GEARCHANGE
Whether using the early Clubman's alloy pedal or the later Thruxton remote
linkage, the standard gear pedal for use with rearset footrests is always too
high and too short for comfort.
It is surprisingly difficult to put it anywhere else without the kickstarter
interfering
Click HERE for an example of one
solution that also allows plenty of adjustment of the final height and reach of
the foot-piece.
Although it was made as a prototype to be replicated more elegantly once the
dimensions were finalised, it works so well that it may stay indefinitely.
HANDLEBARS
The standard 'bars are too high for comfort above 65mph, and the Clubman's or
Thruxton are too low for comfort below 65mph.
Mk VIII bars are a good compromise.
Click HERE to see an example, and note the
rubber isolation of tachometer and ammeter. Also the "conversion to
digital" (a scrap digital watch, used as a clock - it's always the strap
that goes first on the cheap ones).
LUGGAGE
Arranging a strong-but-elegant support for luggage has always been difficult on
a springer Velocette.
Click HERE to see an approach using dural
plates.
These permit the use of "throw-over" panniers and an original
Velocette accessory rear carrier can also be attached (normally a Velocette
pannier frame is a prerequisite).
They also make it easier to attach indicators and attach cross-bracing for the
rear mudguard & number plate.
The penalty is the loss of half the rear-suspension load adjustment, but the
damper units can be pre-loaded to compensate.
INDICATORS
These make modern traffic safer, particularly at night. However they need to be
discrete.
Click HERE to see an example using
modern lightweight units that are very effective.
MUDGUARD BRACING
Pattern stainless steel "sports" mudguards can resonate badly just
at the rev-band used when cruising.
This cracks the front centre-stay and the rear mudguard, and shortens the life
of rear bulbs.
Click HERE to see an example of a front
dural bracing stay.
CHAINCASE OIL LEVEL AND OVERFLOW
Click HERE for an example of a sight
glass combined with an overflow into a catch tank under the rear sub-frame.
(The upper black rubber tube is just a vent to air, taken behind the belt cover
to keep water out.)
As a luxury the tap on the catch tank is operated by a cable to a control lever,
so it can be emptied when convenient without stooping.