Pre-Season Service & Ride - BSA Rocket Gold Star Part 1/2

[@simonsackett]

I was an apprentice Ford mechanic in the late 1970s and it's nice to see some proper old-fashioned mechanical sympathy again!

[@bernardmcmahon5377]

Over 45 years ago my mate ,Jack, rebuilt a goldie ,same as yours, he used to let me ride it many times, it was absolutely unbelievable the memory will never leave me

[@derekcomer4858]

Thank you Dave, very enjoyable and relaxing watching and listening to this. Taking the time and care to restore and renovate rather than replace is definitely the secret to a better way of life. 😌🙏😌

[@bobwatson7783]

Dave, I enjoyed this video mainly because with a bit of care and know how you could work on the old bikes. Back in about 1977 my mate and I went halves in a BSA M34 ( I can’t remember whether it was side valve or OHV. I do remember it having girder forks and a single tractor seat. I blew smoke and leaked everywhere so we decided to pull the engine out and do a rebuild. We were lucky as we knew this old guy who had been working at BSA in the 20’s and 30’s. Basically he did all the work and we just watched and helped out. The thing I still remember was the history lessons we got from this guy. I do remember him cursing as the motor was being stripped down about the use of silicon in the engine. From that point on I never used silicon in motorbikes I owned later. Thanks for such a great video of and ( gloves, mechanics using gloves lolol ) from Down Under.

[@trevgreen9515]

Yes, I was a motorcycle mechanic mid to late 70s and agree, Daves a magician !

[@the1khronohs40]

The Bob Ross of vintage motorbikes. So relaxing to watch. And informative! Very Nice work.

[@dannymacarthur13]

Thank you for doing these videos. Very helpful for us motorcyclists with little to non, working knowledge of classic British motorcycles. Cheers.

[@kevinsumner4121]

I've eliminated all my problems with fuel going off by washing the ethanol out of the fuel. Engines on my garden machinery were the worst when trying to get them going come the Spring. They all start just fine now. I know it's a pain to do but well worth it. Great video yet again. You're really good at this.

[@bakerrv]

Nicely done, What a joy to have the old bikes to enjoy, both in the shop and out on the road. You can't beat the sound of these old bikes can you!

[@whippersnappermoto1286]

Man, your like the Bob Ross of English bike repair! Great videos! 👍

[@carlholm5558]

I'm loving your videos! I have had a number of Brit bikes over the years and if your channel had existed when I was a teenager I would have been clued up a lot sooner! These days I have an ex WD BSA M20. I would appreciate a series of videos on maintaining and servicing rigid-framed side valve singles.

[@ThaiMotoTrails]

Another great tutorial by a man who has years of experience and knows bikes. I like how a lot of his techniques you can apply to any bikes or cars, just by taking your time and assembling things carefully avoids problems later. Love watching this series.

[@glaicogobbo4046]

Great service of revision improving the capacity of sealing of joints and a beautiful service in the taps, its filters and seals. Very nice and didactic videos. Grateful.

[@BrinToo]

I’ve owned a Gold Flash and Super Rocket, but always lusted after a RGS, beautiful bike Dave! Super video.

[@trevgreen9515]

Dave should be knighted, he,s a true motorcycle knight, his knowledge is immaculate !!

[@jbcXR]

What a lovely bike Dave, looking forward to the next instalment ....👍😁

[@mattheweasteal2291]

Hi Dave - Thanks for this and im looking forward to part 2 - I too have been fettling in anticipation of being able to get out and rack up some miles - and as soon as legal..... we can meet up for a long overdue catch up. Great to see the well deserved appreciation here, and lets all hope for a better 2021 - Matt

[@mikemcallister757]

Thanks Dave for another great video! It's always nice to see such detail when working with these old bikes.The small details have just as much importance as the major components. Thanks again!

[@mattthomson1689]

Ah, yesss! beautiful, magical, British craft; the bike and the love...

[@classicbikeman]

Superb work and sound advice from Dave - love it

[@BilgemasterBill]

I'm perfectly content to watch you tinker with BSAs all day long. It still offers lots of sensible tips of general fettling principles applicable to other marques--like the fuel petcock tidying tips in this video. But since you're asking in a little popup box at the beginning what videos I'D like to see, if a Norton Atlas 750 comes into your shop for some love, I'd enjoy watching that in detail. Or one of those original model "Iron Cylinder" Royal Enfield Bullets. But do carry on as you have been. It's great watching. Thanx!

