Manky Monkey Motors

Technical Section => Bike Tech => Topic started by: the coppersmith on November 04, 2018, 09:00:17 PM



Title: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on November 04, 2018, 09:00:17 PM
I have bought Andys bike, I love it. I hate it, I love it a bit more again tonight. Andy pointed out a oil leak , small insignificant weep. Well it got a tad worse, dripped on the exhaust and stunk. Found it to be a oilseal on the cam behind the timing assembly. Whatever you do beware of turning the engine, Andy warned. Well I didnt turn the engine, but the rotor did turn. Panic, yep Panic. So I went to retime it, no timing marks on the aftermarket alternator !! Back to old school, thing down the plug hole and feel the piston rising blowing so its a compression stroke (found out it makes no difference) set the rotor and test, fingers and bits crossed, I kicked it, it kicked me back !! Slight adjustment and it fired up, oh what joy. So Andy isn't pushing it around Basingstoke after dark, I am pushing it around Plymouth. Saying that, it has attracted some admiring glances from the fellow bikers in the area. So many thanks Andy. Now then, this Pop up for grabs yet ?? ;D ;D


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on November 04, 2018, 09:22:51 PM
Ahh, the joys of bike ownership! :)
Glad you got it sorted Steve.
Less tinkering, more riding! :)


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on November 04, 2018, 09:26:21 PM
I do enjoy a good tinkle.  ;D clocked over 100 miles Andy, oh no oil leak, joy oh joy, did you know you are meant to seal the screws as well that hold the back plate on, well they are now  ;D ;D ;


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: stinkey on November 05, 2018, 07:00:51 AM
Steve..tinkering and a tinkle are two different things ( in my world anyway ::)) and a tinkle is a bodily function  ;D
Maybe pushing and kick starting the bike caused that? :D
Glad your enjoying the chop,I've been in the same boat as Andy and sold off some projects which I've partially regretted ? And often wonder what happened to them ?


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on November 05, 2018, 09:43:59 AM
Yeah, I'm really pleased you're getting out & about on it Steve -we need some photos next time :)
I'd spent so long wrestling -& tinkering with the thing, that all the enjoyment had gone for me. Makes me happy to see it finally sorted though. :)


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on November 05, 2018, 11:52:28 AM
heres a question, being slightly old world and from a scramble back ground and fast road bikes. This raked front end? any tips on cornering, just sees to drop in a bit quick. Or is it me?


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: stinkey on November 05, 2018, 04:45:44 PM
Well hardtail chops are a whole new ball game dude..I once rode one everyday around London and taking those back street turns/bends was easier if I went quick and low..great fun 8)


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: BikerGran on November 05, 2018, 07:37:13 PM
I expect it's just a matter of getting used to it.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on November 05, 2018, 08:04:16 PM
Yeah, I've had a lot of hardtails chops over the years & I guess you just get used to it. As Stinkey says, dropping low into the corners does help
The forks are standard length but there's 7° of rake in the headstock so it sits lower than a standard XS.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: morrag on November 05, 2018, 08:47:14 PM
And that is what makes it "flop" in to corners, not the hard tail, that's irrelevant, bit like a super market trolley in principle ;)...Morrag


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: stinkey on November 05, 2018, 09:06:38 PM
It's the trail that's making it flop..you'd need to do some major headstock work to get it handling more to your liking?


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on November 05, 2018, 09:46:55 PM
It rode just fine.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Olds on November 06, 2018, 08:00:12 AM
The Frog doesn't have excessive rake. At +7 it's almost the same as my XVS650 (35).  More rake and trail make forks flop into corners if going very slow (pulling away at T junctions), but should make it more stable at higher speeds.
You just need to ride it like you stole it.  ;D


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: stinkey on November 06, 2018, 09:47:40 AM
Exactly..the more you Rag it.the better 8)


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on November 06, 2018, 09:55:30 AM
I sort of hoped it was me, but thought I'd try to be old and logical  ;D ;D


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: stinkey on November 06, 2018, 04:08:46 PM
How old is old?


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on November 06, 2018, 06:54:02 PM
well I had a brand new Honda 750 when they first came to these shores. That was back in 69-70. Old enough to have ridden scrambles not Moto-X, and went to Brands every Easter for the match races with the Yanks.
 ;D ;D


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: BikerGran on November 06, 2018, 07:51:37 PM
Haha we used to have family outings to Scrambles meetings, all over the midlands, followed our favourite riders and even ate in a cafe in Nailsworth that belonged to one of them (no idea what his name was, like you it's rather a long time ago!) on the way home from a Gloucestershire meet.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on November 06, 2018, 10:04:52 PM
I remember the Transatlantic bike races at Thruxton in the early 80s.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on November 07, 2018, 02:17:20 PM
I used to production race at Thruxton, in the days when you rode up, taped up you headlamps, raced twice and rode home. Went on to hillclimbs at Wiscombe park, with limited success. I had "Berg Spider" thruxton Bonneville. Evil handling, the old Triumph whip swinging arm. Great days, then the jap invasion came and I just wasnt competitive. 


