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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OHC Douglas – A NZ First?

By McSnotty, on June 8th, 2009 883 views

Kiwis have always been innovative. Burt Munro, Kim Newcombe and John Britten are just a few that come to mind. But what of earlier motorcycle engineering geniuses in New Zealand?

This is a 1919 Douglas that started out as a standard twin cylinder 2 3/4 hp side valve engine and was converted to an OHC in 1921 by W.M. Davy from NZ. Being a OHC with new homemade cylinder heads and open cam chain drives (good to get your dress trousers caught in) would definitely have been leading edge technology.

Comments are closed   Design, History, Technical

Vintage Motorcycle Fundamentals

By McSnotty, on May 6th, 2009 4,223 views

The Mechanics –

To appreciate the enjoyment of riding vintage machinery an understanding of the basic differences within the design of veteran and vintage motorcycles is required -

Oiling systems.

With the exception of a few machines most pre 1929 motorcycles have a ‘total loss oiling system’ (oil doesn’t have a return feed to the oil tank).

There may be a need in certain circumstances to supplement the main oil supply with an extra charge of oil into the engine from the ‘Auxiliary Hand Pump’.

. . . → Read More: Vintage Motorcycle Fundamentals

Comments are closed   Design, Technical