[@enhancesoutheast5964]

Looking forward to seeing this.. This channel needs to be mainstream... BIG... 🔧👍

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

That's so nice of you Kieran!

[@adamsyfqqq]

nice one dave... really an inspiration for people who are motorbike enthusiasts 👌❤️

[@aeroearth]

"Use Wellseal gasket sealant" - YES!!! First time I used that my BSA C11 engine was so dry the cast iron cylinder head and barrel started going rusty! Had to buy some cylinder black enamel from Halfords. Then used it exclusively on my B31, a Royal Enfield Meteor and finally my BSA Gold Star. Always worked, never failed.

[@northlandrider5396]

I'm working on an A10 which was so oiltight up top that the barrels were looking dreadful with rust. Blew a rocker box gasket on one side, and the resulting oil made the barrels look half decent again. Result! (sort of). Never been a fan of sealants on engines. Big on plate glass and grinding paste though.

[@mulliedog1]

Thank you for another great video!

[@willywonka8730]

Number 1 on my bucket list - ride through the English countryside - preferably the Isle of Mann on a BSA A10 for a week. Can you accommodate me? Seriously.

[@renahitze]

Thanks Dave!!! great Video again!!

[@bluehazeboy]

Great job Dave, I love the sound of it,

[@Jaysqualityparts]

Have a garage full of newer HD and old 70’s Honda’s there is nothing better than the old bikes like this, they have character. Nice job with the videos 👍🏻

[@daveclark4793]

Hi Dave, thoroughly enjoyed this latest video. You’ve asked for suggestions for future videos. How about one on upgrading from points to electronic ignition (pros and cons), and how to go about fitting an electronic ignition system. I think this would be very popular. Best regards, David.

[@martindavies8326]

I always add some fuel stabiliser and then fill the tank right to the top with V power, before laying up for winter, they claim the fuel stabiliser will keep the fuel good up to 2 years, so six months is no problem, and I’ve never had a problem with it, the bike starts up first time after it’s long rest, but it is a Honda,she’s 43 years old though. Enjoy watching Dave at work. ⚙️🔩🔧👍

[@pikebobstar2033]

Another great mini series Dave. Compelling watch. Good to see a true pro at work. Some work on period Ducati or guzzi would be interesting if they ever come your way for work👍

[@garycb8592]

The reason I subscribed is great information presented well. Look forward to the next part.

[@mikenixon4637]

Well done!

[@paulongley2033]

Hi Dave very nice bike ,you must be well pleased with your BSA .

[@robertadams4415]

As always interesting and informative

[@stanleyjong3124]

GREAT JOB..

[@MBIKES21]

Great video.

[@jamiebrake514]

Great video!! This channel is amazing actually. Dave, would love to see you do some Norton Commando work :).

[@jakubjezik]

Oh yes, I sign that.

[@vanislandsteve]

What a bike !!

[@bluesplayer59]

Splendid stuff !

[@bruceleong9534]

Would love to see Dave do some work on his Commando. Thanks.

[@criscollins6999]

Good stuff Please refurbish a Preunit Bonny next including carb tuning

[@brianpollitt3832]

The rear topmost rockerbox cover stud would have had two flats on it originally to fit a BA spanner on so it could be removed to make it easier to remove and you don’t have to use two nuts to do it.

[@pauliebots]

Hey guys! Paul from Long Island here. I don't know why but for some reason I wanted all copper gaskets on my 70 t100 bobber. Base?-copper Head?-copper Rocker box?-copper Been leak free for a couple of years now.... What's that? Yes, there is oil in it!

[@gerrypowell2748]

Good tips

[@richardpope3063]

Some have the top rear rocker cover stud with a flat allowing removal to ease r/box remove.

[@TheSweetasanut]

Brilliant

[@willywonka8730]

Of all my possessions, most of which I gave away, my 1963 BSA Rocket Gold Star is the one I wish I'd held onto. In my defense it was a basket case that I left at a friend's when I was drafted in 1967. While I was away sacrificing body and soul for my country my friends mother said "Remove it." I suppose she would have had a better attitude about it if I hadn't lusted after her svelte 45 year old body. Was I wrong? Or should she have appreciated a 19 year old's desire for her? Oh, well. As I think back I would have liked to have had both. Life isn't fair.

