Took out the BSA early today. It was still hot but not unbearable. Went to get some fuel at ASDA. Two reasons: I can pay at pump so don't have to bother take off my helmet and I have no idea if it needed any petrol. Dunno how much I paid,but ASDA is as cheap as anyone. It took around eight litres - I have still no idea on capacity, but this time I think I will wait for the fuel light to come on - if there is one! A mate is coming round at eleven thinking that we could go for a ride, but I wanted to get out early, before the day really heats up. Still delighted with the bike. The suspension did "crash!" twice, but the roads around here are terrible. The big single engine I really like. I must read the manual about running in! On a national limit part of the A38, it did 60 without trying and I think that it got to 70 without effort. I would think that on the motorway, you could cruise at 80 in quite a relaxed way. I have done so little riding over the past six-odd years, I do find it requires a lot of concentration, but that's OK. For the money that I paid, absolutely delighted with the bike. The nearside mirror is now adjusted properly, so I have a perfect view of my arm - but that is the way unless I get bar end mirrors - which I may do.
Sounds great! A quick google brought up the BSA Goldstar running in instruction or reccomendations. Your tank apparently holds 12 litres. Enjoy!
I've already done 70 with less than 100 miles on the clock! I go more on feel and experience, rather than teacher's instructions. I just bimble along but I'll try 70, just to see. Obviously (or maybe not) this is all in top gear, with never straining the engine. My mate, who is very iPhone, said that the tank holds 12 litres. I put in 8 this morning, so had four left. I have no idea what range I would get if I used 11 litres before filling up. We shall see . . . . . . . .
I don’t see why we still run in bike engines but not cars? I ran my Supersport in according to the book but, with a few extra RPM in between. I don’t see it’s good for an engine to not go over, say 5000 rpm for 600 miles, change the oil then nail it? 1000 rpm extra for each 100 miles? I’m sure Finn would know? Or is it just me?
Probably because typically, motorcycle engines are in a higher state of tune than car engines? Cars generally rev to, what, 7,500 RPM, whereas it's common for bikes to go all the way up to 15,000 RPM.
When I bought my Fireblade back in 93 the dealer told me not to be too careful running it in because they had a habit of Glazing the bores leading to excessive oil consumption.
Race bike engines seem to manage ok without running in. OK, so they do blow up quite often, so maybe that argument doesn't hold water. Talking of water, I've just driven back down the M5. I was thirsty and I was going to stop for a drink. Maybe a coffee and/or a Coke. Problem was that all of the motorway signs said DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE so I drove thirsty. But I made a major contribution to road safety!
Back at the hotel ️ now. I may (just may, for I admit nothing) had a slug of water on the way up. Terrible habit this drinking and driving. I'll try to hush it up and won't tell the DVLA. Honestly I've got a diatribe to post about the M5, but I will write it first.
Good for you Mr P. There is such a thing as a tight engine and a loose engine.When running in. Take it to the limit, or just over briefly you get a loose engine, therefore more bhp, I don't care what any body else says.
Interesting, yet Honda said burning a litre of oil every thousand miles is ok. So I was told! I had a 675 Triumph which would burn about 300ml/ 1000 mile. From new. Honda "says" and everybody else jumps on the band wagon.
If the engine felt 'tight' then I wouldn't push it and just go with the flow - even if it needed a thousand miles to feel better. I'm in no rush. The engine 'feels' good and I have no problem with following the running in procedure, but a few little bursts of speeding up, on a well warmed up engine shouldn't hurt. I HOPE!
With all your other travels planned you give the impression riding the bike will be a few jollies Thrash it, you'll be dead before the bike is
That's why the plan is to keep the BSA forever. At the moment, I just can't see anything else that I would like better.
