rewdco Posted May 19, 2022 Share Posted May 19, 2022 Just found this rather nice advertisement for the James motorcycle. Thought you'd like it... 😊 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welbike Posted May 19, 2022 Share Posted May 19, 2022 Yes, it's this same guy! Lex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyingfleasteve Posted May 19, 2022 Author Share Posted May 19, 2022 Very nice Jan! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Posted May 20, 2022 Share Posted May 20, 2022 (edited) I also have the war time "Para" picture. I guess they used it in post war advertising as the ML carried on in near military trim for another 2-3 years. Regards Ron Edited May 20, 2022 by Ron Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monty_stubble Posted November 16, 2022 Share Posted November 16, 2022 (edited) Any ideas where I can get a replacement headstock bearing(s) in the UK? Also, did I read somewhere that the wording on the generally available oil mix transfer was not correct for the ML (I might have imagined this). Edited November 16, 2022 by monty_stubble Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Posted November 16, 2022 Share Posted November 16, 2022 (edited) Here is an original tank and the transfers I got from "Classic Transfers" Ron PS with regard to the headstock bearings. It might be simpler to fit standard ball bearing races with the appropriate OD, ID, W. I fitted sealed bearings to my M20 many years ago....Fit and forget. Darren Wrudd runs his own bearing company and is very helpful with such things <john-fenwick@btconnect.com> Mention my name if you want. Ron Pier Edited November 16, 2022 by Ron Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welbike Posted November 16, 2022 Share Posted November 16, 2022 (edited) Nice Tank Ron! (looking at it, while typing this) Re. the transfers from Classic Transfers, they are a bit old, and need to be applied to a very shiny / glossy surface, otherwise they won't adhere, like on your bike. The last one I did was, after painting in colour, to apply a very glossy clear varnish, let dry, and then apply the transfer, and then overcoat with a very matte varnish. But the varnish you got me years ago isn't available anymore, and am on my last can, so have to find a suitable replacement. Monty, keep us updated on the headstock bearings, I'm still building 2 ML's. Cheers, Lex Edited November 16, 2022 by welbike additional info Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Posted November 16, 2022 Share Posted November 16, 2022 (edited) It's not that mine hasn't adheard Lex, but the glue shows through opaque as the transfer is mostly transparant. I learnt the shiny varnish trick when it was too late.......Same thing applies to the Norton transfers. 😬 As for the headstock ball bearings races,. You put just a small amount of load on them with the top clip and once the pinch bolt is tightened on the steering stem, they wont go anywhere and will probaly last a lifetime without further attention. Ron Edited November 16, 2022 by Ron 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welbike Posted November 16, 2022 Share Posted November 16, 2022 Ok, but don't scratch it with a fingernail, it will break. Here a picture of when applied to the glossy surface (did mark off the rectangle with masking tape), I don't have one with the matte varnish applied, but will take a picture soon. Lex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monty_stubble Posted November 17, 2022 Share Posted November 17, 2022 Steering Head bearings are 1.577" OD and 1" ID with a 1" BSCY thread. Also have 22 balls of 3/16 diameter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Posted November 17, 2022 Share Posted November 17, 2022 Well I calculate the nearest equivelant OD to be 40mm. If you give me the width of the cup, I'll get advice from Darren. Is there a step at the bottom of the steering stem? ie a bigger ID for the bottom bearing? The amount of balls is academic if we are looking for a sealed ball race. Ron Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monty_stubble Posted November 17, 2022 Share Posted November 17, 2022 (edited) All the same I think. It equates, as you say to 40mm. I've already had a reply from Fenwicks and it's a non starter, I'm afraid. Edited November 17, 2022 by monty_stubble Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Posted November 17, 2022 Share Posted November 17, 2022 OK Monty, that's a shame. Ron Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monty_stubble Posted November 17, 2022 Share Posted November 17, 2022 I did wonder about a 1" threaded insert inside a more modern bearing (like a helicoil) but there isn't much room. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Posted November 17, 2022 Share Posted November 17, 2022 Well John Brewster makes hardened cup and cones for Triumph steering stems. Maybe with patterns he could make some ML items? Ron Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monty_stubble Posted November 17, 2022 Share Posted November 17, 2022 Good thought. I'll have a look locally to begin with (I'm in the north). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monty_stubble Posted November 17, 2022 Share Posted November 17, 2022 (edited) I have the contact of a local engineering work where (worst case scenario cost-wise) the guy can make new ones. Be very expensive though. As he says, "There's nothing that's been made that can't be made again". In the meantime the search continues. Edited November 17, 2022 by monty_stubble Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Posted November 17, 2022 Share Posted November 17, 2022 (edited) Try Vale Onslow.....You never know your luck. http://valeonslow.co.uk/ Ron Edited November 17, 2022 by Ron Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenkinov Posted November 18, 2022 Share Posted November 18, 2022 Try Leeds bearings... Jenkinov Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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