BSA C15 - a run up Strathconon (78 miles)

A run, a disaster and an electrical repair.
All in the April Evening · Glasgow Orpheus Choir, Sir Hugh Roberton
• All in the April Evening

[@brianhealey5286]

Music at 7:40 befitting of the blessing of the drive in such lovely countryside. Now 85 I miss my Ariel and a joyful ride. Thank you for your wonderful trip videos.

[@hughferrier5837]

@@brianhealey5286 Brian thank you so much for that. 'All in the April Evening' is just wonderful. My dad and mum had on an old 78. 'I saw the sheep with their lambs and I thought on the Lamb of God '. I am not looking forward to the frailty that comes with old age and giving up my BSA. All the best and God bless.

[@alistairbarclay3116]

I rebuilt a blown big end c15 motor as my very first engine repair at 15, learned to ride it off road till 16 then on L plates till 17 then took my test on her. myC15 was a lovely bike , now at 75 I still remember a lot of the rides and the fun I had with her. Never got the front brake to work well but never crashed!

[@nuskaha]

I'm glad you found and remedied the problem Hugh. Your videos are always a pleasure to watch. Regards Dave

[@hughferrier5837]

That is kind words Dave. That was a relatively easy repair. I wish they were all the same.

[@Rubber21]

Hugh,that engine sounds mechanically perfect,a treat to the ear!Good job and thanks very much for sharing your ride.

[@hughferrier5837]

That is so kind but how I wish. When you are sitting on it there are awful metallic noises like marbles being rattled around in an old tin! It's still a lot of fun though. Thanks for taking time to comment.

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

I had no sound when I watched it.l love my vintage British motorcycles.I have 4 BSA C-15 250's in both street bike and dirt bike versions. Great bargains compared to new RE 350's. Reliable and dependable transportation as they were meant to be.

[@hughferrier5837]

The sound is what makes a C15! I am not sure reliable and dependable are words I would use in the same sentence as C15. Thanks for watching.

[@jaywalker3087]

I had the SS80 version and had a round trip commute for work of 70 miles a day , 5 day's a week in the 80's for year's. Upgraded to a B44 whilst rebuilding an A10. I did Dispatch riding in London on the B44 and was a superb machine for the job, out pacing many bigger bikes away from lights and decking it on the bends.... I'm 65 now with a Triumph Herald but saving up for an Enfield 535... Happy Days...

[@hughferrier5837]

Jay, you are the authority on BSA unit singles! That is a lot of experience. Great stories. I don't trust mine at all but then it is now 65 years old. Enjoy the Enfield when you get it. It will be reliable.

[@porcaminosrurales3755]

beautiful roads, great machine, relax video... thanks for that Hugh!

[@hughferrier5837]

That is such nice and kind comments. Thank you.

[@sanclewphotographic]

Glad you sorted it Hugh, and the sound did not spoil our enjoyment of the Video lovely countryside, take care, Colin.

[@hughferrier5837]

Thanks for watching and commenting Colin. The sound is poor in places.

[@petermckee1061]

Many thanks, Hugh, for another thoroughly enjoyable video. I love these tours of your countryside. And very glad your electrical problem was resolved easily. The dreaded Lucas electrics. Having owned Triumph, BSA and MG in the '70s I'm well acquainted with the Prince. Best wishes, Peter.

[@hughferrier5837]

Hello Peter and thanks again for taking time to comment. I can't even blame Lucas this time. It is a company called Fagor that made the bridge rectifier. I have sent off for two spares which will be added to my collection of bits I carry around with me. I am fortunate to live here.

[@jamessabbagh6014]

I enjoy following your journeys around Scotland from the vantage point of Southern California and appreciate the shared infirmities between your C15 and my old A65. Classic BSA’s elicit a sense of accomplishment upon trip completion.

[@hughferrier5837]

Wow James connected even though in very different parts of the world. In the North of Scotland I am envious of your weather! Every trip on a classic BSA is an adventure! Thanks for your message.

