Classic Motorcycle Mechanics

Classic Motorcycle Mechanics
This is the magazine dedicated to the buying, riding and rebuilding of the later classics and Japanese machines. Subscribe here.

  • 1978 BMW R100S fuel

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    Q: I own a 1978 BMW R100S. What’s your take on gasoline additive and octane rating? Personally I have been feeding her SP98 (best quality available here) and no additive whatsoever. What do you think CMM? Anon A: We have three separate issues here. They are octane rating, lead in fuel and the addition of…

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  • Chain tension and sidestands

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    Q: In a world of no centrestands do you measure chain tension on the sidestand when travelling? Anon A: The obvious answer here is that if the bike was sold when new with only a propstand, the manufacturer should have given you a procedure to follow in the ownerโ€™s manual, and it would be best…

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  • 1960s Honda timing

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    Q: I would like to be advised of the correct procedure for setting the valve and ignition timing. I have a ‘confusing’ Honda manual as a guide but with flames coming from the near side inlet port, am at a loss as to knowing what to do. Please help if possible. Ron Marks A: If,…

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  • 1989 Honda CBR1000F-K scuffed cover

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    Q: I have a 1989 Honda CBR1000F-K and its looks are spoiled by a scuffed round right-hand engine cover. It appears not to have a part number that I can find anywhere, even my Haynes Manual gives nothing away. Can you help point me at someone who might know how to replace this? Stephen Guy-Clarke…

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  • 1980 Yamaha XS400SE sooted plug

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    Q: Well I’m truly stumped with this bike, I have no idea what is going on with it or what is causing the sooted plug on the left-hand pot and which I think goes hand-in-hand with the inability to rev cleanly beyond 4K revs: every ignition component has been replaced and where possible swapped with…

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  • Benelli 250cc 2C Phantom piston rings

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    Q: I am having problems trying to find a set of standard piston rings for a Benelli 250cc 2C Phantom. I have tried several websites with no luck. Can anybody out there help? Harry Duffield A: Yes, I can see this might be a problem. However if you look at eBay, particularly the US (.com)…

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  • 1982 Suzuki GN400 component finishing

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    Q: Iโ€™m currently restoring my 1982 Suzuki GN400 after recently retiring and having some time on my hands. I am looking for some advice on the best way to finish my cylinder, cylinder head and rocker cover after recently having them vapour blasted. I thought of leaving them bare, but even after a few weeks…

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  • Debut of a King

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    The location is San Carlos in Venezuela and it would be an inauspicious start to their 500 campaign as a mechanical issue side-lined rider Kenny Roberts and reigning champ Barry Sheene would win. It wasnโ€™t all bad, as Roberts would win the 250 race but would soon concentrate on the 500 title and take it…

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  • Eric Adcock riding a works DOT

    Eric Adcock riding a works DOT

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    If you would like a photo print of this image have a look on www.mortonsarchive.com

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  • Honda CB175

    Honda CB175

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    If you would like a photo print of this image have a lookย  on www.mortonsarchive.com

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