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[papatom]

Hi Adrian/Vince/mauri.
Trying to keep bike as original as possible, not precious about that though, but do not want to start altering casings etc.. Eventually would like a SR1 set up but I am willing to have something else as an interim. All suggestions sound reasonable to me, but due to my present limited ability, I think they are beyond me. Tried contacts all over UK given to me by various people, but to no avail. All assistance still welcome. Enjoy this nice weather we are having at the moment in the UK. Cheers. Tom

[John M]

If you look on Hitchcocks' used parts there is a second hand Indian 500 distributor for £55. You would also need an ignition coil and the alternator needs a battery or a Lucas 2MC type capacitor. The distributor replaced the SR1 on the later English Bullets.

As far as fixed timing goes, I have an early Bullet trials bike, it does not have the bulge for an auto-advance, so autu-advance is out, but came fitted with a Lucas SR1. Being a fan of electronic ignition my first thoughts were, "well that's going to have to go", however after pricing up a BTH self generating auto-advancing electro-wizardry magneto I decided the SR1 was staying!

The fixed timing SR1 has been on the bike for a good few years and more than a few thousand miles and runs without any problems. It pulls cleanly from a virtual stall when off roading and spins up to higher revs on the tarmac. The only shortcoming is that it can be a bit vicious when starting, so don't try starting it in your slippers! If nothing else it could get you by whilst you are searching for an auto-advance unit.

[Adrian]

Was that set to 32° BTDC, John? A.