Owner`s Club of Southern California

Owner’s Club of
Southern California
Established 1978
A Monthly Journal
November 2015
Roy Mushaney’s Regular Rider, His Rocket III
The Piled Arms is a publication of The BSA
Owner’s Club of Southern California.
We are a member driven publication and rely
solely on your participation. Technical articles,
photos and “Member Experiences” and opinions
are essential
Meet Our Directors
Burt Barrett (661) 742-5539…..…….….…………....President
Steve Ortiz (951) 245-5287………….Membership/Secretary
Barry Sulkin (310) 569-1383………………………….Treasurer
Barbara Barrett (661) 832-6109……………..Events/Director
John Calicchio (714) 614-5907……………………….…Director
Randy Ressell (714) 502-4502 …………….Regalia / Facebook
Jody Nicholas (714) 730-9257...….……………….…...Director
Piled Arms Production Staff
Clive Brooks (714) 771-2534…[email protected];
Contributing Members and Named Sources
The Piled Arms, 820 South Esplanade St. Orange, Ca. 92869
Please submit your articles by E-Mail or direct mail.
Deadline for submissions is the 10th of each month.
Members may place Non Commercial “4-Sale” or “Want”
Ads in the Piled Arms Free for 90 days, without renewal.
Contact Editor for “Commercial Ad” rates and information.
Librarian….John Gardner….310-920-3393
BSAOCSC Regalia… Randy Ressell….714-502-4502
BSA Owner’s Club Web Site
www.bsaocsc.org
Front Cover Photo ; Terry Hoiland
Rear cover; Sandra Bilewitch
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Editors Page:- Oilyleaks by Clive Brooks
Remaining Issues Under My Stewardship
11
My Fellow Enthusiasts…This years North /South Rally wasn’t
quite as well attended this year, especially by the Northern club
members, in fact, for a change there were more Southern Club
member, even though the Northern club hosted the event. Many
thanks to the BSAOCNC President, Dave James to seemed to run
the whole week-end by himself, from shepherding all the riders
on the rides to providing the route sheets to arranging the dinner
and the raffle, great job Dave. The rides were very nice, covering
some old ground, but some new areas too. The weather was a bit
warm, especially the Saturday. Denise and I had a great time.
The big Bear Dual Sport ride was well attended although I
didn’t go. There were 17 riders who signed in. Thanks to Mike
Haney for laying out the ride. Another ride I didn’t show up for was the Mt Baldy Ride,
and guess what it rained, Barry Sulkin has provided a ride report on page 8.
Coming up in November we have of course the big Norton Club event, The Hansen Dam
Ride, then The “Grand Putt” Dual Sport Ride (if the roads are open) and our Fall
BSAOCSC Swapmeet, at Classic Cycles in Orange. Please see page 21 for more details.
I urge you all to send me your British Bike stories, photos and “Tech Tips”, they
don’t have to be about BSA’s, most of our club members own other makes and
marques, so they will be of interest to our membership, for us all to share, after all
this is your newsletter. Thanks again to those who have already contributed material
to the Piled Arms, and I hope you continue to do so. I desperately need fresh articles
to keep this going.
Clive Brooks
BSAOC / SC members, we are updating our e-mail list in order to
contact you for any last minute changes in our calendar events, so
please contact Steve Ortiz at ; [email protected].
CHECK YOUR MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL DATE (see front of envelope)
MAIL CHECK OR MONEY ORDER FOR $25.00 U.S. ($40.00 Overseas)
Make Checks Payable To: BSAOC/SC
Mail To:
BSAOC/SC, 11125 Westwood Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230
4
The North/South BSAOC Rally in Paso Robles.
Ride report by Art Sirota, photos by Terry Hoiland,
Barry Porter, Barbara Barrett and Denise Brooks
The Barry Smith Memorial Ride left from the Motel 6 in Paso Robles on Friday
morning, September 25, with a good showing of adventurous club members in attendance.
The ground shook as we started up our old British bikes and took off for Parkfield,
the Earthquake Capitol of the World.
On the first leg of the journey, one of our club members riding a BSA went down
while trying to negotiate a turn. Burt Barrett was apparently first on the scene and told
me that the rider was not seriously injured. I saw the rider pull into the Motel 6 parking area at the end of the day, and both he and the bike seemed to have only minor
scratches.
The weather was a bit
Barry Porter’s and Art Sirota’s A10’s
on the warm side, so I
elected to wear a tee shirt
and leave my jacket in the
hotel room. This arrangement works well as long as
you don't fall off.