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Olds on November 07, 2018, 03:47:09 PM
then the jap invasion came. 
Had a RD Yam in the late 70's that was built for production racing at Thruxton.  Bloody awful as a road bike. Uncomfortable, unreliable, narrow power band, limited steering lock and noisy as hell, but oh so much fun on the ring road.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on November 08, 2018, 12:03:30 AM
:) I had a Thruxton tuned 750 Bonny engine in my '66 Triumph when I was in my early 20s.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: triker_Chewie on November 09, 2018, 11:47:10 PM
i had thruxton once but an ointment cleared it up



coat?


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: stinkey on November 10, 2018, 07:17:33 AM
It's a brain wasting condition so no amount of ointment will work ? ::)


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on November 10, 2018, 12:06:16 PM

It's a brain wasting condition so no amount of ointment will work ? ::)

Well, it took a few lumps of flesh off my arse when I threw it up the road a few times  ;D ;D


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on November 10, 2018, 09:29:33 PM
pigging bike !! >:(
running ok, then started misfire. switched lights to side light and it ran, put back on main and it died. Luckily not far from home so candle power got it home. EH ??


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: BikerGran on November 11, 2018, 04:12:45 PM
That's just what happened with my little Yam when the generator was fading when hot - but doesn't frog have electronic ignition?


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on November 11, 2018, 08:38:05 PM
just for something to do, I charged the battery, just been out and about on it, and its fine ?? lights are great, bike ran great, wonder if the alternator is not quite chucking enough charge into the battery. I will look at it, sometime, having fun with it, that is what counts  ;D ;D


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on November 11, 2018, 08:38:42 PM
Oh, and no more oil leak Andy.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on November 11, 2018, 09:26:00 PM
Hurrah! One problem solved at least.
I had an oil leak but it ran fine.
Pretty sure the brand new permanent magnet alternator puts out more power than the standard one. If I remember right you can run it without a battery if you want. Tom fitted it, but he's on holiday at the moment.
I'll look out all the bike related paperwork I have & send it to you.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: BikerGran on November 12, 2018, 10:38:31 AM
just for something to do, I charged the battery, just been out and about on it, and its fine ?? lights are great, bike ran great, wonder if the alternator is not quite chucking enough charge into the battery.

Loose connection somewhere?  Intermittent faults are the worst!


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on November 12, 2018, 05:19:00 PM
been fussing, the alternator seems to be kicking out 11.26 volts. Then you blip it and it chucks out 13.4 volts. But it needs a few revs to get it going, then its fine. Time to stop poodling around on it then   ;D


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: stinkey on November 12, 2018, 05:20:36 PM
And do what? Push it about again? Oh no! :o


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: BikerGran on November 12, 2018, 05:44:12 PM
No, rag the arse off it!

 ;D


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on November 12, 2018, 07:17:43 PM
Sound advice! :)


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: morrag on November 12, 2018, 08:09:50 PM
11.26v at 'tick-over' speed is insufficient to keep your battery fully charged, hence the miss fires. At a tick-over speed of possibly nom. 800 rpm, you should be developing in excess of 13V dc, progressing to 14.5v dc, at 5000rpm plus, all voltages/RPM's nominal, of course, anything much over 15v will destroy your battery, and would generally indicate a knackered Reg./ Rect. unit anyway. If Mr.M can find the original data sheets for the PMA system you have fitted, you can then be more specific with the figures, but you should not need to screw the motor just to get a sufficient charge rate, that's why we abandoned Dynamos ;) ;) ;)...Morrag


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: stinkey on November 12, 2018, 08:12:16 PM
Nice bit of advice Mr Morrag..even I understood it ;D


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Tony oily bike on November 12, 2018, 10:37:53 PM
Any use..............??

http://www.mankymonkeymotors.co.uk/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=j15679aiq35t12h5jho5870lk1&topic=7916.1920

https://www.hughshandbuilt.com/product/complete-xs650-pma-system/

https://www.hughshandbuilt.com/2017/01/25/mosfet-regulators-why/


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: minimutly on November 12, 2018, 10:54:48 PM
Old yamahas never charged the battery under 1300 rpm - your pmg unit might be different, but it doesn't sound like it. My xj needs 1300 rpm...


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: morrag on November 12, 2018, 11:59:42 PM
That's the reason for a change to a PMA device, over the previous separately excited type of alternator, and which will certainly charge in excess of 13v dc from relatively low RPM! The outline values I have given, whilst not particular to this machine, are certainly, as a general application, a fact, and as such obtainable. Indeed for trouble free use, this is what should be aimed for,  ;)..Morrag


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Olds on November 13, 2018, 06:19:13 AM
For some reason my trike is exactly the same. On start up ign./charge light stays on until the engine is blip'd or reaches about 2000 revs then it's fine even at tickover (13.6v) so have never worried about it.
I've never measured the output voltage at higher rpm but seeing as I've knackered a couple of batteries perhaps I should.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: morrag on November 13, 2018, 01:34:50 PM
That's usually the case if you have a servo/electric voltage regulator in circuit, as opposed to fully solid state, unlikely in your case, I would guess, Dave, but worth checking, as is the over voltage control settings if you are going through batteries. What size/type of battery do you use?... Morrag