[@5dTraveller]

Thanks Hugh, I haven't been along Strathconon for many years but it's on my list for later this year, a beautiful place. I enjoyed the cameo by the sheep, brilliant. Who knows why rectifiers die, when I took my Bullet out for a test ride before I bought it the battery went flat and that was that, no emergency mode on fuel injected bikes. The bike had done less than 200 miles from new but the rectifier was extinct! All the best, Mick

[@hughferrier5837]

I was the same, I'm sure it was at least 20 years since I was up there. It is still beautiful. Enjoy when you travel up there. My rectifier going must be connected to the battery terminal coming away. Maybe there was a weakness. Thank you for commenting again. Hugh

[@johncole3973]

Hugh , recently found your channel ,and would like to say well done .it just shows what enjoyment can be had from the less glamorous smaller capacity machines ,the ride to applecross was quite a challenge i did it over 20 years ago .At 78 i have had to give up riding due to health issues .Having had many bikes over the years the one i remember with most affection was an ex MoD sv norton and your style of riding was the same as my own I rode for enjoyment along the B roads and lanes with time to take in the scenery .Now i sit in front of the TV and when i find channels like yours I am out on the bike again !! Good luck good health and thanks ,loved all in the April evening perfect choice ,why do people think because we ride motorcycles we all like heavy metal . ??

[@hughferrier5837]

@@johncole3973 Wow John that is such kind words. I am so sorry that health does not allow you to go out on bikes any more. I dread reaching that stage and it's probably only a few years away. I am glad you enjoy my wee films. I am in the middle of putting another one together. It takes longer to edit the film than it does to do the trip! I just enjoy tootling along the smaller roads. All in the April Evening is beautiful and the Glasgow Orpheus Choir does it like no other. My dad and mum had a wind up gramophone when I was a young boy and that was one of the old wax records! Take care John, Hugh PS my C15 is very glamorous 😁

[@williamnethercott4364]

Another lovely video (and it has been years since I heard the Glasgow Orpheus Choir). Well now, last weekend I was on a short local ride on my AJS but I cut it short. It had started reluctantly then kept spitting and misfiring, nothing to severe but annoying. I found that it wouldn't restart when I reached home but fired immediately when I switched to Emergency. I cleaned to pilot and main jets a few days ago but this morning, I had an idea. I went out to the garage and pressed the horn (which gave only clicks), the ammeter remained at zero and the rear brake (the light did not come on). My battery charger said the battery was fully charged. I was suspicious of the fuse holder, which has a bullet connector to a short length of wire leading to the negative terminal of the battery. As soon as I took hold of this connector, one end snapped off in my fingers. I've replaced it with an old connector as a stop gap and now the horn works, the brake light works and the ammeter deflects. I haven't had a chance to try the engine yet but this seems like a bit of a coincidence. Once more, thanks for posting.

[@hughferrier5837]

Oh dear William, the joys of trying to tour on such old bikes. It definitely is a love/hate relationship. Strangely the love wins. Thanks again for your comments.

[@michaellarcombe8124]

Another good video and what a place to be riding my best is the Blackdown hills Somerset/Devon and the down to exmoor, hats of for the fun you have on your c15 lets face we now ride for pleasure and it should be a smile a mile.

[@hughferrier5837]

Michael I am sure your runs further south are super. I am very blessed in where I live and all the different roads I can take. If you can ignore the mechanical disturbance that comes from a C15 engine then they are lovely to drive.

[@Team-fabulous]

Your C15 is beautiful. I had a 1965 B40 ex mod twenty years ago.. Just loved it, now I have a 500 Bullet for farting about on. Iv been up your neck of the woods manys a time on my 1400 Kawasaki traveling from Northern Ireland. I stayed in Dingwall last year.. Scotland the beautiful. Scotland the brave..

[@hughferrier5837]

The B40 is a lovely bike. A big C15. I have to say that I think the C15 is one of the bonniest bikes ever made. I like the 500 Bullet, though I think 350 a more sensible size! But a 1400 Kawasaki! I am blessed with where I live. I have never been to Ireland but all pictures and films from there look stunning. It is the Emerald Isle! Thanks for commenting. Thanks for your comment.

[@stockyport]

Thank you Hugh for sharing your journey through such wonderful scenery. And sharing your issue with the electric gremlins is one I will keep in mind should mine show the same symptoms. At least it was a simple and not too expensive fix and you are back in business. All the best from Ontario.