About twenty miles into
the ride, Barry Porter
pulled his 500cc A7 over
to the side of the road with
a minor problem; the oil
tank cap was missing.
Since there were already
several club members on hand to offer free advice and sympathy, I continued on my
way alone.
The scenery was beautiful along the back roads, but the effects of the drought were
to be seen everywhere. Many older California Live Oaks were showing signs of distress.
As I approached
Parkfield, there was
a sign listing elevation and population
figures. I read that
the town has a
population of 18. I
am guessing that 17
of those people
work for the USGS.
There was only
one restaurant in
town, but it was
The Parkfield Lunch Stop
very rustic and had
great food. Our club members commandeered two large tables, and soon beer, hamContinued on Page 6
5
burgers and tall tales were flying. Clive Brooks raised a glass to Barry Smith, and we all
toasted to his memory. I mentioned that I was wearing Barry's old Shoei helmet and said
that although I had to marry his daughter to get it, it was worth the effort. (Just kidding,
Lynda!)
As I went back outside to get on my BSA, I noticed that there was not a drop of oil
on the ground beneath it. More on this later.
I took off for the return ride, and going down a steep hill, I saw James Banky roaring
up the hill in the opposite direction on his Triumph 650. Better late than never!
Once back at the Motel 6 in Paso Robles, I parked my BSA and noticed oil all over
the right silencer. Then a small puddle of oil formed beneath my engine. I examined all
the oil lines with the engine off and couldn't see anything wrong. Hmmm. I decided to
ignore the problem and drink another Snapple. That proved to be a big mistake because
the metal overhead oil line had cracked near the oil tank. The next day, when I had ridden about a mile on the Saturday morning ride, it broke completely. (Luckily I happened
to look down just about the time it started squirting oil everywhere, so I managed to
avoid causing any damage to rockers or valves.)
On closer examination, I could see where the small diameter metal pipe had been
previously repaired by the former owner. I remembered that early Norton Commando
750's had a similar arrangement, and that metal pipe was also known to break from vibration.
Everybody seemed to have a good time, and Parkfield is the perfect destination for a
shake down ride.
-Art Sirota
Mavis eager to
go
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The Serious Business of Judging the Bike Show
Gary Roper’s Plunger
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Fixing The Little Things….by Art Sirota
For some reason, Barry Smith did not care for side stands. So when I inherited his
1960 A-10, I quickly discovered that he'd removed both the stand and the welded-on
lug from the lower frame tube.
So when I had the engine out for rebuilding at Raber's, I purchased a reproduction
lug and a
reproduction stand. I had a friend named Bob who owned a welding shop, and offered
to weld the lug on for free.
This was really a wonderful way to do it. I was able to stand there supporting the
BSA while Bob and I together
figured out the perfect angle of lean for the bike. So now that little problem has been
solved!
My 1956 A-10 came with the original lug still welded on to the frame, but a later
model side stand was jury-rigged to it. The whole arrangement was wonky. So I purchased the reproduction stand from Raber's, and much to my surprise, it fit!
I remember what our editor once told me about his experience with this stand making the machine too tippy. With mine, I believe it's going to work out fine. Yes, I'd like
just a few more degrees of lean to make it perfect, but I can easily live with it the way
it is right now.
As you know, the rigid metal one-piece copper pipe on my BSA fractured very
close to where it enters the banjo fitting at the oil tank. As soon as I realized that oil
was squirting out, I shut the engine off. I didn't want to do any damage to the rockers.
There was such a large glob of brazing material on the pipe where it enters the banjo, that I figured a roadside repair would probably not be an option.
I obtained a new banjo fitting with 8" straight pipe attached from Raber's. I bent the
pipe carefully using an old length of spring placed over the pipe to keep it from crimping. I cut the pipe to length with a small tubing cutter that I had in my plumbing box.
The new pipe is joined to the old pipe with a length of black rubber hose and two
clamps. I threw the old banjo and brazing lump away in the trash can. All is well now
with no leaks and with oil going up to the rockers.
Rock on. - Art
Mt Baldy Road Ride Report by Barry Sulkin,
Photos by Steve Ortiz
Eight hearty soles arrived at Buchanan’s Spoke and Wheel parking lot Sunday,
Oct 5. All bikes were trucked in, no ride ins this day as the threat of rain existed.