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on November 13, 2018, 02:31:54 PM
Thank you all for your input, see how I used the word "input" anyway, pleased to say since I charged the battery it is fine. Showing a good charge rate etc. Hopefully just a teething problem, not understanding these modern bits and pieces. Starting first and second kick, and the lights are now good. I have some technical reading to do, To understand what you are all on about.  ;D ;D ;D


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on December 14, 2018, 07:14:34 PM
Frog update: well its idle in the cave at present. I have put it on sorn, getting a tad chilly for my old bones. Lat trip of the year I rode it to Bude and back 85 miles of lovely Devon roads. Got about 20 miles away from home on the return trip and noticed the smell !! Oil leak returned from cam oil seal. Drips on to the casing and the exhaust and stinks. Plus it gets on your boot, your jeans, your socks and on my nerves !!. A quick wipe with some bracken leaves and carried on home gingerly. At least my left boot or my left ankle will go rusty, long story shortened. The seal failed again. Asked advice of experts, need a silicone one, they are orange in colour. Bearing shop had them on the shelf !! Then I had a message from a XS650 guru, pointing me to a Dutch builder, power of the internet kicks in and 3 days later I have a genuine Yamaha oil seal. Noticed that it is a lot thicker, a lot more flexible and is double lipped. So over the next month or so I will try again. Love the bike, people pass good comments. Roll on spring  ;D ;D


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on December 14, 2018, 07:38:43 PM
.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on December 14, 2018, 07:39:50 PM
not all about the bike either  ;D


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: stinkey on December 14, 2018, 07:41:11 PM
Must be warm down there ? Glad your riding the frog..


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on December 15, 2018, 10:16:58 AM
You're braver than me, still riding in December :)
Usually when I sell vehicles, they disappear, never to be seen again. I'm glad this one stayed "in the family" so we'll get to see an update once in a while.
Thanks Steve :)


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: minimutly on December 15, 2018, 10:36:50 PM
Maybe you just have to be selective to pick the right day, and the right time of day at that.
And coppersmith, where's your stool, you'll kill your knees like that ;)


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on December 27, 2018, 01:48:24 PM
genuine Yamaha double lipped cam oil seal, verses the one from ebay. The thicker one is the correct seal. Same OD but it fits so much better on the cam, hopefully this is the last problem.  :o Oh dear, did I say that ?? ;D


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on December 27, 2018, 05:49:49 PM
Ha ha! Yeah, I used to say stuff like that! :)


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on January 02, 2019, 08:15:47 PM
nice day, gave it a bit of air


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on January 02, 2019, 08:16:25 PM
.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on January 02, 2019, 08:17:19 PM
just in case you are missing it Andy  ;D ;D


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on January 02, 2019, 09:04:28 PM
Hello baby. :)


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on January 03, 2019, 11:52:21 AM
 ;D


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: stinkey on January 03, 2019, 03:36:01 PM
Did ya ride it dude ?


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on January 03, 2019, 04:44:49 PM
yep, close on 200 miles now, longest trip was 40 miles one way then home again once my bottle came back  :D now on sorn for the winter, yeah bit of a wimp I know, plus the oil seal saga.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: BikerGran on January 03, 2019, 06:45:23 PM
Nope, not a wimp - I bet you've been there and done that, and don't need to prove anything - I felt the same myself before I had to stop riding!


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: stinkey on January 04, 2019, 07:59:50 AM
Ya not a wimp dude ya rode it,I'm envious of anybody who can ride in the colder months..and we invented cars so we didn't get wet etc, most people are fairweather riders anyway :D


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on January 04, 2019, 03:54:08 PM
I'm just pleased it went to someone who will ride it, rather than slowly fading away under a tarpaulin -the bike, not you Steve :)


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on January 04, 2019, 08:44:38 PM
today I felt like fading away, man flu  :(


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on January 04, 2019, 08:57:46 PM
bit of sun, and the toys are out side


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: stinkey on January 05, 2019, 07:30:04 AM
Can I ask what's the wheel base on that car of yours ?


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on January 05, 2019, 08:08:26 PM
I'll get back to you on that Stinkey  ???


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on January 06, 2019, 07:08:54 PM
93" or 2308mm in new money  ;D


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: stinkey on January 08, 2019, 08:01:46 AM
Cheers kind sir


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on January 28, 2019, 06:59:09 PM
Hey Steve, you're famous! :)
Spotted by a mate on Instagram.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on January 29, 2019, 11:20:03 AM
uhm ?? what is instagram? have I been hacked  :o


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on January 29, 2019, 12:09:11 PM
Don't worry, you've just been shared :)
Once you're on the interweb there's no telling where you'll pop up or who'll see it :)


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Tony oily bike on January 29, 2019, 01:57:14 PM
.... and once there, you're there,  "you can't un-ring the bell"......  :o


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on January 29, 2019, 05:53:38 PM
should I be alarmed


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on February 02, 2019, 08:26:10 PM
lovely day for a gentle run up the moors and back. Bleeding clutch has stuck, cannot move it. tried bumping it, just warmed it through in second gear, nothing. HELP!!!


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on February 02, 2019, 09:03:45 PM
?


