Introduction
Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2021 5:40 am
Having been a member of the Kettleclinic for some years, I realised that I haven't done an intro on here.
I had a GT550A for 14 years, which I sold last year after losing confidence in it. Two full engine rebuilds and still not 100% with it, in a moment of madness I sold it last August. I immediately missed having a 550 so in September I aquired one that had been known to me for some years, a 550B. It had had a nut and bolt restoration 8 years ago, but still needed few running issues sorting out.
So far I've found that only one Sris valve works, one was seized and the other had the ball bearing in at the wrong end of the spring. New valves sorted that. Carb slide adjusters were all loose and had moved out if sync. Flow meter on them and now running nicely, although there is a slight top end rattle on a closed throttle. Still to be looked at. Oil pump was leaking from the spindle, but I had a spare gifted to me. Front brake was very poor. The caliper had been powder coated both inside and out, so the pad did not sit in the hollow and was on an angle. No 'O' rings on the pins and no dust rubbers fitted. All now fixed.
I am surprised that a bike that has had £1,000's spent on it has such issues, but perhaps that's why I'm now the owner. Still more niggles to work through over winter. Carbs off next, over winter for a good check.
I live in East Yorkshire and during the summer months I am regularly at Seaways cafe and Willingham Woods. So give me nod next summer if anyone sees me.
Cheers, Paul.
Alan - I have tried to add a picture, same as I would on the Kettle clinic Forum, but however I try I get an invalid file message ?
I had a GT550A for 14 years, which I sold last year after losing confidence in it. Two full engine rebuilds and still not 100% with it, in a moment of madness I sold it last August. I immediately missed having a 550 so in September I aquired one that had been known to me for some years, a 550B. It had had a nut and bolt restoration 8 years ago, but still needed few running issues sorting out.
So far I've found that only one Sris valve works, one was seized and the other had the ball bearing in at the wrong end of the spring. New valves sorted that. Carb slide adjusters were all loose and had moved out if sync. Flow meter on them and now running nicely, although there is a slight top end rattle on a closed throttle. Still to be looked at. Oil pump was leaking from the spindle, but I had a spare gifted to me. Front brake was very poor. The caliper had been powder coated both inside and out, so the pad did not sit in the hollow and was on an angle. No 'O' rings on the pins and no dust rubbers fitted. All now fixed.
I am surprised that a bike that has had £1,000's spent on it has such issues, but perhaps that's why I'm now the owner. Still more niggles to work through over winter. Carbs off next, over winter for a good check.
I live in East Yorkshire and during the summer months I am regularly at Seaways cafe and Willingham Woods. So give me nod next summer if anyone sees me.
Cheers, Paul.
Alan - I have tried to add a picture, same as I would on the Kettle clinic Forum, but however I try I get an invalid file message ?