes or bikes that are ridden.
Hey Bruce, thanks for the feedback, really helpful to us as we build this new channel.
great video , good attention to detail.
Thanks Jack!
Takes me back 60 years when I had to rebuild my A7 a couple of times through exuberant use of the throttle, I notice the A 65 /A50 engine does away with the special comb shaped tool to fit the pushrods. That should be a nice ridable bike when finished, cheers from down under.
Thanks for sharing Ken and checking in!
reminds me of my early bike days where you needed to have a certain mechanical aptitude just to own a bike. my first at 16 was an old leaky smoky C15, my first big bike was a Bsa Golden Flash 2 days after passing my test on the same week i turned 17. i have over the years owned many brit bikes, BSA, Velocette, AJS, and james. the worst being a A65 Lightning Clubman and the best in my opinion was the second A10, a lovely mellow engine that never let me down
When I was a kid I had a BSA B40 350 Star. It leaked like a sieve, was hard to start, it shook, but it was so much faster than my Suzuki 120 that it was worth the trouble to me. It broke its chain one time and it whipped up and hit me in the back which left a nice chain imprint on my t-shirt and my skin. I was 16 then I'm 66 now and have a 2020 KTM 790 Adventure which I truly enjoy. I wish I would have had some of your know how to make that old B40 have better manners but there's probably no 16 year old that has your kind of experience. Good memories however. Thanks for your great channel!
Good story Don and thanks for sharing. The old bikes need a little bit of massaging eh!
"One complete revolution: 365 degrees." Lol, that one made me scratch my head for about 5 seconds before I realized...
I love this channel. I find it mesmerising and relaxing watching rebuilds and service work. Now I need something to work on with a mug of tea.
Right on Stephen, if the video gets you working in the shed it’s done it’s job!
Tip, do the surface of the intake manifold like you did the head on a flat block with fine sandpaper. Cleans it up and flattens it out.
Great stuff,I’m impressed with the British engineering
Glad you like it Pat, cheers for watching!
I did spot the deliberate mistake to see if we were awake, and it is 365 degree's, what happened to the 360 when I was at school? In saying that it's very interesting.
Thanks for watching Demport Boy, we always do our best to be as accurate as we can :)
Great video Dave thank you and a good 2021 to you From Scotland
Right on Chris! You too! (from CMC Team :)
Really enjoying this series, it's amazing the engineering that goes into a motorcycle engine.
Glad you're enjoying it Allan, thanks for saying!
one of three channels i watch on motorcycle restoration and engineering fantastic content and info
Thanks a lot for checking in Paul!
This series is fantastic! I've done several 2 stroke engines, good to hear some 4 stroke specific tips. Many thanks for that. Really looking forward for each new episode. Cheers from the Czech republic.
Thanks Jakub, really nice to know what people are working on.
Happy New Year Dave and fellow viewers. Just the right amount of fast forwarding in those tedious spots to keep me from wanting to jumping over them, enjoying the dialog. Also interesting to see how the BSA design differs from the Triumph twin, I should have been a little more interested in the the BSA when I was in my early days of riding. They look a lot simpler and less likely to leak, where as the Triumph having the two pushrod tubes that could possible leak, (I was always told if it doesn't leak, it's out of oil.) All that is enclosed in the barrel assemble on the BSA, Smart! Always looking forward to the next video. Cheers.
Hey Bakerrv, thanks for the feedback on the fast forwarding, always a fine line with what to show vs keep things moving along. Quite a wide range of viewers on this channel and trying to keep it interesting for everyone no matter what their experience. Happy new year to you!
Nice one Dave! Looking forward to the start up.
What a great way to start the New Year! Thanks Dave, and Happy New Year :-))
Same to you Boris, thanks for saying (CMC Team)!
Maybe next time test fit the rocker shafts in the head before assembly!
Great videos.
Great video , thank you. Wish you and your family a very happy new year.
Thanks a lot Dave, right back at you!
i am learning the old cocknee fred = thread frew = through fow = thou top man i am enjoying the build 😜👍
Enjoyed the video. It’s fascinating watching you at work. Best wishes for the New Year.
Happy new year to you, thanks for watching the videos!
Happy New Year Dave. Best wishes from the Balkans.
