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Hello from an old guy that loves riding

1885 Views 27 Replies 13 Participants Last post by  rdkknight
Started riding in 1976 on a 400 Kawasaki triple 2 stroke when I went into the Air Force and it felt like the fastest thing in the world between stop lights at the time. Had a BSA 650 after that on a hard tail I rode from Austin Texas to California which broke down about every 100 miles due to Lucas Electrics, but I had a blast and met so many great people. I the bought an a 82 Sportster that I rode for years. Not riding at the moment but looking hard at the new Royal Enfields. Currently have a 1965 S90 I am bringing back to life that an old boss gave me a few years ago that she rode while in college back in the 80's. Hoping to get in touch with some of the Honda 90 crowd that might have some tips if I run into issues or have questions.
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Middle age guy here that's new to riding but loving it. Welcome to the forums
Middle age guy here that's new to riding but loving it. Welcome to the forums
Thanks for the welcome and enjoy the ride. Nothing like some wind in the face to clear the mind.
Welcome from northeast Ohio.
Started riding in 1976 on a 400 Kawasaki triple 2 stroke when I went into the Air Force and it felt like the fastest thing in the world between stop lights at the time. Had a BSA 650 after that on a hard tail I rode from Austin Texas to California which broke down about every 100 miles due to Lucas Electrics, but I had a blast and met so many great people. I the bought an a 82 Sportster that I rode for years. Not riding at the moment but looking hard at the new Royal Enfields. Currently have a 1965 S90 I am bringing back to life that an old boss gave me a few years ago that she rode while in college back in the 80's. Hoping to get in touch with some of the Honda 90 crowd that might have some tips if I run into issues or have questions.
Hi and welcome from the Isle of Axholme.
If the new Royal Enfields float your boat, I suggest taking a look at the new BSA models.
Generally, if a bike is younger that me I'm not interested! But I have to admit I was impressed when I took one for a test ride recently.
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Hi and welcome from the Isle of Axholme.
If the new Royal Enfields float your boat, I suggest taking a look at the new BSA models.
Generally, if a bike is younger that me I'm not interested! But I have to admit I was impressed when I took one for a test ride recently.
Thanks for welcome and the new BSA's do look amazing. Regretfully there are no dealers in the USA I am aware of. I had to look up Isle of Axholme and looks like a beautiful area. I had the pleasure to visit England when my daughter was stationed at RAF Lakenheath around 2005 and enjoyed it a bunch. Hope to have an opportunity to visit again with my wife sometime in the future.
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Thanks for welcome and the new BSA's do look amazing. Regretfully there are no dealers in the USA I am aware of. I had to look up Isle of Axholme and looks like a beautiful area. I had the pleasure to visit England when my daughter was stationed at RAF Lakenheath around 2005 and enjoyed it a bunch. Hope to have an opportunity to visit again with my wife sometime in the future.
New BSA coming to USA in 2023. I should be on commission!
Yes, we are a little off the beaten track....With more pot holes per square foot than a pool table! 🤣
Started riding in 1976 on a 400 Kawasaki triple 2 stroke when I went into the Air Force and it felt like the fastest thing in the world between stop lights at the time. Had a BSA 650 after that on a hard tail I rode from Austin Texas to California which broke down about every 100 miles due to Lucas Electrics, but I had a blast and met so many great people. I the bought an a 82 Sportster that I rode for years. Not riding at the moment but looking hard at the new Royal Enfields. Currently have a 1965 S90 I am bringing back to life that an old boss gave me a few years ago that she rode while in college back in the 80's. Hoping to get in touch with some of the Honda 90 crowd that might have some tips if I run into issues or have questions.
Welcome to the forum. I have a 650 Enfield Interceptor, fun bike to ride. Where are you at?
John in Texas
Started riding in 1976 on a 400 Kawasaki triple 2 stroke when I went into the Air Force and it felt like the fastest thing in the world between stop lights at the time. Had a BSA 650 after that on a hard tail I rode from Austin Texas to California which broke down about every 100 miles due to Lucas Electrics, but I had a blast and met so many great people. I the bought an a 82 Sportster that I rode for years. Not riding at the moment but looking hard at the new Royal Enfields. Currently have a 1965 S90 I am bringing back to life that an old boss gave me a few years ago that she rode while in college back in the 80's. Hoping to get in touch with some of the Honda 90 crowd that might have some tips if I run into issues or have questions.