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on February 02, 2019, 09:12:20 PM
not releasing Andy, tried all sorts. Just been told it should go if hot, seems the oil sticks the plates together, mind that is a facebook opinion  :o


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: terry t on February 02, 2019, 09:34:22 PM
not releasing Andy, tried all sorts. Just been told it should go if hot, seems the oil sticks the plates together, mind that is a facebook opinion  :o
Is there any adjustment on the clutch lifter pin.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on February 02, 2019, 09:52:34 PM
Used to have to free the plates off on my Bonnevilles by kicking them over with the clutch lever pulled in & ignition off.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Archie on February 14, 2019, 10:39:54 AM
is it leaking from the cam oil seal still? Saw this and thought of it - https://www.heidentuning.com/xs650-shop/engine/camshafts-camchains-valves-guides/camshaft-side-covers-aluminium-1-detail.html


DESCRIPTION
Sold as a set (2 pc.)
Only for XS models with the ignition on the crank!
Stops oil leak problems on the camshaft.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on February 14, 2019, 01:52:51 PM
No good unfortunately -the ignition's fired off a pick-up where the points used to be.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on February 21, 2019, 06:14:27 PM
nice sunny spring day, took the frog for a not so gentle run. Got home to discover something missing !!


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on February 21, 2019, 06:15:58 PM
so retraced my steps, and lo and behold I found it in the gutter, unharmed but lonely  :D


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on February 21, 2019, 06:16:30 PM
good vibrations................nope


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on February 21, 2019, 08:04:59 PM
Oh Jeez! It's still fighting every step of the way isn't it!


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on February 22, 2019, 09:43:39 AM
Yep, every step Andy. Wouldnt want it any other way  :D Oil leak fixed, indicator wiring fixed again. Re timed and starts first poke. Oh and the circlip on the kickstart tried to make a run for it, but I caught it in time. Just bedding in problems, nothing horrid. Engine runs good, starting to get a feel for the handling, roll on hot summer, Please.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on February 22, 2019, 04:08:43 PM
It's a lovely riding day here today & it's forecast to be nice all weekend -enjoy! :)


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on February 22, 2019, 07:45:00 PM
A worms eye view


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on April 24, 2019, 07:41:26 PM
just so you all know its still alive and fighting every step. Clutch stuck again, no more adjustment left on cable. Dig deeper. Head gasket leaking oil from ca chain area, seems a common fault. Fed up??? no, still teething trouble. Getting there, work in progress You all know the score


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on April 25, 2019, 05:02:23 PM
I admire your tenacity Sir
Id've set fire to it by now.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Tony oily bike on April 26, 2019, 01:02:14 PM
I admire your tenacity Sir
Id've set fire to it by now.

Gives a whole new meaning to doing a burnout.......... :D


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on April 27, 2019, 07:19:20 PM
arghhhh!!! To change the head gasket, looking like a fuel tank off job, nope. Looking more like an engine out job. Starting to feel your pain Andy. New genuine gasket from Holland has arrived. Heres to next weeks work  >:(


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on April 28, 2019, 08:54:16 AM
:) I was at Archie's house last night. He now has several XS chops on the go. I think they'll always be my favourite bikes, but I must admit I feel no compulsion to get back on one at all. I've done my time with bikes now.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on May 10, 2019, 07:22:59 PM
. Running well  ;D


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on May 10, 2019, 07:23:34 PM
recaptured my yuff !!


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on May 11, 2019, 06:16:27 PM
Lookin' good my friend! :)


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: stinkey on May 13, 2019, 07:44:17 AM
At least you have still got your hair 😁


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on June 10, 2019, 11:39:28 PM
Don't want to steal your thunder Steve, but lovely shot of you & the bike :)
Lookin' good.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on June 11, 2019, 07:17:32 PM
OH SIR, i'M BLUSHING.  :o


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on June 11, 2019, 07:20:25 PM
I was getting ready to pull it apart, get this head oil leak thing sorted. And the wife popped in a took this. I still havent pulled it apart. Seems a shame too, but that bloody leak is getting more as the bike gets used and gets hotter


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on June 11, 2019, 08:24:59 PM
It definitely got rattlier on the top end in the 6 months I was riding it, so I guess it needs to be sorted, but it'll be a bugger to get the motor out without destroying the paintwork. XS motors weigh a bloomin' ton too.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on November 12, 2019, 12:54:13 PM
The frog is put away for the cold months, I'm to old to be sat on my arse in the middle of a slippery road. So, at last I'm going to sort this trouble some clutch once and for all, says I in an authoritive tone! Someone on another site has done a hydraulic conversion, it looks very nice, waiting for a reply on parts used. But why? I've used cable clutches for years. I'm sure there is a daft reason why this clutch fails to disengage, drags, whatever. Andy has passed his gremlin on to me  ;D ;D 


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on November 12, 2019, 04:22:54 PM
I fitted a hydraulic clutch arm to my last Reliant trike. Not true hydraulic clutch, just a Mini slave cylinder to push the operating arm, but it made the clutch operation much smoother & less effort.
I'm impressed you haven't set fire to it yet! :)
Occasionally I miss this bike & think it'd be fun to ride again -but not enough to want it back :)


