[SOC] British terminology

[Art - W6KY]

That 500cc BSA was lovingly known as a 'Thumper' due to the sound it 
made while at idle.
"Thump, Thump, Thump,......." I used to ride one out in the Mojave 
desert. Steve McQueen
had one and we rode together several times. You haven't lived till you 
have walked into a
liquor store on a Sunday out in Mojave with Steve McQueen.....The 
Thumper was fun. You
could pull stumps out of the ground with that cycle. I was tearing out 
across the desert one
day abt 60mph and the handlebars came loose from the bike and I was just 
holding them and
the cables. Can't remember much past that point!     Great bike but 2 
cycle bikes did a lot
better in the dirt.....
73,  Art   W6KY

Kevin Rock wrote:

> While working on my BSA (Birmingham Small Arms not Boy Scouts of 
> America) Goldstar in the late 60s I had to deal with British words for 
> the parts.  I also had to use Witworth wrenches to take things apart.  
> Journals?  Gudgeon pins?  Spanners?  It all became clear once I looked 
> at the drawings.  But lighting by Lucas was the most interesting part 
> of the whole affair.  Or the engine, transmission, and ignition system 
> all in separate pieces held together by obscure fasteners.  Made 
> riding the bike a pleasure.  But a 500cc singly cylinder motorcycle 
> with spark advance (retard), a compression release, and a rider who 
> weighed 120 pounds soaking wet was the most interesting part.  My 
> father got his jollies by watching me try to start the beast.  Open 
> the compression release, kick the engine around until just before top 
> dead center, tickle the Amal carb until just the proper amount of 
> gasoline dribbles out, and then kick for all you were worth.  If the 
> stars were just right it started.  The fun part (for my dad that is) 
> was when it kicked back and I was raised into the air.  Repeat the 
> entire procedure until either it starts or the rider becomes weary 
> enough to start polishing the cases again.  The ignition system would 
> also make the TV and every radio within a few miles have some very 
> interesting crackling sounds.  But then the sound of a single cylinder 
> 500cc motorcycle is unique.  After riding for 30 minutes or so you 
> would get off and try to see straight.  Multiple images of everything 
> filled your eyes.  Then wheel the bike into the garage.  Place the 
> newest piece of cardboard under the bike to catch the inevitable drips 
> from the various leaking areas.
>
> Nothing like a British bike from the 50s or 60s!  I loved that beast 
> and its quirks.
>    73,
>        Kevin.
>
>