[@hughferrier5837]

My good wishes to Ontario. I live in a bonny part and am very fortunate. I am certain you have lovely scenery in Ontario. Thanks for your nice comment.

[@timothynorris4288]

Your blessed with fantastic scenery up there . Glad you managed to nurse her home and get it fettled. Lucas electrics are a joy to behold. Broke down once on a triumph 500 unit twin coming back from a trip to Southport, once the bike had cooled it would start up , turned out to be the ignition coils breaking down when warm . Happy days . Looking forward to your next adventure, regards, Tim.

[@hughferrier5837]

Thanks Tim for that. It comforts in a cruel way that others suffer like me.

[@clarehennessey3653]

Hi there Hugh. I hope you are in good health. More lovely Scottish scenery to behold, and a bonus disaster courtesy of Joe Lucas "Prince of Darkness". Best regards, Clare.

[@hughferrier5837]

Thanks again Claire for taking time to comment on one of my wee films. As I said to Peter, I can't even blame Lucas this time. It is a company called Fagor that made the bridge rectifier. I won't go as far as calling my disaster a bonus!

[@clarehennessey3653]

@@hughferrier5837 Well said Hugh. I love your content.

[@rodneystacey1155]

I have a Super Cub and a few years ago I suffered the same fault with the battery terminal coming adrift , lovely run

[@hughferrier5837]

I'm not alone! Thanks for that Rodney. Did the wire coming adrift take tour rectifier with it?

[@MrDaviedawg]

Lovely video again Hugh. I love seeing Easter Ross and the places I enjoyed runs many years ago. Coincidentally I have had similar issues with my Triumph over the past year, with a broken red wire from the battery to the coils, broke at the brass ring. All stop. Then issues with the same kind of wee rectifier so I bit the bullet and fitted a good quality reg/rec. Podtronics I think. So the nice old zener finned heat sink is just for show now. Thanks again.

[@hughferrier5837]

Thank you Davie for that and it always helps to know that I'm not alone on electrical disasters! Easter Ross is lovely and I am fortunate to live here.

[@colinblick8946]

Looks a lovely part of the world Hugh…… I had a C15 in 1975…..it was a 1966……model prefix SS on the engine….whatever that means😎…….foolishly I never took my motorcycle test then……an now I wish I had🙄…..still I’ve my Vespa 50cc that keeps me happy😂….you take care young man😎🙏🏼

[@hughferrier5837]

Hello Colin and thank you for such a nice comment. I think the SS was the 'Sports Star'. Mine is just a 'Star'. Probably yours could cruise at an awesome 55 instead of 45! Good memories. You enjoy your wee Vespa. The older I've got the more I realise you don't need a big powerful engine to enjoy being out on a bike.

[@colinblick8946]

@@hughferrier5837 😂I wonder why it was superfast

[@bobparkinson2651]

Hi Hugh, Really enjoyed this one found parts of it quite emotional for some reason, I do hope your health is good. Thanks ever so much for sharing such wonderful scenery.

[@hughferrier5837]

Wow Bob, I never expected my films to have an emotional response. I feel really well. I get another blood test in July and depending on it I get referred to oncology. Thanks for such a nice comment.

[@StevenLetham-vu4kg]

Another excellent video Hugh, looking forward to the next.

[@hughferrier5837]

Thanks Steven for taking the time. Give me a month and I hope I will have another film.

[@MegaTubescreamer]

👍 its a lovely machine 😇

[@hughferrier5837]

I think the C15 is one of the bonniest bikes ever made. Full stop. Thanks for your comment.

[@johnpeterson7245]

Another enjoyable video, thanks.

[@hughferrier5837]

Thank you John, glad you enjoyed it.

[@ianaristotlethompson4186]

Divine intervention. Got home safe.

[@hughferrier5837]

You are right there Ian. It took a long time but I got home.