Well everybody knows that Lucas electrics cannot handle hard tails ... or soft tails for that matter. ;)
I was very fortunate to be graced with a nice handling, rather reliable 1972 BSA 650 Thunderbolt.
I heard all the jokes, such as: Why do the English drink warm beer? - refrigerators built by Lucas.
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Well everybody knows that Lucas electrics cannot handle hard tails ... or soft tails for that matter. ;)
I was very fortunate to be graced with a nice handling, rather reliable 1972 BSA 650 Thunderbolt.
I heard all the jokes, such as: Why do the English drink warm beer? - refrigerators built by Lucas.
I have and have ridden many British motorcycles. Won't say I have never had an issue and have been left by the side of the road a few times. To me the biggest issue was the ignition system. Bought my Norton Commando new and rode it hard, had to adjust the points way more often than I thought I needed to. The auto advance needed to be lubed every 2000 miles, I didn't and went through 3 of them in 10,000 miles. With each one costing more than the previous one. When Boyer came out with an electronic ignition unit, I jumped on it. My Norton now has around 250,000 miles on it.
I did install a CNW kick starter kit as my 71 year old knees aren't up for it anymore.
Because the British motorcycle manufacturers were cheap Lucas was forced to build down to a cost rather than up to a quality.
John in Texas
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Started riding in 1976 on a 400 Kawasaki triple 2 stroke when I went into the Air Force and it felt like the fastest thing in the world between stop lights at the time. Had a BSA 650 ...
Welcome from North Carolina and thank you for your service.
My neighbor has a BSA Lightning disassembled in the back of his shop. I'd like to bring it back to life, but he won't part with it.
Welcome to the forum, and 100 miles on a hardtail it is time to stop anyway.
Well everybody knows that Lucas electrics cannot handle hard tails ... or soft tails for that matter. ;)
I was very fortunate to be graced with a nice handling, rather reliable 1972 BSA 650 Thunderbolt.
I heard all the jokes, such as: Why do the English drink warm beer? - refrigerators built by Lucas.
Vibration was getting to the battery, I bought 3 or 4 on that trip but wouldn't have missed it.
Welcome to the forum, and 100 miles on a hardtail it is time to stop anyway.
Welcome to the forum, and 100 miles on a hardtail it is time to stop anyway.
Wasn't going to get much further then that without a stop anyway. 2.5 gallon peanut tank doesn't go too far. Had a gas can packed in my duffel strapped to the sissy bar. No comments please on my intelligence or sanity. :rolleyes:
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I have and have ridden many British motorcycles. Won't say I have never had an issue and have been left by the side of the road a few times. To me the biggest issue was the ignition system. Bought my Norton Commando new and rode it hard, had to adjust the points way more often than I thought I needed to. The auto advance needed to be lubed every 2000 miles, I didn't and went through 3 of them in 10,000 miles. With each one costing more than the previous one. When Boyer came out with an electronic ignition unit, I jumped on it. My Norton now has around 250,000 miles on it.
I did install a CNW kick starter kit as my 71 year old knees aren't up for it anymore.
Because the British motorcycle manufacturers were cheap Lucas was forced to build down to a cost rather than up to a quality.
John in Texas
A friend had a 72 Norton Commando 750 back then and I admit I was a bit jealous!
Welcome from North Carolina and thank you for your service.
My neighbor has a BSA Lightning disassembled in the back of his shop. I'd like to bring it back to life, but he won't part with it.
I am from Burlington NC, where are are you located if you don't mind saying?
I am from Burlington NC, where are are you located if you don't mind saying?
I'm in Chapel Hill, NC
I am from Burlington NC, where are are you located if you don't mind saying?
If and when your neighbor gets around to restoring his BSA he will find that parts aren't a cheap as they once were.
John in Texas
If and when your neighbor gets around to restoring his BSA he will find that parts aren't a cheap as they once were.
John in Texas
I don't think $$$ will slow him down. His shop specializes in rare cars. Here's a few snapshots including his personal XKE, 1953 Jaguar and MGB-GT, a client's V12 Jag, and a bay inside his shop.

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