Wee Smokey

Well Eric managed it again, despite the forecast being of biblical rain it was a dry day for the meeting. Fi and I took a couple of Interstate Commandos, MVD which is recently been put back on the road and the Mk3 which has had major work over the winter, neither have done more than 200 miles since the various work was carried out. MVD was fine for a while but the vibrations are bad, normally on a Commando you can get a sweet spot to sit in but no, this vibrates more than it should, I have adjusted the Iso's (The rubber bushes) but to no avail, it vibrates and handles like shit, that plus I seem to be getting rust from the inside of the tank which then blocks the needle valve and then either pisses out all over the place (Dangerous) or makes the throttle very jerky (Also dangerous) That said it is looking well but I'm afraid its coming apart again to fit new Iso's (again) and to check a couple of things I'm not happy with, this has been my go to bike for decades and has taken me all over Europe so it's a bit disappointing but I will get it sorted before next year! On the way to Dundee Fiona asked if we could go a bit slower (not like her) so I slowed down to 60 - 65mph then along the Kingsway (The Dundee bypass) she said there was something wrong with the throttle and could we stop. Transpires for some reason the top of the carb had vibrated off and the slide and spring were visible at the top, I managed to eventually screw it back on but not before I'd dislodged the fuel pipes! Looks like the fuel pipes have gone soft with the Ethanol in modern petrol, now where possible I put the best low ethanol fuel in but even then it seems to be corroding some rubbers. So to all you eco warriors F**K you and thanks for making our hobby a bit more dangerous and expensive!! I though about getting a "Just stop Oil" T shirt and adding "Leaks" to the end (Danny's idea)

Eventually we got to Arbroath and met John T and Budge who had also arrived just before us. A large breakfast was called for and a calming cup of tea. We talked with countless old friends and to be honest there wasn't enough time in the day to get round everyone which was disappointing. It is a wonderful friendly meeting and long may it continue (Especially if Eric can keep the weather gods happy) Of course time to go home and both bikes were reluctant to start (mines because of the flooding carb) and Fiona's was just enjoying playing to the crowds! We did make it home without further mishap but I had decided by then that MVD should be better and deserves to be better so another major strip down is planned! Budge followed us home and his recently restored BMW never missed a beat.....funny that!!!

Enjoy the Photos I probably missed half of the classics but you'll get the picture..

Ex Norton Owner Johnny T thinking thank god i bought a new bike!

The Rondelli Nortons looking nice (despite their bad behaviour)

Loop Guzzi

Hona 400 4

Nice Panther

Norton Electra

Older Two strokes

This was interesting

I think its based on a newer 900ss

A10 with very new panniers

Tidy Triumph

Bsa A65

Norton ES2

I think this is Andrew's Square 4 (I recognise his wiring)

Tidy MV

The theme was triples

and again

Mellow Yellow

Comet

I raced one exactly the same

Not sure the blue mudflaps go with the colour scheme

Very tidy R60 with the big tank

Very nice series 2 T3

Tidy

BSA

Tidy pre war HRD

A Used Le Mans

Two stroke RE

Panther

And another

Dereks very nice RGS

Great to see it getting an airing