[@denlsgoulden2307]

Well spotted, obviously you had a dead short, good to sus out the rectifier, the originals were the plate type, looks like your still using lead/acid battery, I replaced mine with a "Motobat" impregnated mat type which I find a great improvement. As for gearboxes, they leak if not from the joint face they'll leak via the gear change spindle or sometimes the cork jointed "tin" cover in between the inner/ outer crank cases and into the engine sump. Ah the good old C15, always something with them !!😊

[@hughferrier5837]

I did have a Motobat in mine but it fried last year when my regulator/rectifier gave up. Lost my Boyer ignition as well. Dennis they are something else. Wisdom would tell us to get something more reliable but we don't. They get in your heart.

[@denlsgoulden2307]

​@@hughferrier5837They certainly do 😊

[@borderlands6606]

Lonely roads and a job well done.

[@hughferrier5837]

I am very fortunate with the roads round here.

[@frankboff8185]

Good video and good fault finding skills, I have quite a few problems with my classics ? this year, I seem fo spend more time in the workshop than riding.

[@hughferrier5837]

Oh dear Frank. I just wish I could use it and rely on it. I actually had no external oil leaks for over a month but took it for a test run after fitting the new rectifier. Parked and came out after an hour to drips of oil under it. Could have cried. Hope you get your ones sorted soon. Thanks for commenting.

[@philbailey1397]

Passed my test on a c15 in 1968 😊

[@hughferrier5837]

That's great, a long time ago! Your kind of giving away your age Phil! I didn't pass till maybe 10 years later on a Yamaha XS250. I still hit the gear lever on my C15 in an emergency!

[@gren509]

Get a sock for that microphone. Lovely vid, thanks for the memories.

[@hughferrier5837]

I apologise for the sound. I drilled a hole in the waterproof case to allow my mic to connect to the camera. It causes a bit of sound issues if I don't get the mic plugged in properly. I will try and have better sound on the next film. Glad you could still get some enjoyment out of the film.

[@audioorigami]

great video!!

[@hughferrier5837]

Thanks again John. Hope you and your dad's BSAs are doing a few wee tours.

[@solmackay]

5 to 20mph does sound better than a 25 mile walk! Looked like a nice wee run apart from that though, hope the weather starts to get more summer-y soon so you can get out more.

[@hughferrier5837]

Hello again Sol. Good to hear from my old pupil. You must have had a bit of a walk, then. The return run was a pure embarrassment but we both have been there before! The noises from the bike running on 'emergency' was dreadful. You are supposed to just get it started on 'emergency' and then switch over. But mine couldn't without the rectifier and battery. We have had a pretty poor summer so far.

[@limyrob1383]

The ordinal rectifiers have large cooling fins as they get hot. Perhaps worth looking for one of those.

[@rodneystacey1155]

well I have had two of those fail. Possibly the nick in the wire was the root of the problem

[@ballkeeper6662]

would love to own one of those bikes ,

[@hughferrier5837]

They are nice but be prepared for a lot of maintenance.

[@grandadsfishingboat7455]

Afternoon Hugh, hope you are well I commented on here when tou first uploaded this vid and it appeared for a short while then dissappeared..jist thought you should know Kind Regards Stuart from further South.

[@hughferrier5837]

Sorry about that Stuart. I never saw a comment from you. Thank you for bothering. It's even more mysterious than all the places a C15 can leak oil from.

[@flyingscotsman5773]

Hi mate. Was wondering if you would be going to kirkcaldy classic motorcycle show this Sunday in Kirkcaldy fife?

[@hughferrier5837]

@@flyingscotsman5773 Sorry but I won't. I'm a bit of a loner!

[@boredmalcontent]

Your voice sounds exactly like Ivor Cutler - no bad thing. Herring?

[@hughferrier5837]

Well, he didn't sound too bad. That is a statement no one has ever made to me before in nearly 70 years.

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

Aren't they pretty little bikes? No sound so it was like watching a silent movie 🎥.

[@hughferrier5837]

The C15 is one of the best looking bikes ever. Sorry you didn't have sound. There is sound there and some of it not so great!

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

The name of places in England sounds like Middle Earth 🌎.

[@hughferrier5837]

I am going to correct you there Frank. I am in the North of Scotland, not England. The names are nearly all corruptions of Gaelic. Now I am not a Nationalist but I draw the line at calling Scotland, England! Thanks for your comment and sounding like Middle Earth is no bad thing. I love the books and the films.