Hitchcocks Forum

I managed to haggle the chap down to £250 because we couldn't start it when I was there. Bargain.

Here are some photo's:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/ ... 220001.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/ ... 220003.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v292/ ... 220006.jpg
I'm pretty pleased.

It's a 1992 350cc with 14,000miles. It's all original and it's all complete. It simply wouldn't start.
I flushed out the fuel tank today and removed the stale petrol, I also cleaned the gauze filter inside the tank.
There's no spark so I'm going to investigate what's going on over the next week, ignition becomes live because lights and horn work on the key.
The compression also doesn't feel very high (I'm used to my 500cc Bullet) but I still think it's weak. I investigated the decompresser to make sure it was closing properly and it flung apart and I lost part number 140103 Decompressor Cable Block so I'm going to have to order a new one of those.

I want to swap the seat for a single, preferably a low one with no springs, however. Anything considered. (I will need to get myself the seat bracket part number 200084 as well because my model doesn't have one.)

Cheers guys.

Well done. I have to doff my hat in your direction for getting such a bargan.

--------Nice one, son!! Just goes to show those elusive deals ARE out there------somewhere-----Nothing MATT about that shiny result !! Good luck with the "re-build"---I'm sure it won't take too much to get it thumping along again.

Matt,
You have obviously pulled the decompressor apart in position so make sure the piston is up so the valve doesn't drop inside, otherwise you will have to fish it out.

I should have added, often these loose compressionwhen sitting, bit of oil down the plug hole might often frees the rings up

Well done Matt, a bargain indeed! Let us know how the recommissioning and restyling goes as well?
REgards, Mark

hi matt,i have just made a single seat bracket for my 1990 350 bullet,the hitchcock one looks pricey for what it is ,i welded mine to the frame a "proper job" in the words of dick strawbridge ,the single saddles complete with springs were available at lincoln autojumble yesterday for under £30 brand new in boxes ,with better covers than the indian made ones ,i mention this as i paid over £60 for mine from a supplier !!
atb paul.

Thanks guys.
Paul, I was thinking about making my own. I've got a little arc welder but no suitable scrap at the moment... I'll see what I can do.
Norm, just a little squirt of engine oil in the plug hole? Not so much hu? I did almost loose the decompressor valve inside but it's all good now. Ha.

UPDATE.
The points are all wet and corroded, full of condensation. They're not opening at all. Hopefully that's a simple explanation for not having a spark.

Having found the missing part from the decompressor I have rebuilt that and added a drop of oil as suggested. Compression is a lot better. Still NOTHING like my 500cc though.

The clutch was stiff, pushing the bike around the garden helped free it up. I opened the primary chain case and dismantled and inspected the clutch, it all looks great. I closed it and filled it with fresh fluids. There's still more resistance than I would like when freewheeling with the clutch in but it should get better with a good ride.

Some more good news is that I've found the bike is fitted with a Boyer Bransden Power Box. I've put one on my other bike and think they're great. I want to run this new 350 batteryless (There's no indicators on it anyway.) I think I can do this simply enough with the Power Box without the need of an extra capacitor. Can anyone confirm that? (Do I just leave the battery leads loose and insulated?)

Yes, the powerbox lets you run without a battery, and yes you just insulate the leads seperatly. Depending on the state of the rotor, it should start and run ok. Mine does, even though it has a Boyer electronic ignition, and these supposedly are sensitive to low voltage. You may have to set the idle a little high, and (especially if you have DC ligthing) turn of the light.