Whose bike is the present forum pic? I think it may be my old one, if they can send me a couple of pics I could possibly verify it and fill you in with a bit of it's history
Dave

email (option): davmax@ntlworld.com

That's Martin Van Wijngaarden from the Netherlands....(gearchange return spring gone?.)....Ian

email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com

Yes indeed a broken gear change return spring, the Dutch are ill prepared.

I think Martien bought this bike some 5 years ago from Belgium.

Henk

email (option): ahum@quicknet.nl

The OMD 330 on the oil tank rings a bell and so does the paint scheme.

email (option): davmax@ntlworld.com

It seems that when it comes to changing gearbox return springs, the Dutch are out-standing in the field (or sitting cross-legged, as the case may be !)

My friend Pau in Malaysia has 6 NOS springs on US eBay for $22.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/bsa-motorcycle-most-b-31-33-or-m-20-other-gear-box-selector-return-spring-/281507237723?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item418b238f5b

Jeff

email (option): jjbandoo@aol.com

I guess you're going to end up doing this 'in the field' (or at the side of a road!)....They don't break when the bike's in the garage... ...Ian

email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com

You are right, they don’t break in the garage. My last one broke on a visit to Tanks in the town in Mons. It is possible to stretch the spring and make a new, all be it a temporary, end when you are in the field or as I was on the side of the road in Belgium. It got me home!!

email (option): eonranson@hotmail.com

I always carry a spare when travelling any distance and it should be considered a 'must have' spare for touring...

Though they break very infrequently in my experience (I've only broken one in about 35 years) it will leave you stuck in whichever gear you have engaged..

In my case it happened to be neutral so I wasn't going anywhere...

Having used my 'spare' twice in Normandy at different times for others who got caught out I now carry 2 spares when I go there, so I can help out and still be covered... ...Ian

email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com