Thanks Xtrem Luck! (Dave and the CMC Team)
Great videos. Informative and enjoyable to watch. I am going over my 1969 A65 Lightning after sitting for 5 years unused. I did all of the usual preparations for long term storage and it was easy to get up and running again. I usually restore Japanese bikes and this BSA was purchased from the previous owner with an extensive work order from a reputable shop who rebuilt the motor so I am unfamiliar with the internals. At some point before I owned it, someone removed the tach drive on the motor and used a blocking plate like your single carb Thunderbolt has. I have replaced both meters and would like to locate a tach drive to allow my tachometer to work. I have looked at the exploded view in the parts manual and the service manual, but can't be sure if there could be something missing aside from the tach drive that is attached to the outside of the motor? I believe it runs off the oil pump? My BSA still has little mileage and runs beautifully, and I would rather not take it apart if possible.
Happy new year,I have been watching this series it is excellent. Although there are 360 degrees in a circle. Looking forward to your next video.
Ha; there is! Thanks for watching!
Nice to watch, as always 👍
Thanks Malc!
Happy New Year. I'm really enjoying this series. Dean in Oxfordshire.
Right back at your Dean!
Great video. Thanks so much and Happy New Year!
Same to you Tyler, thanks for watching the videos!
Another 1st class episode.
Thank you so much!
you certainly were lucky with you build no major problems all the parts there and serviceable good luck with parts 8-?
There’s been the odd thing here and there Richard, we’re attempting to show all the problems that arise, glad you liked the video :)
Really enjoyed these videos
Glad to hear Rex, thanks for checking in!
Mr Mitchell, your workshop videos are superb, thank you.
Question: What’s your opinion please about using Hylomar M instead of Wellseal? Example, on an oil sump pan, Hylomar M on pan face and gasket, but dry gasket against sump face?🕊️(Sump and sump pan are both aluminium.)
Great series thank you. You've inspired me to take on a project but with no previous experience or mechanical training its hard to know where to start! Can anyone suggest a video that starts with a very basic level of classic bike restoration and the basic workshop kit I would need? Any suggestions for a suitable project gratefully received! Thanks again and what a fantastic channel 👍
Hey G R, the series how now done it's job and got you inspired, our work is now done! Have you got a project bike yet?
@@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel it certainly has inspired me! No project bike yet as no idea where to start with my first project but I'll continue to research it 👍
@@GR-332 Right on G R, that is actually the best thing that you can do, then take action, you will learn so much by just doing it. When you get the bike get all the workshop manuals for it too (they may not come with the bike).
I wonder how many washers were missed at the production line when everything was done by hand.
I'm a Honda rider but I really enjoy watching your videos. A question or two if I may: Do you find that assembly lube is unnecessary? I see that you use plain old motor oil for this. And would some Loctite on the short head cover stud have been helpful? Thanks.
I enjoy your videos and I have a question about the tachometer drive that you mentioned at approximately 18 minutes on Part 7. I have a 1969 A65 Lightning that I've owned for years and I am freshening it up for spring, and would like to make my tachometer work. A previous owner had the blanking plate where the tachometer drive should come out of the case. Possibly from a Thunderbolt? I am hoping that you may know if it is simply a matter of locating a tach drive adaptor as shown on page 22 of my 1969 parts book? It looks like the Thunderbolt has a drive that's blanked off because it has no tach, but yours appeared to have the drive in the cover. The parts book shows the option of a tach drive adaptor or the plate with no mention of any other differences. If you know if this is correct, I would be very grateful. Thank you, Andre in Canada.
I always stuff rag in the gaps for WHEN I drop a washer ;). would it be ott to check the flatness of the inlet manifold?
Bit by bit
Are their any videos of cleaning and adjusting, a single carb twin. I am working on a 1950 AJS Model 20 Twin, with an Amal 76. Also ignition timing adjustment video would be great, it does have the original points which I would like to keep ideally. I have gotten it running, just needs fine tuning. Thanks for the great content.
Hey, there sort of are but they're contained within larger videos and I don't think they'll be what you're after. We've pulled a few apart recently but they've had to be in time lapse due to time constraints, thanks for watching the videos.
was the head welded on the centre rocker shaft post?
Hello, may I ask what the valve clearances should be
Dont like the wet/dry in assembled engine.
missed one fum = thumb 🤣
I've no intention whatsoever of rebuilding my 'bike. Not as long as I have breath in my body will that happen. So why have I watched all 7 parts. What do you think Doctor?
I think you have the worse case of tool envy I've ever seen. But I think l know someone who can help you. I'll refer you to my colleague Dr. Snap-on.