Hello all. As per the rules, as a newbie, I'm posting, to make sure my account isn't deleted. It's a good idea to encourage a bit of participation, rather than just being a voyeur.
I've just reacquainted myself with the joys of A7ss ownership after a gap of something like forty years. My first bike (after passing my test on a scooter) was a chopperised A7ss. It cost £38 and ran well, but had a weird seat and ape bars. Soon had them removed and it started to drive and look a bit better. Loved the bike and only moved it on when I bought a Trident in 1977, which I still have.
The second A7ss came into my life two weeks ago. I'd seen it for sale on the internet a year ago, and quite fancied it because it looked beautifull and was a 1954 registration - the same as me! I decided not to buy it, but regretted the decision, so when it reappeared at the same dealer's last month I had to go and look. Someone had traded it in for a Norton plodder single......Whattttt!
The bike exceeded expectations. It looks great, but it's the way it runs that's impressive. Sympathetically restored, but sensibly - not concours. I won't worry if it picks up the odd scratch. It runs beautifully apart from a tendency to slip the clutch a bit if it's opened up too quickly. I've checked free play to make sure it's completely disengaged, so assume there's a bit of oil on the plates.
I was able to contact the guy who rebuilt it (in 2006 for a museum!) and it seems I've been really lucky in that judging by the way it runs, he clearly knows what he's doing. It's not just had fresh bearings etc, but also reconditioned mag and dyno. After some years in the museum it was bought back by the restorer, who used it on the road, before selling it on. It has clearly not done many miles since. Inevitably jokes have been made by the family along the lines that it's in much better condition than I am for the same age....
I'm intending to use it, rather than polish it, so this forum will undoubtedly be a very useful resource. I've enjoyed reading it so far and I'm impressed by the great knowledge bank that's available. Also glad to see there's a good few Kiwi contributors out there. Definitely my favourite country and one I've been fortunate to ride around. I loved the motorcycle museum in Nelson (and the chats with the voluteers) but was sad to hear it had to close so soon after opening. Glad it's now found a home in Invercargill.
That's enough of an intro I think. Apolgies for not putting up a photo of the bike, but a night shot wouldn't do it justice! I'll remedy that soon.
