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[Presto]

Oh dear - Specsavers needed indeed!!

I mean ATF!!
(Not AFT)

And last line should read - '...my advice...' (not 'my advise').

Sorry for lapse of concentration!

[Wheaters]

Presto, I've owned this bike for over three years and have covered seven thousand miles on it. I thoroughly serviced the bike and changed all the oils when I purchased it (it had only 3K miles on the clock). I had read and followed the advice to use ATF in the primary drive. I recently serviced the bike and changed the ATF for new. Since then, the clutch has begun to slip and drag and as I said, the ATF smells like it's been overheated.

This time I'm using a top quality bike oil (10w/40!) which is recommended for wet clutches as per advice in both of the workshop manuals I have. This afternoon I've been out on the bike and given it a very good workout, including some gentle off road work. The clutch now works much better, it's definite;y not slipping and the problems of difficult gear changes and finding neutral seem to have gone. So I'm happy about the decision.

From past experience of taking part in online forums such as this (I run a car forum) is that three things cause most controversy and the main one is which is "the only" type of oil to use, be it for a bike or a car. But as you say, personal choice rules. If I was servicing your bike and you wanted ATF (or even AFT!), that is what you'd get. If I do have problems using the oil I've used, I'll think again. After over half a century of working on all things internal combustion powered, I feel capable of making my own decisions and have often found that there is no "one size fits all" answer.

[Super45]

Hi Wheaters
Finally Some good news about the carb fueling issue, ive recently had some success with upjetting the Mikcarb on my own 350 with some more lively results on standard gearing and cam settings 70 mph ( according to the clock ) is achievable and holdable on the flat which being a big lad is rather impressive with 80 showing on downhill sections (gravity must have an effect )

And I thank you for linking the MCC classic trials club as they rode past me whilst out walking the dog on what must've been the 2017 edinburgh trial and ive been struggling to find the details on the club for several years!

ATF and Mr H's clutch mods make a wonderful light clutch and should be on your wishlist if you continue trialing

[Wheaters]

Super45,

Glad you're sorted. As you probably read, I solved my bike's fueling problem by fitting a different type of carburettor (I'm really pleased with it) but I think I had finally cured the Mikcarb's issue anyway.

I saw the little needle roller release bearing in the Bullet catalogue - I might go for that next time I strip the clutch down but for now, the clutch is great on the 10W/40 oil.

I'm just about to fit the larger rear sprocket today and will give it a try out later.

[stinkwheel]

If you can find a way of lengthening the pull on the clutch, it makes a world of difference.

I've got a GPZ500 clutch lever on the 612 bullet and that's what's made the difference. No hint of crabbing at any point, even with prolonged use. It does slip but not because of the release action, I think that's bhp related. It has a way longer pull than the standard clutch because the pivot point is further away from the bars (and is span adjustable). It also bolts straight on using the standard cable.

I made my own 2-piece pushrod from straight, proper steel (EN8 stock with the ends heat hardened) and fitted a ceramic ball bearing in the middle to reduce heat transfer. The standard one was bent as a 9' / note.



C90 switchgear. The choke works the decompressor.

[Wheaters]

All looks good there, Stinkwheel. I might go for the 2 piece pushrod and extra ball bearing method later but at present my standard one seems straight and the action is light enough for me.

I fitted the new rear sprocket and longer chain today and tried the bike out this afternoon. It seems like a different bike - quite "rorty" due to the shorter gearing but obviously the top speed is reduced - it feels like third in top, if you get my drift. The low speed in bottom is very nice. For now it'll do, as they say.

All I've got left to do is to make the sump guard fit - I bought a very nice looking powder coated one, unfortunately from a "non H" source and wish I hadn't. Whoever designed it must have been a blind man on a galloping horse. It fouls the drain plug for the oil tank, for a start. I'll need to take it to the local butcher's shop to modify it... (i.e. my garage).

Oh yes, and fit the new knobbly trials tyre to the back wheel.

[Wheaters]

Fitted Mr. H's clutch improvement parts today. A stronger set of springs, a roller release bearing, plus an outer case support block.

I also modified the angle of the folding footrests by adding some weld to the heel of the folding part so they don't "droop". They are now more comfortable when standing up on them.

Went out to test everything, southern Peak District - including some "green lanes". The more I ride this bike, for all its foibles, the more I love it (especially on it's "shorter" gearing) and I just kept on going! Got a bit carried away and was home late for tea - the missus was getting worried!

[Wheaters]

The Edinburgh Trial is only two weeks away so I thought I'd better get a few more preparation jobs done.

Today I replaced the rear road tyre. I had a "Cheng Shin" Dunlop K70 lookalike on the bike, which has proved to be really good for the road but not so grippy in mud. I replaced it with a Heidenau K67 "Trials" to match the similar front tyre, which is the same as the almost worn out one I used before. I must buy some slightly longer tyre levers - my old ones, which I bought in the 1970s, are too short and need a great deal of effort to use.

I also removed the centre stand, the feet of which I've found often catch on rocks and unsettle the bike (and me)! I'll probably refit it after the trial and when I've grit blasted and repainted it.

I also made up some simple trials number plate holders (from a clear plastic, 5 litre distilled water container)and fitted them, front and rear. The numbers will be stapled to them on the day.

Just got the sump guard to fit now and I think we're then all ready to rock and roll.

[AndrewA]

Good luck Paul, we will be away otherwise I would have popped over to cheer you on.

[Wheaters]

Thanks, Mate - after today's rains it should be nice and slippery...