Kenny Buchanan treated the group to coffee and donuts until the riders were set to
ride off, and ride off they did, even under the threat of rain. Shortly after leaving it
did sprinkle some, hardly enough to call rain. Instead of taking Baseline or Foothill
to San Gabriel Canyon Blvd, we all took the residential route, Sierra Madre. The
roads were damp or somewhat wet but no flowing water anywhere. Along the route
the riders had to dodge rocks on the road nearly the entire way, also patches of
sandy dirt and a fallen tree that the chase truck barely was able to squeak by even
though I had to break a few branches away to clear it.
8
Climbing up the
mountain the riders
rode right into a misty
wet cloud, maybe
that’s why Ed Crowell
missed a turn and was
heading downhill towards Glendora. Fortunately Mike Ryan set
Just a
out after him and
“Flesh Wound”
brought him back
where all the riders had
stopped at the Glendora Ridge Overlook.
The riders, “Doc”
Sterling, Lenny Flexmen, Steve Ortiz, Mike
Haney, Kirk Sloan on the only BSA, Bruce Franzen, and myself tried to take in the
sight at the fogged in vista
point.
The ride continued
all the way to Baldy
Lodge with no mishaps.
The restaurant was packed
with customers but they
saved a table for us. As
soon as we sat down it
started to pour, it only
rained for a few minutes
but it was substantial. A
good lunch, lots of
“fellowship” and we set
off, Mike Haney leaving
five minutes before everyone else.
Down the hill and on Baseline Rd,
a couple of new jogs and back on
Sierra Madre for a “back door”
return to Buchanan’s. Everyone
arrived on time except Mike
Haney, got lost and arrived 20
minutes late!
See you at the “Grand
Putt” Nov 15.
Barry Sulkin, Sweep
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Big Bear Dual Sport Ride…. No Ride Report Submitted
photos by Sandra Bilewitch
Eddie Crowell and Kelly O’ Colgan
at Big Bear Airport
10
Mike Haney’s eyesight was voted the best
to affect a repair
Pioneertown Lunch Stop
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A Return To Long Beach….by Larry Luce
There was a time when I was a regular at the Long Beach monthly motorcycle
swap meet. That was maybe twenty years ago when admission was under five dollars, parts of interest to me were abundant and I didn’t have as many other distractions. That is no longer the situation. The swap-meet is now largely a Harley extravaganza, admission is nine dollars and I have an endless list of demands on my
time. Still, I had a free pass Barry Sulkin gave me a few years ago so I recently
revisited this venue. Use of the free passes, still available through Barry, is predicated on the condition you ride a motorbike to the swap meet. All my BSAs are
currently non-functional so my Velocette Venom became appointed mount.
At about 8am on Sunday morning I left my home in Huntington Beach headed
towards Long Beach on Pacific Coast Highway. The day promised to be hot so it
was very comfortable to be riding in shorts and a tee-shirt. It was still early so the
eminent flood of would be beach goers had not yet inundated the roads. I was
amazed by the number of
vintage and special interest vehicles out cruising PCH at that hour. There must
have been a number of car show events taking place along the coast. Guess I
should get out more often as this moving display was worth the trip.
Arriving at Veterans Stadium, where the swap meet is staged, reaffirmed previous
impressions; Harley Davidsons were everywhere. I waited in a queue of throbbing
black and chrome “bagger” Harleys for my turn to present the pass and be admitted. My red Velo looked rather gaudy and delicate among that dark and bulky
swarm. The attendant made no mention of the fact my pass was two years old and
said Sacramento Swap meet, I was waved right through. It was so far so good as
to this adventure.
I don’t own a Harley and have no interest in acquiring one. I do know it can be
worth the effort to look closely at merchandise on offer at such venues as foundling English treasures are sometimes mixed in with the pervasive Harley flotsam. I
moved through the rows at a quick pace but tried to maintain a close focus. Items
on offer which caught my attention included a Royal Enfield Twin in the guise of
an Indian Tomahawk, a separate RE twin power unit, a Triumph chopper and an
incomplete BSA Victor. None of these items were of interest to me but they served
as indications of potential finds.
I was surprised to meet Barry Sulkin on site. He had a small trove of
items on offer and told me he had already sold a ’51 BSA flat-tracker project. The
flat-tracker is something which might have interested me but I do not need another
project and so was glad it was already sold. I also encountered long time BSA club
member Joe Yee who had accumulated a small stash of finds. I talked to a bicycle
guy who had an interesting vintage German race cycle for sale (no thanks but
cool).
There were also vendors of interesting tools and various antiquities. I looked a lot,
talked a little and ultimately bought nothing. So, no worries about how to haul
purchases home on a motorbike. I suppose my time might have been better spent
on more productive activities but this was an enjoyable trip. I have no intention of
becoming a regular patron again but I probably will be back especially if I get another free pass.
