Category: Workshop

What exactly is a DVR, and why do classic bikes need them? Mike Hutchings explains why he developed a new voltage regulator to suit his BSA A10… ‘A couple of years back I converted to a 12-Volt electrical system on my 1960 BSA A10, employing a commonly available electronic regulator’ says Mike Hutchings. He’s currently Secretary of the Hampshire branch…

Transform your juddering and shuddering classic bike into a smooth performer. Always a sucker for a workshop gadget, Martin Gelder presents a balanced approach to carburettor set-up using vacuum dial gauges… A set of carefully balanced carburettors can transform the way a bike rides. They can turn a shuddering and rattling monster into a smoothly humming wonder, and transform a…

Even the best classic bike won’t corner correctly if its wheels are out of line. Les Howard has come up with an ingenious high-tech method to ensure one wheel follows the other, exactly… I’ve owned motorcycles for over 40 years, and repaired or renovated lots of them. Out of the all the maintenance jobs that were required, there was always…

Stu Thomson wanted to improve the low-rev running on his Laverda 750 twin. So here’s how he fitted a modern electronic ignition unit to it… I have fitted a Pazon Surefire ignition to my Laverda 750cc SF1. I used the unit designed for the Triumph, BSA and Norton twins. I am a retired engineer and made some parts for this…

Philip Packham shows us how to use an anchor bolt designed for construction to remove a worn bush from a blind hole. Norton Commando kickstart shaft, anyone? A Dynabolt is an example of an anchor bot that uses a wedging effect to expand itself to grip the inside of a hole. Typically used in building construction and civil engineering, RealClassic…

Dave Wooding’s saddle split and he didn’t want to pay top dollar for an inferior replacement. The solution was a leather saddle cover for less than a fiver… Problem? The fabric cover on the new Indian-made single saddle split as I fitted it to my old Enfield. Gaffer tape made a temporary repair, but would I buy a new cover…