It's time for the BSA to start looking like a motorcycle again. I have sounded like a broken record to my friends during the past couple of years. Each time they come over I tell them about the work I have been doing on my bike and all they see is bits on a rack This part of the process makes me feel much better about my efforts and I will soon have something to show.
Installing the swingarm & spindle.
The frame was pressed slightly apart to allow entry of the swingarm without boogering up the paint. It is in a spot that will not move much so the swingarm must be close to fitting before adding the jackscrew. The thickness of the powder coat is enough to cause a headache. I will remove it with a grinder next time and coat it with a thin layer of brushed enamel.
The rear shocks & fender fit and we are now looking a bit more like a motorcycle.
I installed SRM tapered roller bearings on the Hornet front end and they perform well. I am going the same route with the Lightning Rocket. A worthwhile upgrade in my opinion.
SRM tapered roller bearings for the steering head.
SRM outer races installed.
The triple tree mounted and ready for the forks.
The Lightning Rocket forks were a bit different than the later BSA's I have rebuilt. They required a new tool to remove the fork seal holders which I found at Baxter Cycle in Marne, Iowa. The bushings also require shims to keep them from rattling which were not to bad to setup. The biggest pain was the circlip to hold things together. It took a bit of fussing to get it in .
The original fork pieces were pretty crusty....it took heat to break the seal holders loose.
Parts reconditioned or replaced and ready for assembly.
On the early A65's shims were placed above the upper fork bushing and below the retaining clip. I assembled them without the fork tube or a shim and measured the gap to find the shim needed. A check was performed after assembly to confirm the shims were correct.
To head off oil leaks an o-ring was used in place of the "twine" called out in the workshop manual. I also added silicone between the seal and the holder (per the manual) and PTFE tape on the threads. I have had issues here before...trying to head them off. One o-ring worked well and one squeezed out a bit. The PTFE tape should seal that side. If not, apart it will come.
Installing the circlip that holds the shim and bushing. I pushed one end in the groove with a screwdriver and walked it around while holding the other end with my finger. The green tape notes the location of the notch that aids in its removal. I put one end in this groove to help the next person.....
Forks loose fitted to the steering head. They will be tightened after working them up and down with the wheel mounted to insure all is aligned.
Time to build the wheels.......