Larry Luce
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FREE ENTRANCE TO:
$$$$$ LONG BEACH SWAP MEET $$$$$
$$$$ IF YOU RIDE YOUR BIKE IN $$$$
Contact: Barry Sulkin, Treasurer, for tickets
310-569-1383, [email protected]
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
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Members Only…...For Sale / Wanted
For Sale:
1970 BSA Starfire 250. You've all seen this little beauty on the club runs. It's the best
-running quarter-litre Beezer I've ever ridden. Showing only 1400+ miles on the clock
(might be actual, who knows?). Starts first kick, idles nicely, pulls hard and keeps up
with the big bikes through Angeles Crest! Repainted, new decals. Only mods are lower 'bars, Dunstall Decibel Silencer (allows it to breath a bit better than stock, rev
quicker and runs faster...plus it has a nice bark), and reversed shifter camplate for desirable one-up, three-down shift pattern. Gearbox shifts smoothly, no jumping out of
gear, and you can snick it into neutral at traffic lights. PLUS, the previous owner installed nice little turn signals on it, which actually work! A bit of an extra safety feature in traffic. The K-70 copies have
sidewall checking.
At the start of summer I was offered
$3900 for it (high bid on eBay but
below my reserve). Now need to thin
the collection. Will sell to club member for $3250. At the San Luis
Obispo Classic MC show in October
where it was displayed, BSA restoration guru Don Harrell looked at it
and mentioned, "interest is building
in these 250s." Great beginner classic, or for shorter rider, or for the
wife/girlfriend.
Dave Destler 818-606-2097
[email protected]
Continued on page 16
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Members Only…...For Sale / Wanted
For Sale: 1976 Triumph T140 complete 100% restoration using all new parts, styled
as 1970 Bonnie. ridden 120 mi. for break in & readjustments. Call for full details.
Located in Yucca Valley Ca.
$12,500 obo
Mike Haney 760-365-9191
11/1/15
WANTED: Cash or Trade for 1950s -60s manufacturers/distributors promotional
race win posters. Example, Roger White wins Big Bear Run on Triumph". Original
or sharp CD ok as new club member BSA Victor owner wants posters for man cave
walls. Maybe I can help you too!
Thanks, "[email protected]"
10/1/15
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For Sale : by long time BSAOCSC member Dan Gehrs in Solvang. 1970 Norton Commando Roadster original and unrestored. 11,000 odd miles. This is a
turnkey classic that was brought out of retirement when purchased less than 2
years ago. It has been thoroughly gone through and runs strongly and reliably.
Selling for medical reasons. Contact Dan at 805-448-0268 or email
at [email protected]. The price is $10,849 OBO.s
11/1/15
2003 Triumph Bonneville 100th anniversary edition. Tasteful additions and all stock
parts as well.11K miles $5500
1965 BSA C15 complete except headlamp, turns and has compression, shifts through
the gears. Needs restoration, bill of sale $800
BSA A65T 1965 Thunderbolt. Sold new in Riverside Ca. and never has gone far from
there. Restored a few years ago by John King. Runs really well but home done paint isn’t
so nice. Current Ca. registration and non-op. $5500
1972 Triumph Trident 5 speed. Has BSA QD rear wheel for ease of tire changing. $900
Custom paint and Corbin $800 seat. Very nice with new exhaust collector and pipes and
raygun mufflers. Non op $5500
1971 BSA B25 basket case with lots of extra parts but all apart $1200
1958? BSA A10 basket, basically a frame with engine, top end off, gearbox. No primary
or clutch, no forks or sheet-metal, Engine has mag and dyno. Missing hardware $1000
1966 BSA A65 engine complete with non-matching frame $450
Misc. BSA stuff: A65 crank, needs turned $20, B25 case set $20, Boxes of BSA 250/441
single gears and shafts $5.00 pound, BSA A10 gearbox parts $10 pound, NOS BSA C15
fork assembly $400, BSA A65 frame $75, BSA wheels, various $25-75 ea. BSA triple
clamps $25 set, A10/A65/B25 , BSA A65 crankcase set $100, BSA A10 or A65 camshaft used $25 ea. Lots of used BSA stuff to clear. BSA A75 NOS gas tank 1972 in box
$1500, BSA B25 frame $50, B25 oil tank NOS $25, BSA A10 rear wheel $50, BSA
A10 full width rear sprocket used $25 Or buy all my used BSA stuff for $10,000– 3-4
large pickup full All located in Riverside area. Bill [email protected]
9/1/15
Continued on Page 18
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Members Only….For Sale / Wanted
Wanted: A 1975 Triumph Trident T160 with low miles, in very good or
excellent condition. If you have one to sell please contact me at ,
John Sekora
2595 Tallman Rd. Sparks, NV 89431-2477
( 775) 359-0297 Home Phone
9/1/15
For Sale: “BSA Catalina Scrambler to a good home. Interested BSA riders call
and discuss sale of this beautiful custom bike that I’ve owned for 36 years.
