Forum

[Alan R]

Hi guys--------- just a "quickie" here}----- has the small-end on a 500 Classic ever had a bronze bush fitted ?? Have just dismantled the top end on my No.2 bike (Obvious Piston slap) to find a bronze bush in the small-end eye and loose (naturally !!). My guess is it's a repair job by a previous owner. For now I can make a new one then later---- when it's BIG END time--- I'll have to re-con the whole lot.

[Alan R]

----------Have just taken a leaf out of my own book }----ie gone and had a cup of tea and a sit-down for 5 mins. Then went back into the workshop and had a fresh look at things. Yes, that's a home made bush (not bodged---it's well turned etc). However the side walls of the con-rod small end are now far too thin so BIG DECISION time, especially as the Sun has now come out to play here in Shropshire. ---Engine out and the FULL MONTY overhaul (Only to Standard spec. though---No1 bike has all the upgrades).---might as well do it properly. SO }---- has anyone out there got a spare con-rod for sale ?? Its a 1992 500 Classic iron engine. Also}--- I notice some spares people are selling a plain bronze floating bush instead of the white-metal-covered one. Anybody had any experiences of using plain bronze at all ?? I must admit that initially I thought that they were plain bronze anyway. Cheers me-dears !!!

[Norm]

[Norm]

Hi Alan,
Don't mess with a second hand rod because you have no idea what it has done and trust me if it lets go it ends in tears. We have started fitting Mr H's roller/ forged rod, expensive but it is a fit and forget thing and something less to worry about. Tim Busby has a dozen reasons as to why not to fit the bronze bush

[Alan R]

Hello NORM----thanks for the tech. info. Yes, you're right ---it WILL be a new rod to go in. From the reliability point of view I also been drawn to the forged rod/roller big end assy with maybe the American 9:1 piston and a 3mm plate to give tractability. This to be fed by the 28mm Mikcarb breathing through a "Tea Caddy" filter and jetted to suit---also a 19t sprocket to go on. This is my No.2 bike and is visually bog standard. ...I can now take this unplanned opportunity to have the cruising speed set at a comfortable 60mph rather than grasping at it, along with reliability and peace-of-mind. Incidentally, No1 bike ( Which is the one earmarked to have all the mods. etc. ) ...has just passed its' 1,000 miles and that Accralite piston and rings --with 3mmm plate---- has settled in nicely. Remember I was concerned about it smoking ?? .. Also--- I'm "Right-shifting" like a veteran ..( but sometimes there is the odd relapse !! ). Hope the Sun's shining down your way-----guess what's happening just outside my garage door ?? Wanna clue---- it aint dry !! .... Ta--Ra