Well last Saturday I finally fitted 7.25:1 compression pistons to my A7SS, plus the refurbished magneto. The pistons were "new" old BSA stock, still in the original boxes, sent to me by Brett at Mikes Classic Bikes in Australia, yes they were slightly pricey but as I hadn't found anyone with that compression ratio it the UK they were, to me, "priceless", thanks Brett. The magneto was rebuilt via Draganfly in the UK, and looks well done. I would also like to thank Greybeard for his help to get me set up with this forum, something that seemed rather difficult as a almost "computer literate".
My main reason for wanting to reduce the compression was the fact that as the engine is 57 years old, I didn't want to over stress it by using higher comp. (8.0:1) pistons than it was used to. The kicking over is and now always will be a problem for me using my right leg, oh the joys of getting old. Perhaps in the future it will be a case of an electric starter.
As always though, after a rebuild the tappets are set, start up the engine then they close up and require resetting when cold again, is this normal?
On a final note, the Catalan Government has brought in legislation to restrict the use of old vehicles in their main cities, mostly Barcelona, because of pollution/emissions etc. This is the thin end of the wedge and by the year 2024 will we be able to use our old bikes at all. Does anyone else in other countries have these problem.