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: morrag on November 12, 2019, 08:11:49 PM
Steve, I can't believe that it's a Bowden prob. more like 60's Triumphs, you have to adjust the plates to lift spot on equally, and the difference between "dragging" and "slipping", as you are probably aware, is minuscule!! I have run Velocettes for many years, and they are infinitely harder to set up, the buggers will slip and drag at the same time ??? ??? ???.. so persevere, it will come right, can you leave the primary case off whilst investigating? it will do no harm as long as your 'kind' to the clutch, not wishing to "..teach you to.....etc" but sometimes a little reminder can help! Regards, Morrag.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on November 13, 2019, 06:53:59 PM
Hit it with a stick.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: morrag on November 13, 2019, 08:22:57 PM
Now, now Mr. M we will have none of that! you just go over there and play with your axle, while the bigger boys sort this out............................... :o :o


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on November 14, 2019, 12:08:32 PM
sat by the A38, collecting up little springs of my Velocette clutch, happy memories Morrag. That is why I went Japanese all those years back, despite the wrath of all those in our "gang". And now this Yamaha is giving me heartburn  :D


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on November 14, 2019, 03:47:29 PM
It behaves more like a Brit bike than most of the Brits I've owned! :)
I did enjoy riding it when it was going well, but ran out of patience with it in the end, as well as realising I just wasn't enjoying biking in general like I used to.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on November 15, 2019, 07:57:01 PM
EUREKA !! today playing silly bu**ers in my cave, the clutch stopped working completely. A quick look in the adjuster hole and clearly see something is amiss. The worm drive thingy wotsit has fell to bits. Disaster I know, but at least I have now found something.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on November 16, 2019, 10:43:50 AM
Really? That was a new one. I replaced the original because it had done the same thing -it's a plastic screw thread & a chunk of it was missing. A sign of excess, (XS?), pressure or resistance maybe?
I bought a set of uprated clutch plate springs, but think I re-used the softer originals because the new ones felt too stiff.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on November 18, 2019, 01:53:54 PM
I have ordered a brand new one from some tuner. He assures me that they now use a harder nylotron worm that is self lube and very smooth. So arm and leg removed and paid for  :D


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on November 19, 2019, 06:38:19 PM
Problem hopefully solved then :)


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on November 22, 2019, 10:44:44 AM
 ??? just been fiddling, those who saw the video of the clutch arm wiggling about will understand. Not only has the plastic worm drive collapsed, but the screws holding the assembling to the crank case has pulled the threads out. Bit miffed, spanners thrown, feet stamped, dummy spat. :-[ So, the next step is helicoil or retap one size up. I think Andy was justified in getting rid. I'm not that way yet........yet.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: stinkey on November 22, 2019, 08:15:56 PM
Soon 😱


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on November 23, 2019, 09:04:22 AM
I feel your pain mate. Bigger size & threadlock the buggers.
Still sounds like that worm drive assembly's under excessive pressure to me.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on November 26, 2019, 04:19:40 PM
tizzy's 'ere. ready to try again


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: stinkey on November 26, 2019, 06:03:29 PM
Good luck


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on November 27, 2019, 12:08:10 PM
Sorted :)


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on November 27, 2019, 02:19:28 PM
seems there is a mod to the mod to do which alleviates the twist on the spiral gears. Now I have to read up and ensure I can do it  :o :o


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on November 27, 2019, 07:52:14 PM
Curious.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on January 03, 2020, 08:32:37 PM
I'm still here, been a bit low and the wife has been ill, operation etc. Now my turn  :( BUT, I'm here still working on the frog in my spare time and hoping to bore you all with my travels and exploit during 2020.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on January 04, 2020, 06:32:04 PM
Hopefully we'll both be on the road in the Spring & could maybe meet up at a show somewhere. :)


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on January 09, 2020, 05:03:42 PM
clutching at straws, rebuild it, all new parts and new grease and oil, gaskets etc. what can possibly go wrong ?


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on January 09, 2020, 05:04:15 PM
.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on January 09, 2020, 05:04:50 PM
.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: stinkey on January 09, 2020, 05:11:27 PM
Fingers crossed 👍😎


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on January 09, 2020, 05:18:12 PM
fingers crossed it stops raining, bloody peeing it down all day  >:(


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on January 10, 2020, 09:15:15 AM
CLUTCHing at straws -I see what you did there :)


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on January 10, 2020, 07:08:15 PM
as you know Andy, I'm still clutching  >:(


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on January 10, 2020, 07:24:00 PM
 :(


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on January 11, 2020, 09:00:59 AM
Solid, as in the plates aren't separating?
Bent or broken pushrod?
Forgot to put the ball bearing in against the end of the rod?
Too many plates? (pressure plate touching the inside of the righthand casing when you operate the clutch).


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on January 13, 2020, 11:41:23 AM
rusty plates due to lack of use? maybe, dry as a chip too


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on January 13, 2020, 11:42:34 AM
stuck in the basket


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on January 13, 2020, 11:43:29 AM
before and after


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on January 13, 2020, 12:01:03 PM
finished putting it together after hours of cleaning and removing microscopic burrs etc.Paranoid! However, I now have this lovely two finger clutch operation, I'm so happy I could kiss the frog  :o


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on January 13, 2020, 12:13:13 PM
.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: stinkey on January 13, 2020, 04:41:00 PM
Lack of use?  Didn't Andy use this just before you bought it? 🤔


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: BikerGran on January 13, 2020, 05:20:58 PM
Dry?    Why?


