Richards newly found race bike.......pt 3

First test run...

The afternoon session was ideal for a first outing, long enough to get the feel for what needed doing without having to miss sessions whilst attempting over ambitious repairs/modifications. 3 x 20 minute outings spread over a 3 hour period allowed us only time to attend to matters affecting running, other flaws were noted for attention in the workshop on our return home.

Not only was this a test of the bike but also the new trailer & RMs stock of  tools & spares for the forthcoming trip to Schleiz

The first attempt at starting was not encouraging, a push down the paddock gave not a pop. Odd as it had been starting readily at home. What had changed? Only the addition of the OE points cover. Removal of the offending item resulted in a start on a set of rollers kindly offered by a near paddock  neighbour. The cover had been shorting out on the points terminal. The session went well with the full 20 minutes being run. Towards the end the bike sounded flat & some popping & banging was evident. On inspection the exhaust flange had loosened & a lot of fuel dripping from the carb led us to think the fuel level was too high. The second session revealed some oil seepage from the head area but the bike ran very well in the first part of the run, in the later laps it reverted to its flat sound again & a look at the plug revealed a sooty covering with oil contamination.  We dropped the fuel level a little before the third outing but this was not to be the answer. The third session allowed a few more laps but the oil leaks were worsening & the mixture was obviously not right. Plenty to think about ,& some work needed before the first public outing for the bike at Schleiz, but overall a very successful day with 60 minutes of running under the belt & no major problems.