Session 2 - Electrics

Right, I have just finished another session, although it is more of a continuation of Friday evening's. This time, I was working without Dad's supervision, now I know what I'm looking at. I removed the ammeter, ready for fixing separately, and took off the oil tank so I could access the ignition switch. Then, I tested every wire on the whole bike against a circuit diagram. Everything is connected as it should be, although there is one broken joint and one wire that needs replacing.

It is a testament to how simple and yet effective old British engineering was, that I can even do this at all. On a modern bike, one would have no hope of even finding the wires, let alone being able to check that everything is connected correctly. Here's a picture of the bike with the oil tank removed as well.

Session 1: Assessing Jobs

I have finally got underway, and have done one session now. I have assessed the whole bike, and this is the list of things that need fixing.

Frame and Forks:

• paintwork good, stove enamelled in 1980
• oil seals need replacing

Painted panels, mudguards and fuel tank:

• fuel tank, oil tank, battery cover and centre panel need respraying - need to identify original colour
• rust in fuel tank
• badges and transfers need applying
• all badges missing, we have some of them
• tank missing badges and kneepads
• original seat is in serviceable condition, might be worth getting a new one to protect the original
• rear mudguard - need to decide whether to repair and paint, or replace
• front chrome mudguard needs new stays and mounting brackets are broken

Other:

• stand and foot rest at wrong angle
• passenger footrests jammed
• restore and refit front number plate
• new kickstart rubber needed
• replace tyres

Electrics and Instruments:

• ammeter needle broken off inside
• there is understood to be an igniton fault
• needs new battery
• sort out how battery clip works/get new one
• may not be original speedo
• mileometer doesn't work
• complete wiring trace and test
• ignition - reface/replace points and maybe condensor

Engine:

• drain oil and remove gear cover and selector shaft - source and replace along with lever
• top of carburettor loose
• ensure piston is free
• adjust tappets, points etc.
• refill oil, gearbox oil and clutch oil
• perform routine maintenance checks

I have also taken the tank and seat off, and removed the headlight, so I am ready to start doing the electrics next week. I have learnt what all the parts are called now, and have a copy of the wiring layout, so I should be good to go.

Seat and tank removed

I've finally got the go-ahead, so hopefully I will begin work before long, although it may get delayed by exams...

I've written a timeplan, although once I've started it may be adjusted a fair bit. With any luck, I'll be able to start work very soon, once I get some feedback from my D of E leader to make sure it will count. As always, click to enlarge, although right clicking and opening it in a new window/tab may be easier to read.

Jobs to do

I've done some thinking, and here is a list of all the jobs that need doing (so far!).

clean rust out of fuel tank
sort out electrical fault
fix ammter needle
fit new front mudguard stay
fit new battery
fix loose carburettor top, and clean carburettor
change rear mudguard
replace gear selector and shaft
repaint bodywork
replace kickstart rubber
fix on front numberplate

That's it for now! It seems like a long list, but hopefully it will go down fairly quickly (famous last words).

Welcome

This is a blog I have created, to document the progress of the restoration of a BSA SS80 motorcycle, and to use as evidence for my Duke of Edinburgh's Award skill section. To give some background, my Dad bought it when he was 17, and used for 2/3 years. Then, one day, it developed an electrical fault, and was put away in the garage. 31 years later, this afternoon, we removed it from the shed to begin its journey of recovery. Just to wet your appetite, here is a picture of it. Click to see it in larger, shining glory!