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: terry t on January 13, 2020, 07:19:47 PM
rusty plates due to lack of use? maybe, dry as a chip too

Was there any oil in there?


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: morrag on January 13, 2020, 08:48:30 PM
Now whilst not wishing to "Teach Granny how to....etc." check out the approved, ie. manuf. recommendation, fulcrum to Bowden nipple dimension for this clutch operating lever, getting it wrong has huge implications regarding 'easy' to 'hard' clutch operation, worth a measure?   ??? ??? ??? ???..Morrag


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on January 14, 2020, 09:59:59 AM
thank you all for your inout, glad to say I have a lovely clutch now, fresh build, fresh oil and it is perfect. Interesting advice from a foreign tuner, bike is on side stand for the winter, its on the opposite side from the clutch. The oil is running away from the clutch for months on end, just a thought from a Dutchman.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: minimutly on January 15, 2020, 09:37:18 PM
My "junk" xj650 had been on its side since someone had pinched the forks - maybe years, the clutch was stuck fast. cable tied the lever in for weeks, no difference, had to actually run the engine against a shed rsj before it released, still doesn't work quietly, and the cover gasket leaks like a sieve - did it dry out too?


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on January 23, 2020, 03:27:23 PM
Twas cold but sunny, so I just nipped out on and in both. Pleased with my efforts with the clutch, still dragging a bit, but it may just need a good boat.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on January 23, 2020, 03:28:40 PM
Andy this for me  ;D ;D


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on January 23, 2020, 05:39:07 PM
Ha ha!
I posted that same phrase on Facebook when I still owned the bike.
Glad the clutch is working out. As you say, maybe it just needs some Springtime use now.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on February 09, 2020, 02:49:53 PM
Blew the cobwebs off the frog yesterday before the storm came rolling in. Clutch is behaving, best its felt. Coming home bit of a stutter on the big roundabout, then cleared, coming down the hill more stuttering, bloody thing ran out of fuel. Luckily I coasted most of the way home, and a neighbour helped me push it home. Andy, did you fill the tank?  ;D ;D


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on February 09, 2020, 07:37:43 PM
 ;D I've absolutely no idea what it did to the gallon. Have you worked it out? Apparently, not quite enough :)


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on February 13, 2020, 10:16:28 AM
big oil leak has reappeared between head and barrels, front. So decided engine out, rebuild top end. Scared? yep


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on February 13, 2020, 04:43:40 PM
What could possibly go wrong?!
The engine was a bloomin' tight fit in the frame & weighs an absolute ton, so don't go trying to lift it out on your own mate.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on February 17, 2020, 04:26:22 PM
.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on February 17, 2020, 04:27:22 PM
its out !!


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on February 17, 2020, 04:43:17 PM
the broken stud and casting


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on February 17, 2020, 04:47:44 PM
so now I'm off to y old place to beg an hour on the AC Tig plant. Wonder if I still have the magic fingers?


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: morrag on February 17, 2020, 05:01:58 PM
Bloody Japanese rubbish! that would never happen to Brit. built iron.. ;D..now would it? 8)...I'll get me coat...


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on February 17, 2020, 08:39:25 PM
Hang on. Have I missed something? -what broken stud & casting?


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on February 18, 2020, 09:55:52 AM
its the one at the rear above the chain tensioner, bloody 8mm. It was corroded to the head. When I put a squeeze on it snapped. So I reverted to heat and a tap to try and shock it, then the casing fell apart with porosity or rot or something that attacks alloy when in close contact with cadmium plated bolt. Last photo shows the broken casing


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on February 18, 2020, 08:27:33 PM
Bugger.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on February 21, 2020, 07:39:46 PM
Hopefully its on the way to being finished. Been a long time since I fiddled with a bike engine. Tiz only metal and nuts and bolts, my old dad would say, it cannot think for itself.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on February 21, 2020, 08:51:45 PM
My Dad used to say the same, but they regularly outwit me.
Barrels look nice in black.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on February 24, 2020, 10:04:24 AM
Oh, I'm hoping for a happy Monday, not a Manic one. Swing low!!


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: merv on February 24, 2020, 10:41:41 AM
Hoping it all goes well for you


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on February 24, 2020, 05:25:43 PM
Maybe just display the engine on a chain & tell everyone it's art :)


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on February 24, 2020, 05:44:58 PM
its in, very carefully, one minor scratch on the frame


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on February 24, 2020, 05:46:19 PM
bloody nippy in here. That mist is off my spanners cooling down  ;D ;D


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on February 24, 2020, 05:50:08 PM
That's a big percussive persuasion tool :)
I'm impressed -I struggled to lift the motor on my own. I'm guessing an exhaust stud scratched a front down tube?
So what have you done to the motor while it's been out?