Bob Carlson – Home: 949-457-1399 or Cell: 949-302-7100” 6/1/15
#47 Randy
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9/1/16
12/1/13
8/1/16
4/1/16
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4/1/16
10/1/15
4/1/16
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Calendar of Events 2015
Nov 1 (Sun) HANSEN DAM ALL BRITISH RIDE - Norton Club.
Info: http://www.socalnorton.com/
Nov 7 (Sat) BSAOCNC All-British Ride, Novato Info: Don Danmeier, 415-8980330
Nov 8 (Sun) Vintage Bike O.C. Mr. Pete’s Grill 19071, Brookhurst Huntington Beach. 2 – 4pm
Nov 15 (Sun) * BSAOCSC “ELSINORE GRAND PUTT” DUAL-SPORT RIDE Lake Elsinore, Ca. Ride starts at the Steve Ortiz home, 133 s. Ralph Road, Lake Elsinore, Ca. Arrive at 9 AM, for coffee, ride at 10 AM. Info: Steve Ortiz (951) 245-5287
NOV 22 (Sun) * BSAOCSC SWAP MEET” & BI-MONTHLY MEETING Classic
Motorcycles, Inc., 1425 N. Manzanita St, Orange, Ca. BRITISH MOTORCYCLES
ONLY! Begins @ 7AM to 11 AM. Seller fee $20.00 Pre-Registration Suggested as
“First Callers Get Best Spots” -Steve Ortiz, (951)245-5287 BSA Meeting Info: Barbara
Barrett (661) 703-9249 or Steve Ortiz (951) 245-5287 or Barry Sulkin (310)398-6406
Nov 22 (Sun) Long Beach Motorcycle Swap-meet. http://www.socalcycleswapmeet.com/
Dec 6 (Sun) BSAOCSC ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY
Art and Lynda Sirota’s Residence 37127 Tovey Ave, Palmdale, Ca. 12pm til 3pm
Info: Art Sirota (661)-273-7005 or Barbara Barrett (661) 703-9249
Dec 13 (Sun) Vintage Bike O.C. Mr. Pete’s Grill 19071, Brookhurst Huntington Beach. 2 – 4pm
Dec 27 (Sun) Long Beach Motorcycle Swap-meet. http://www.socalcycleswapmeet.
2016
Jan 3 (Sun) 21st Annual Motorcycle Show, Sale and Swap.
“Steel Horse Saloon” 1768 W. Bell Phoenix Arizona. 10am—2pm.
Info: Ed Houser (602) 763-2013, John Cerilli (510) 377-5575
Jan 24 (Sun) Long Beach Motorcycle Swap-meet. http://www.socalcycleswapmeet.
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BSA Owners Club of Southern California
Email & Phone Directory
Specialists
Gold Star/Winged Wheel: Dick Newby
No Email (714) 839-7072
**********
Pre Unit Twin: Clive Brooks
[email protected] (714) 771-2534
**********
C10, C11, C12, C15: “Position Open”
To any willing volunteer, contact Editor
**********
Unit Singles/B50: Jack Faria
(805) 551-4982
**********
Rocket III/Trident: Burt Barrett
(661) 742-5539
**********
Triumph/Sidehack: Russ Smith
(818) 343-8045
**********
BSA Unit Twins: Bill Getty
[email protected]
**********
Specialty Tool Consultant: Craig Rich
Questions: (562) 868-9389
**********
Please make calls between 9am and 9pm
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BSA Owners Club Regalia
Sweatshirts $25 —$28
+ $5
S&H
Official BSA Owners Club “T” Shirt. Comes in Blue, Red, Grey and
Black. Large, XL and XXL. Price is $20 for short sleeve and long
sleeve $25. BSA Club sweat shirts are available in limited colors
and sizes. Price includes shipping and handling. Take delivery at a
Club gathering and save $5. Sizes and colors are limited, so place
your order quickly!
Contact—Randy Ressell: Regalia Coordinator
Hm. (714) 502-4502, E-mail: [email protected]
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Mike Haney’s Custom Triumph Dual-Sport
On The Big Bear Ride