Hello all,

I've just bought my first bike, a 1942 ex RAF machine (matching frame & engine No's) which having been purchased by the last owner in 1987, it has spent the entire time since then dry stored in a garage without much use, it certainly hasn't been on the road in his ownership. However it was previously restored in the mid 1980's.
After 25 years, what is the best plan of action for the moment? Restoration is the long term goal.

I can post pictures and a short video clip I made at the weekend, if someone can give me a tip on how this can be done please

Regards
Scott

email (option): s-leader@hotmail.co.uk

Hi Scott,
see-

http://pub37.bravenet.com/forum/static/show.php?usernum=3155626639&frmid=16&msgid=1143443&cmd=show

http://pub37.bravenet.com/forum/static/show.php?usernum=3155626639&frmid=16&msgid=1210807&cmd=show

http://pub37.bravenet.com/forum/static/show.php?usernum=3155626639&frmid=16&msgid=1204379&cmd=show


Noam

email (option): noam10@gmail.com

Thank you, Here goes.
The speedo shows 66 miles I do think this could be the few miles covered since it was restored in the 80's.

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email (option): s-leader@hotmail.co.uk

MKT 49 before and after restoration.

Starts 2 or 3 kick. It does smoke a little from the exhaust, and around the sump.


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email (option): s-leader@hotmail.co.uk

Your bike certainly looks rideable. I would change the oil, check the timing, check the tappet clearances, flush the tank, clean the carb and ride it. Get to know the bike and do the required maintenance to get it mechanically sound.
Unless you are an experinced restorer, do not strip the bike for restoration. Best is to take one item off at a time, clean, polish, paint as required and return it to the bike before taking off the next item.
Keep the bike rideable and enjoy.

email (option): pvlietstra@gmail.com

Hi Scott, it's a nice looking machine & it looks pretty useable to me, bikes are sometimes stored a long time & look fine but I wouldn't ride one unless I'd had the tyres off to check for rust between wheel rim & innertubes.
I've seen too many that look fine on outside but small sharp lumps of rust embedded into the tubes surface when examined.
Often it stems from the extremely common but very misinformed habit of using washing up liquid to put the tyres on which is salt based. ... Either way it's not worth risking riding without tyres & tubes off & a good bend about of the tyres to see if they are perished. Quickly though as it's yet another nice biking weekend

Hi Scott, being a founder member of the 'Piss and moan about everything' club I would not judge a book by its cover, or regard the previous owners as reliable engineers. It's been discussed on the forum before and there is a good stock of horror stories to choose from, missing main bearings etc etc. If you want to know what condition it's in you will have to look. If you go through it carefully and it's all OK it will be a cheap and reliable rebuild. They're great bikes to ride but a pig to push. Dont be put off get stuck in!!

Cheers Pat