61 bsa c15

[yamawreck]

finally found one for the right price in trials trim - has anyone got experience with these, what to look out for, what modifications make it competitive etc.

i haven't seen it yet but apparantly it has a bultaco front end, a ktm front wheel and ally tank....

i am planning to enter a few pre 65 trials and the manx classic next year - anything else I should consider doing to this wee beastie?

[iansoady]

Depends who you ride with but some are very strict on period spec - VMCC for instance won't (or wouldn't a few years ago) allow concentrics where there should be monoblocs etc.

[yamawreck]

Originally Posted by iansoady

Depends who you ride with but some are very strict on period spec - VMCC for instance won't (or wouldn't a few years ago) allow concentrics where there should be monoblocs etc.

i am planning on doing a couple of vintage club events - what do you mean by concentrics vs monobloc?

[Big Pete]

They are types of Amal carbs

[Velocette]

Originally Posted by yamawreck

i am planning on doing a couple of vintage club events - what do you mean by concentrics vs monobloc?

Both have an integral float chamber, the Monobloc has it on the side and the concentric has it underneath the mixing chamber. the Concentric superceded the Monobloc so is a bit more modern. I remember buying one brand new for £10 once, I dread to think what they cost now.

[GiantPygmy]

I had a 65/66 C15. The only problem I can remember with it (30 yrs since i sold it!) was that it sheared a couple of woodruff keys on the output shaft, apart from that it was ace!

[yamawreck]

Originally Posted by Velocette

Both have an integral float chamber, the Monobloc has it on the side and the concentric has it underneath the mixing chamber. the Concentric superceded the Monobloc so is a bit more modern. I remember buying one brand new for £10 once, I dread to think what they cost now.

i will post a photo and someone can advise me on carbs - i think that I need to do a lot more research!

[Bike Breaker]

Originally Posted by yamawreck

i am planning on doing a couple of vintage club events - what do you mean by concentrics vs monobloc?

This site could help you with identification. Amal Carburetters

Originally Posted by Velocette

Both have an integral float chamber, the Monobloc has it on the side and the concentric has it underneath the mixing chamber. the Concentric superceded the Monobloc so is a bit more modern. I remember buying one brand new for £10 once, I dread to think what they cost now.

About £130 but it's possible to buy the jets on their own if the body is OK.

[Velocette]

Originally Posted by GiantPygmy

I had a 65/66 C15. The only problem I can remember with it (30 yrs since i sold it!) was that it sheared a couple of woodruff keys on the output shaft, apart from that it was ace!

I had that happen a few times on my Tiger Cub until some kind soul told me you often have to file the top of them down so they don't bottom in the keyway and stop the taper doing its job.

[Velocette]

Originally Posted by Bike Breaker

This site could help you with identification. Amal Carburetters

About £130 but it's possible to buy the jets on their own if the body is OK.

I guess that is quite cheap in real terms. My Venom has a Monobloc with a Bellmouth which I might try and keep, the Concentric I bought was for my Viper.

[yamawreck]

two things missing from a complete bike are exhaust and rear shocks.

exhaust header i can source from sammy miller for £40, does anyone know where I can get a trials silencer - ideally one that will fit inside the frame (I have seen a couple of photos like this)

rear shocks - I have a very comprehensive breaker near me so was going to go and find a pair that fit - does anyone know what the correct length would be?

[Bike Breaker]

Try C&D Autos for most things BSA C and D Autos (BSA Spares Specialists) and Armours, mainly for exhausts, but also do other things Armour?s Official Website
Kidderminster Motorcycles TEL: (01562) 66679 do the rounds of the classic shows and Autojumbles.

I'd suggest you try to get a workshop manual and a parts book for your bike as it makes sourcing and knowing where the bits fit much simpler. I've got the impression that you don't know a lot about old Brit bikes yet. Sourcing some old duffer who is well acquainted with them would also be a good idea. They don't have to be a expert on your particular model as many of the problems delights are common to several makes and models.

I wouldn't bother with 2nd hand shocks as they're likely to be worn out anyway.

Unfortunately the BSA Owners Club don't have a spares scheme, but you should be able to find something that fits if you shop around. It may cost you quite a lot of money though.

[yamawreck]

Originally Posted by Bike Breaker

Try C&D Autos for most things BSA C and D Autos (BSA Spares Specialists) and Armours, mainly for exhausts, but also do other things Armour?s Official Website
Kidderminster Motorcycles TEL: (01562) 66679 do the rounds of the classic shows and Autojumbles.

I'd suggest you try to get a workshop manual and a parts book for your bike as it makes sourcing and knowing where the bits fit much simpler. I've got the impression that you don't know a lot about old Brit bikes yet. Sourcing some old duffer who is well acquainted with them would also be a good idea. They don't have to be a expert on your particular model as many of the problems delights are common to several makes and models.

I wouldn't bother with 2nd hand shocks as they're likely to be worn out anyway.

Unfortunately the BSA Owners Club don't have a spares scheme, but you should be able to find something that fits if you shop around. It may cost you quite a lot of money though.

I have the old duffer in place already - Father in Law restores and races old brit bikes, i race his 1930's BSA based grassstrack bike too.

thank you for the links to the BSA guys - perfect!

[Tomcat]

Originally Posted by yamawreck

anything else I should consider doing to this wee beastie?

Nothing that couldn't be solved with a decent canal.

[Bike Breaker]

Originally Posted by Tomcat

Nothing that couldn't be solved with a decent canal.

Not with the price of scrap these days. Much better to weigh it in.