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on February 24, 2020, 05:56:49 PM
what have I done? Checked every bearing all good. Replaced every top end gasket. Had the barrels off and honed them. They are very good. I should have had it vapour cleaned etc. But the equipment was broken when I went, so settled for a good degrease. Hopefully the end of the mystery of this oil leak. Jap bikes don't leak oil, do they. Everything is checked and torqued, so fingers and eyes crossed. Looking forward to a good summer.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on February 24, 2020, 07:00:47 PM
Well if that lot doesn't fix it, nothing will!


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on February 26, 2020, 02:00:23 PM
about 3 weeks back I ordered a full gasket set. It never arrived. So I ordered another one from Holland, 3 days it was on my porch ?? how can that be. Anyway I carried on and built the motor, all new gaskets and seals. Put the motor back in the frame, and then I have been struck down by some virus or other, so taking it easy for a few days. Today, the original gasket set turned up !! With a note saying, this came to us by mistake !!


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: stinkey on February 26, 2020, 05:18:41 PM
So did you pay for both?  Try living in Spain the postal service is rather vague..although Amazon have improved delivery
 here for some things 😁
Ordinary letters take between 10 days to a month? 😥


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: minimutly on February 26, 2020, 09:15:59 PM
Sitting down on the job - come on, no slacking there!


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on February 26, 2020, 10:17:16 PM
Chopper virus?
At least you've got spares for everything now :)


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on February 28, 2020, 02:35:09 PM
Stinkey: no got my money back, so quids in.
Minimutly: Yep sat down, I'm feeling my age.
Manky: Chopper virus? sounds unpleasant.

I'm improving, but very dizzy, so staying put until the weather improves, the floods subside, the corona virus goes, and the sun pokes out for a glorious heatwave.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on February 28, 2020, 05:41:49 PM
See you in August then :)


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on March 06, 2020, 08:21:03 PM
finally the bike is all together, all fed and ready. Lots of sparks, plenty of juice, but, no go >:( Kicked it, swore at it, had a cup of tea while looking at it but no go. Plugs out, timing checked, valve timing checked, no go. Walked away, came back, fiddled and it fired. it fires every time but will not run. Checked this boyer system all appears good. Just not sparks and fuel at the right moment. So I gave up. See to it tomorrow, fresh pair of eyes. My excuse anyway.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on March 07, 2020, 12:17:19 PM
The frog lives 👍
Not having timing marks, I discovered I needed a lot more advance. So followed the Boyer instruction page on the web. And guesstimate the advance, and it ran. YIPPEE 😜


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: merv on March 07, 2020, 03:37:11 PM
that's good news, difference a day makes


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on March 07, 2020, 03:45:00 PM
I find staring at it really, really hard usually works :)


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on March 09, 2020, 02:31:01 PM
OH, it starts first kick !! Took it for a naughty ride no MOT, its being done tomorrow, so had to do quick test  ;)


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on March 09, 2020, 02:31:59 PM
. no oily bits underneath  ;)


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on March 09, 2020, 06:10:46 PM
Hurrah! I commend your perseverence my friend -I definitely would've set fire to it by now!
So -how did it go?


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on March 09, 2020, 06:25:02 PM
Andy, it went surprisingly well, unless I forgot. It nearly pulled my arms off at the junction. I gunned it up the steep hill to the factory units and it pulled very strong. I’m a happy chappy today.
Now to persevere with the red car, got my mojo back 😜


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: stinkey on March 09, 2020, 08:03:10 PM
Naughty ride and your MOJO back..you lucky lucky 🤐🤐😂


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on March 10, 2020, 07:06:21 PM
Really pleased to hear it matey :)


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on August 12, 2020, 04:54:12 PM
so hot took the frog out, Tavistock across the moors, no problems  :o


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on August 12, 2020, 04:56:58 PM
just for the main monkey, I know you miss it


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on August 12, 2020, 09:36:50 PM
:) I do -kinda.
Mr Lunatic's just acquired a Harley Sportster he plans to mildly chop. I look at chops & think I used to have one of those. I think I'd still enjoy the buzz of arriving somewhere on it & getting lots of attention, but riding in general, especially on my own, just lost it's appeal.
I always used to ride with a few mates when I was younger, so it was a social thing, plus I'd forgotten how much of a pain it was to lug all the gear about with you when you stop anywhere!
Pleased to hear it's finally behaving itself :)


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: BikerGran on August 22, 2020, 09:17:39 PM
I know just what you mean Andy - I'm like that with trikes and bikes.  No so much 'I wish I still had one to ride', more of a vague 'wish I was still part of that world'.  But really it's more 'been there done that' - got loads of T shirts!


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on August 24, 2020, 03:15:30 PM
I also find the roads far more dangerous than they used to be.
People either don't care about anyone else or they see driving as some sort of gladiatorial sport where they have to prove how macho they are & courtesy is seen as a sign of weakness.
I felt much more vulnerable on a bike than I used to, but maybe that's an age thing.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on September 12, 2020, 06:45:41 PM
Took the frog out for a warm up, Im hoping to take part in the gentlemans ride soon, seeing its for something I seem to be suffering from now, anyway, bike is going well, pulling really strong. Stopped for a coffee at Capn. Jaspers met another old biker, welder coppersmith who has a XS650 in his shed, wanted to know if I wanted it  :o well its a sort of flat track design, got upside down R1 forks and CCM spoke wheels sort of gold coloured. Im going for a look at it tomorrow, so look out all


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on September 12, 2020, 08:36:48 PM
You'll end up like Archie with a whole garage full of XSs!


