Lucas Advert

[RogerSB]

I've attached this photo on here before - but for some who may not have seen it.

It's Lucas branded and it came in a green Lucas box. The Royal Enfield underprint was only seen due to the photo being taken at such an angle and lighting that it could be seen.  Click photo and look closely.

So it was definitely not manufactured by the respected Lucas Industries Ltd. and it had WW prefixing the part number, which clearly indicated it was supplied by Wassel.

Rog.

[Triton Thrasher]

The W650 is the most authentic “retro” bike I’ve seen.

[Triton Thrasher]

I've attached this photo on here before - but for some who may not have seen it.

It's Lucas branded and it came in a green Lucas box. The Royal Enfield underprint was only seen due to the photo being taken at such an angle and lighting that it could be seen.  Click photo and look closely.

So it was definitely not manufactured by the respected Lucas Industries Ltd. and it had WW prefixing the part number, which clearly indicated it was supplied by Wassel.

Rog.

If it’s anything like the Madras Enfield ammeters, it’s a quality item.

[RogerSB]

The W650 is the most authentic “retro” bike I’ve seen.

Yes, the Japanese have always produced high quality. If I see made in Japan I'm confident it'll be ok.

My first bike was a brand new Yamaha YDS-1, which I bought when in Malaya while serving in the Royal Marines. It was a 250 cc 2-cylinder, 2-stroke with twin carbs and 5 gears and with its 20 hp it was capable of over 80 mph. This was in 1962, when Japanese bikes were virtually unheard of here in the UK and we had our 250 cc BSA C15s, Royal Enfields, Matchless G2s, etc.

My YDS-1 was exactly as shown in this picture (pinched from elsewhere) as I didn't have a camera in those days.

Rog.

[muskrat]

G'day Fellas.
We're getting way off topic.
Cheers

[Triton Thrasher]

G'day Fellas.
We're getting way off topic.
Cheers

Fine with me.

[Worty]

The W650 is the most authentic “retro” bike I’ve seen.

I know were a bit off topic, but bear with me.

I'd been looking through loads of bikes looking for something I actually liked, had style, was reliable, was a bit different and wasn't a non-descript, homogenised, plastic covered, anonymous thing on two wheels - then I saw the W and it all clicked.  I could have bought a better example for a bit more, but this was local and seemed to have lived a bit of life - I bought it without looking at it, and I've not been disappointed.  I wanted the carbs (not injection), the patina, and signs that it had been used in real life.

As for riding -I went to Dundee and back (600m) over a week - always felt effortless and comfortable - you just trust it to go anywhere at any time.  One of the best buys I've ever made.

[Black Sheep]

Sounds like our A10! Could they be related?

[Worty]

Sounds like our A10! Could they be related?

Brother from another mother??

[RogerSB]

G'day Fellas.
We're getting way off topic.
Cheers

Musky, you tell us off in the nicest possible way 

[Colsbeeza]

I opted to stay with the Lucas magneto. Comforting to know that the sparks are independent of the electricals. I now have an overhauled spare, and I can be confident that I can change it at zero cost. My labour hasn't hurt my pocket. I admit it took several trips to the magneto overhauler to get both spot on.

[Rex]

As the old saying used to go, "good mag= heaven, failing mag= hell".
I never understood the rationale of converting tried and tested mag technology to a system involving electronic boxes and batteries.

[limeyrob]

One of the reasons I wanted to go back to the 50's 60's for my motorcycling is that as an occasions rider I waste a lot of time charging or replacing batteries.  To be able to leave a bike for 2 weeks and start it up easily is a big bonus.  My last regular use bike was a Harley Sportster, the batteries cost £90, lasted 2 years and there was no kick starter.  A large number of light aircraft flying today are on magnetos.

[Worty]

One of the reasons I wanted to go back to the 50's 60's for my motorcycling is that as an occasions rider I waste a lot of time charging or replacing batteries.  To be able to leave a bike for 2 weeks and start it up easily is a big bonus.  My last regular use bike was a Harley Sportster, the batteries cost £90, lasted 2 years and there was no kick starter.  A large number of light aircraft flying today are on magnetos.

Aye Rob!  The W650 has a kick starter, so no issues with the battery going flat.  I left it for 4 months and it still started on the button, so must be a decent battery too.  Once the A10 has completed a run, it usually starts first or second kick!  Interestingly, last summer, I was cleaning the Kwaka but had left the ignition on.  As I was cleaning around the bars, I accidently touched the starter button (literally skimmed it) and it fired up straight away!!!!

[muskrat]

Gday Fellas.
I do miss the mag on the A's now and then.
What I love about the Boyer is the ease of timing (with a strobe and degree disc) and know it's exactly the same both sides. A tiny 4ah battery supplies the juice through a DVRII. The original 72 year old E3L supplies the berry's.
Back in the 80's my CB750FZ ate rotors, at least 3 from memory but to be fair that was over 250,000Km and 3 rebuilds.
Cheers