Forum

[sofiaspin]

So, with 300 miles on the clock the Woodsman sprag failed. It would start when hot, but not cold, so thank gawd for kickstart. Referred to MotoGb the newish distributors, and they responded quickly and supplied a new sprag/gears assembly but needed a full audit of the bike details and photographs of the offending items. There was no breakup of the sprag as such, but it was not engaging, so it was down to poor tolerances. The new parts seem to be OK however not a good experience given that the low fuel warning sensor was faulty on delivery and the battery unable to power up under load. Just a reminder this was a new bike. In hindsight should I have spent £5000 on a new Woodsman or £3500 on an 8 year old carb Hinckley bonnie - well I have to say it would be the latter.

[Norm]

Should have bought the Bonnie, no question about it, sorry to be blunt

[Scalyback]

.



I just don't use the electric start on my Woodsman at all now. Quite happy kickstarting it.



Pity you had this problem, but I guess both our Woodsmans are synonymous with not getting exactly what you though you were!



I have got quite attached to Thunderbolt, but will need to replace him with another bullet every three years, due to legal and other stuff; or get a pre 1960 RE (But I NOT EVER selling Tornado!).



I am not sure about a bonnie, the Thruxton looks good to me!

[Michael]

The law makes you buy a new bike every three years???

[Michael]

And Ian... as we said, buy a big hammer and a welding torch kit and you will soon cheer up if another problem comes along.

[sofiaspin]

Sorry I gave the impression I do not like the bike - which is not the case at all, in fact I am really enjoying it, however the point was about the equation between value, quality, practicality, the classic itch being scratched and longevity. On balance a nice black carb bonnie tuned up with a larger front sprocket, loud Hyde pipes and a few other tweaks is a damn good machine that will last longer and hold its value more than an EFI bullet. That said the bullet is staying for a while yet as they are rare, return excellent mpg and it thumps along nicely. Just wish the quality was better.