Whee, first decent run out on my CSR

[clanger9]

Isn't it nice when things work properly?

After a few tentative short runs out to sort out the snags, I thought I'd try a proper run today while the sun was shining. The bike seems to run quite sweetly and it even has a decent amount of power (for a 250...) if you let it rev. Although it's quite torquey at low revs, it seems to come on-cam quite strongly around the 4000 RPM mark. I've not dared let it go too high yet. Anyone know what the safe rev limit is for a late-model CSR?

I'm pleasantly surprised at how good it is to ride. For an old bike, it handles and steers extremely well. I just need to remember about the lack of braking power...

I know I like it when people post pictures of their bikes, so if you like bitsas then here's mine:


Only notable issue is a slight reluctance to return to idle - it seems to hold-up at around 2500 RPM and needs a bit of persuasion to drop to idle. Not sure what the exact cause is, so I will need to investigate further to see if there's a manifold leak or a jet blocked somewhere. Any suggestions for what to look for?

I'm half-tempted to go out for another ride!

[clive]

worn carb slide

[clanger9]

Yes, I'd have thought that too, but the carb slide is new.

It may be there is too much wear in the carb body, so it'll either need a re-sleeve or a complete new carb...

[Expat]

Nice looking bike though. Yes, it is great when the weather co operates and the bike is running well.
FWIW, I'm thinking of getting an oversize slide to try and settle the idle on mine.

Steve

[clanger9]

Thanks, Steve! An oversize slide might be the way to go as I guess the slide fit is quite critical on an Amal.

Another option is to get it rebuilt: Martin Bratby seems to be highly recommended on these forums and has offered to rebuild it, but he's got a huge backlog of work at the moment. Possibly a job for the winter. Must enjoy the sunshine while it lasts...

[SideValve]

Might be that the body is warped if its been done up too tight. I'd take it off and test it by wiggling the slide up and down. If its sticky try you should be able to see the tight spots getting shiney and you can then work on those areas. If its not tight when off the bike, put its back on and try again, if it is now tight the flange is probably warping. In the past I've just used a thicker gasket and taken care not to overtighten.

Took my standard 14 out yesterday. Not sure how much slower but still good fun :¬) I was glad I'd just improved the brakes as some people-carrier driver, on his phone, seemed to take my turning-right hand signal as an invitation to pull out in front of me grrrrr. They are now passable but I don't think they'll ever be strong enough to lock the wheels - not that I'd want to.

[saltbox alf]

well turned out, go on ride it

[SPRIDDLER]

It looks real fun!

I'm half-tempted to go out for another ride!

Only half? Can't count the number of times I've tootled down my road home after what was intended to be a 'quick trundle round the lanes' and which ended up lasting a couple of hours, only to ride straight past and keep going.
Can't ride dear old Marigold on the road just yet, but the Mutchless is fun too......

[clanger9]

Crikey Spriddler, what's that based on? It looks the part!

Will definitely get another run in this evening, see if I dare take it beyond 6,000...

[SPRIDDLER]

Crikey Spriddler, what's that based on? It looks the part!

It's marketed as a 'Herald' Classic 250. I bought it new in March. 3 grand OTR. It's Chinese, from a vast engineering group that manufactures, bikes, scooters, cars, tractors, earthmovers etc. and also marketed more cheaply as a 'Sinnis' Retrostar 250. Th'engine's a copy of the 5 speed Suzuki GN250. It's the closest I can get to a classic looking bike and which has a powerful front brake as I ride with all hand operated riding controls on the left and am not safe on the road on Marigold (G3LS). Long story, documented elsewhere on here.

I particularly liked the classic styling; it's black, with a flat horizontal seat, Burgess type silencer and generally 'dated' frame and accessories. I'd like to change the tyres for K70's or similar as the fat rear reminds me of Kim Kardashion (not my thing) but unfortunately the rims are too wide.

I had some trepidation in view of the negative publicity of Chinese bikes but I researched it thoroughly and spoke with the importers as it was the only suitable new bike on the market. The importers upgrade it with better quality chain, sprockets, suspension, brake pads, battery and tyres than the dubious originals. I've had a couple of minor issues (mainly adjustments) which I've sorted but I've had a series of new (company) mainstream cars with more.

It's quick, light (190kg), handles and stops brilliantly, has good 12v lights, leccy start, indicators...........in fact all the things a wrinkly rocker needs at 71