[@441rider]

It is a bit to clean but I use Permatex Grey as it is a duro higher than rtv and withstands high heat on head. A thin smear on gaskets ensures a wellseal tight seal. It does not soften under heat that much rockers won't jiggle LOL!

[@northlandrider5396]

I hope part two is up soon. I am currently replacing rocker box and cover gaskets on my mate's plunger A10. I'm an old Triumph bloke, so I figured something wasn't right when I struggled to get the rocker box out of the bike. Now, thanks to your excellent video, I understand this is a factory cock-up. I look forward to part two because I bet there'll be a trick to getting it all back together. Do you have an opinion on alloy gaskets? I'm struggling to find a source for paper ones here in New Zealand. Great website. 😎

[@VivekSingh-hy1dk]

If i ever visit UK. I would like to meet you and learn from you😎

[@thoforn]

Use a little Oliveoil on your hands before you dig inn on a oil'y motor..your hands will thank you :),better washoff of oil,and the oil wont harm your skin so much..Great content on a bike i wish i had :)

[@steved5518]

Eay: WellSeal GBP 42 + 20 S/H to US. Made of Gold.

[@webber977]

Im a convert to wellseal, its expensive, but really does the job , however be very careful when using wellseal as if you read the small print on usage, its known to be carcinogenic so be CAREFUL WHEN USING

[@conradstone7927]

I had a 1959 super rocket back in the 60's and it had what looked like a piece of neoprene on top of the rocker box, i often wonder if this was to cut the tappet noise of the alloy head. regards con.

[@jamesanderson83]

My pre unit Triumph’s original instruction manual says to lubricate the pet cock with beef tallow after lapping. Fuel doesn’t wash it off and it keeps the tapers operating smoothly for a long time.👍

[@captarmour]

nice video! how do the BSAs compare with the Triumphs? The frames like much stronger than the Triumphs. I used to ride a Firebird Scrambler in Antigua and it handled flawlessly.

[@stephencroft6481]

Would like to see the t160 being recomishend

[@wdhewson]

Do a Boyer Bransden installation on a twin . My installation has not been successful and I have some training in avioncs so I don't believe my wiring is an issue.

[@petergj2]

Dave, thank you - another great and informative video. Where can I buy the material installed between the tank and frame top tube? Thanks,

[@Mr.Grrrumpy]

Armaflex pipe insulation from a plumber’s merchant

[@jackienelson5804]

I mentioned Scott squirrrel

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

The Scott Flying Squirrel is featured a lot in Dave’s workshop video logs over on our second channel. Also there’s part one and two of a recommission of that same bike here on our main channel

[@oilinmyblood3906]

Hello Dave, I wanted to ask you where do you actually bolt your gas tank to utilize the two little bolts in the very front underneath the tank? I wonder because I don't see any bracketry on the frame to utilize the two bolts under the tank, I'm stumped because I actually picked up a Road rocket or Super Rocket but have not determined which one yet, maybe you can help me! My serial numbers on the engine are CA10R 156, and my frame looks identical to yours with no brackets on the frame to utilize the welded bolts underneath the gas tank, if you could help me out in anyway that would be great, but if not no worries just keep up the great work brother

[@brianpollitt3832]

A flat plate strap goes across the two studs. It does not bolt anywhere else. It is there to rigidly stabilize the tank when it is full of fuel on both sides so it doesn’t flex and split the tank.

[@mozezcen-valley7555]

Do u any videos of gearbox??

[@jackienelson5804]

I'd like to see a setting squirrel they had quite a history Lemay Nelso Vancouver Washington state usa

[@jeremykeller211]

How does the RGS compare to the DBD 34? Is the frame the same?

[@delstephens7441]

Hi mate , In a recent vid you said puta lid of Castrol R in your petrol .... did you mean normal engine oil castrol R or the 2x castrol R I use for my RG500 . Love the vids Thanks Del “ I have a RGS .

[@clivehoddinott120]

can you put castrol R in my petrol on my 535 royal enfield fuel injection engine ??

[@EllDub]

Almost ironic that the video finished with a double nut

[@billdyke9745]

The 11th Commandment... Thou shalt not covet a geezer's beezer... Whoops, guilty...

[@donalrogers2446]

How much Castrol R are you using per litre and can you use it in a two-stroke running pre-mix?