Welcome to Barnstormers We are a couple of old fat blokes who like riding old motorcycles. We'll try and keep the site updated with useful info, such as upcoming events, how to look after your old dunga and hopefully some photos/articles of what we've been getting up to on old bikes. Enjoy.
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By Knobby, on May 31st, 2010  237 viewsRecently one of our registered readers sent me a link to the Papers Past website. Now McSnotty and I are aware of the immense amount of work that is being undertaken at the National Library in digitising New Zealands history but we were unaware of the Papers Past website that is part of the National Librarys efforts. Ive done a little trawling about and thought I’d bring you this article . Its an example of the type of information that is available if only you know where to look.
Thanks to Sue for steering me in the right direction. Continue reading A little bit of history
By McSnotty, on May 27th, 2010 133 viewsFurther to the 1937 Riders Instruction Book is the Sales Catalogue that accompanied it. For the complete tale on this and the Riders Instruction Book click here. It is a neat human interest piece, the sort of stories that are fast disappearing as our elderly riders pass away.
It is in a flipping book format so you will need Adobe Flash Player.
Continue reading Indian Motocycles 1937 Sales Catalogue
By McSnotty, on May 19th, 2010 235 viewsThis second part deals with the parts books for 2 more Albion gearboxes. Both files are in PDF format so you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader.
First is the Midget gearbox from 1931. It includes the 2 speed BJ and CJ models, and the 3 speed EJ models. These gearboxes were used on the smaller 2 stroke motorcycles like James, Francis Barnett, Sun and Excelsior. Continue reading Albion Gearboxes – Part 2.
By McSnotty, on May 14th, 2010 154 viewsA short 8 page catalogue from Lucas that has an interesting introduction of – “Lucas King of the Road Accessories are famed throughout the world for sound design, excellent workmanship and lasting finish. Designed for good, hard usage, they will give efficient and dependable service under heaviest everyday running conditions”. Hmmm – there are probably a few people out there who may not agree. It is complete with horns, both gas and electric projectors (that’s the ‘then term’ for headlight) and tail lights. It also includes a page of Hints and Tips on the Maintenance of Lucas Electrical equipment. Got to be something useful there. Continue reading Lucas 1925 Lamps and Motor-Cyclealities Catalogue.
By McSnotty, on May 13th, 2010 169 viewsWebbs Auctioneers are holding yet another of their popular vintage and collectable motorcycle auctions.
When: Tuesday 17th August, 2010
Where: To be Advised
Time: 6.00pm
They are currently inviting motorcycles for consignment for the event, and at present have over 20 machines on their list. There is a maximum of 40 machines to be auctioned. Continue reading Webbs Motorcycle Auction 2010.
By McSnotty, on May 12th, 2010 129 viewsAs far as riders instruction books go this would have to be one of the most complete that I have come across. It covers all models from the 236 Scout up to the 436 4 cylinder.
Most instruction books cover the basic controls, tyres and filters, however this one goes even further with complete lubrication diagrams, oil pump adjustments, ignition timing and gear ratio charts. At 43 pages it leaves nothing unanswered in the world of maintenance for the rider.
Charts list model designation and yearly engine suffixes from 1909 to 1925, and serial numbers from 1928 up to 1936. There is also a supplementary section on adjustments for the 1928 to 1933 models. What more could you want. Continue reading Indian Riders Instruction Book 1937.
By McSnotty, on May 6th, 2010 137 viewsWith the modern day method of ordering and paying for parts over the internet being so convenient we sometimes forget that enthusiasts have always wanted or needed to order parts for their projects. With the big suppliers located in the main centres and the isolation of the smaller towns and customers the only way to advertise was through catalogues. In the 1920s and 30s numerous companies would have advertised in this fashion however as businesses expanded and more products became available the catalogues became outdated very quickly, naturally very few have actually survived (a bit like old telephone directories – try and find one of those even from the 1950s (and yes I do have one, somewhere). Continue reading Skeates and White 1927 Accessory Catalogue.
By McSnotty, on May 2nd, 2010 189 viewsBy 1928 motorcycles were chain drive and drum brakes, a major step in motorcycle development. However earlier motorcycles with belt drives and rim brakes were in use for a much longer period, in fact they are still in use today on a lot of rallies. The down side of their continued use is that these rims are wearing out and spare parts are becoming harder to find. This is of course limiting the use of these earlier machines should the appropriate rim not be found. Well the Vintage Motor Cycle Club in the UK have just announced the availability of new belt and brake rims to customers requirements. Initially only the 7/8” wide x 28 degree vee will be available but others may be introduced if the demand is there. Continue reading Vintage Motorcycle Belt and Brake Rims.
By Knobby, on April 15th, 2010 219 viewsAll closed off now. To ensure my impartiallity, the current Mrs Knobsta did the honours. The winners have been notified, and have contacted me.
Congratulations to Micheal H in Christchurh and James R in Levin. The books are in the mail.
I hope everyone has enjoyed the site to date.
Knobster
Yes, that right we made it through our . . . → Read More: Anniversary Competition
By McSnotty, on April 8th, 2010 121 views I was first introduced to the Scott marque in 1974 when out on a rally one passed me trailing a long plume of 2 stroke smoke. Not that I was too concerned about the smoke I was most certainly curious about “that sound” and  when we stopped at the lunch break went off to find this different motorcycle. Having never been that keen on 2 stroke motorcycles after I spent more time pushing my 70cc BSA Dandy than actually riding it I could appreciate something like the Scott and what it could do. Low slung engine, water cooled, good brakes, appealing looks, and an exhaust sound that threatened slower road users to pull over, but oh that smoke!
Most manuals supplied at the time to new owners were very brief and concentrated mainly on starting the motorcycle, riding off, stopping, and basic maintenance (tyre pressures, lubrication and basic fault finding) with a section on road rules. At 84 pages this manual would have to be the most comprehensive book that I have come across of any machine. Its introduction as The Book of The Scott and Driving Instructions leads into some early pictorial history of machines headed as Milestones of Progress and then gets into the riding and maintenance. A good description of the oiling system including adjustments (very important on these engines as they are not a fuel/oil mix), detailed schematic drawings of the pilgrim oil pump, engine, gearbox, frame, forks and wheels, and carburettor and gear ratio charts make this book totally complete. It covers all the models including the Flying Squirrel (which the model transfer on the right looks like ‘road kill’) as well as the lesser known 300cc single cylinder.
Continue reading Scott 1940 Maintenance Manual.
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