1963 Matchless G12 running again after 37 years

With a lull in shop jobs and a break in the weather, today was a good time to give  focus to the 63' matchless. I've been wanting to fire it up for the past few months but held off so as to have it outside while fluids were introduced.  One of the biggest chores was pre-filling the oil system. It seemed to be a wise idea to add oil into  the filter chamber and  both oil lines as well.  I had rebuilt one of the petcocks  but question the newer brass type to its fuel holding ability.   It took many kicks to get fired off. Later it was noted that the choke was being used backwards making starting somewhat difficult. However the engine settled down and a few rides around the parking lot were had.  

2016 MASSBIA Spring Show

Here are a few pictures from the May 29th British Iron Association Mass Chapter Spring Show. A great day was had by all! Hope to see you at Singletary R&G next year! More info at MASSBIA.

http://www.massbia.com/

Duncan's Beemers' R80 DBSpecial

Here are a few pictures of the build at Duncan's Beemers last year. The base was a monoshock R80. There has been a bit more change since these pictures were taken possibly more than a year ago.  Quite a few people have already ridden this toy.

Welcome to 2016! Its been a long and rather ugly time since -  March 2015.  Didn't much like last year, glad it went by fast and its over! So what's on tap for this year?A  pair of machines have appeared into the fold needing some re-commission; a 1971 BSA A 65 Thunderbolt and a 1963 Matchless G12 (standard model- no magneto)

1971 BSA A65 Thunderbolt 

1963 Matchless G12 

If my mind works faster, and time permits I'll add more of the details about both machines. The Matchless is just about ready for its first fireup since 1979. Currently she is awaiting my going over the bits that came off during the re-commission service and having all new oils filled.

The 1967 Scrambler is also on its way. Though there still is a fair bit to do; forks need to be address, wheels are a question, no serviceable carb as of yet (10TT9 anyone?).   But the Engine is ready, and the transmission is well on its way.

1967 Velocette Scrambler, as new

1967 Velocette Scrambler with engine and gearbox back in place

If the 2016 weather (winter into spring) isn't too brutal on the body and mind I'm hopeful to hear these three machines fire up for the first time in a long time.  Here's to looking forward!

Cervidae returns

The coyotes are pushing the deer out of the woods for more safer grounds.  This buck seemed to be nipped in the hind quarter and motivated into the backyard. We were able to get it back into the woods without harm. It certainly was not fearful of me, for whatever reason as I was able to put my hand on it several times in the effort  towards directing it into the woods.