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on October 16, 2020, 04:23:25 PM
Well after my mate seen the frog he has decided to start work on the xs he said I could have 😱 it’s going to be a flat track looking thing, I’m dissapointed I had plans fort that 👍


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on October 16, 2020, 11:15:28 PM
Oops! :)


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on November 04, 2020, 12:43:41 PM
Paranoia 😱 riding along, suddenly, was that a stutter? Then it’s great, then another 😱. Checked my fuel, it’s all good. Fired up second kick. Just turning around by Dartmoor prison and it stuttered, didn’t it? I think it did 🤪 Nice day, quiet, long road down to Yelverton, rolled the throttle a bit more going great. Maybe it was me, just letting off a tad while dreaming. As I came back into speed limited area it stuttered, it did. Got home with no incident just this paranoid thing it stuttered. I put it down to rider thinking too much 🤣 the frog is playing games 😜 and it was bloody cold maybe an icing problem 😂


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: flc on November 09, 2020, 03:51:39 PM
It's a horrible feeling, even more when your not sure


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on November 09, 2020, 04:41:46 PM
Update, my blue sports car is doing the same. Bloody water in the fuel 😱😱


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on November 09, 2020, 07:36:43 PM
Id've suggested cold damp air, but thinking back to my teenage Brit bike days, my Triumphs used to run better in those conditions.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on November 14, 2020, 11:18:17 AM
Cleaned the float bowls and jets of all the carbs on the blue Dutton and the frog, like a jelly type substance forming in the bottom. Now running strong again, except it rained and the frog misfired, the ht leads are tracking to earth wherever they can. Including my leg 😱😱


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on November 14, 2020, 05:01:50 PM
Ouch!


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on November 14, 2020, 06:10:22 PM
Not a wet weather bike Andy as you know


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on November 15, 2020, 11:36:11 AM
No, it was never intended for storm riding, or even long distance hauling. Just a "bar hopper" as they say across the pond.
I still kinda miss it. More hassle than it was ever worth, but fun to ride when it was going well. If I'd owned a big workshop where it could live under a sheet in the corner & just be rolled out for the occasional Summer afternoon blat, I might've kept it, but it wasn't worth renting a third lock-up garage for, (no room in the other two), & it seemed to be constantly playing up.
I think I like the memory of owning it more than the reality :)


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: morrag on November 15, 2020, 11:39:27 PM
That 'jelly' substance could well be ethanol residue, the kiss of death to ordinary fuel and oil lines! so beware.I run the bikes only on Esso Synergy Supreme 97, the only ethanol free petrol in the UK, with the exception of Devon, Cornwall, Teeside & Scotland, wherer it's not! why? I have no idea, but for low usage vehicles, worth the few bob difference to regular, oh, and even Esso 95 octane, and other Regular 95/97's also "eat" glass-fibre, and that's on 5% ethanol, soon it could be 10%, so think on chaps and chap-ess'  :-\ :-\ :-\..Morrag


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Tony oily bike on November 16, 2020, 10:53:49 AM
A pal of mine puts a capful of two-stroke oil in the tanks of his (four stroke) bikes.

His older brit bikes start up AOK with 2 year fuel in the tank...………...


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: morrag on November 16, 2020, 04:54:26 PM
Unfortunately, whilst oil may do no harm, it won't counteract ethanol's propensity for destroying regular synthetic fuel lines, seals, etc. It is also extremely hygroscopic, so that at the junction of fuel and air in a steel petrol tank, it will rust! So,be warned, drain your tank if out of fairly regular use, Morrag


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on January 13, 2021, 03:25:57 PM
Just been delving in the cave looking for that part I put safe 😱 thought may as well warm the frog, started third prod. Not entirely happy with being woke up in winter months, and took a while to settle down, then just took it around the block to check the clutch works etc. It’s all good 😱 shock horror.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on January 13, 2021, 06:12:32 PM
I don't like being woken up in the Winter either.
Sounds like you've got it nicely sorted now Steve.


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on May 11, 2021, 01:56:54 PM
Update. Been a tad rough, then my son had a life changing episode, so the frog sat under cover until this week. It struggled to start the kicked me back. Finally it rumbled into life, clutch stuck. Let it warm through and now it’s all good. So it’s out with Solvol Autosol and get shining those parts. Lights are all good, I’m confident of an MOT next week. 🏍


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: Manky Monkey on May 12, 2021, 08:36:58 PM
The beast lives! :)


Title: Re: junkyard frog
Post by: the coppersmith on February 12, 2022, 11:17:19 AM
its all been very quiet down here in the Devonshire cave, but things are looking brighter now. My son has been and had a heart op which has taken the pressure off me and her indoors so I can concentrate on my projects. The frog has been neglected and I was surprised it fired up so easily this morning, clutch well and truly stuck, but after twenty minutes of ticker it freed easily and apart from some drag at present it is riding well. Think I may need to gain forward controls to remove this cramp I get in my left hip, not easy being 70. I intend to try and show the frog a bit this year so the polish needs to come out and some earnest finger blistering. watch this space