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FB general maintenance help - Vintage bike newbie
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FB general maintenance help - Vintage bike newbie
Hi All,
Having just inherited some vintage bikes from my grandfather I’m a little cautious about getting the FB on the road. Before he passed away we got it started although he did most of the mechanical and I road it around the garden a few times. However things happened suddenly and he never passed onto me how to run and maintain the bike.
I have a few simple questions which might sound daft but I’ve grown up with GSXR’s and Ducati’s (although can’t wait to ride this bike!! )
1. The engine number is 842A119* therefore can I assume it’s a model 84?. There’s no mention in the log book. ( Photo of bike attached )
2. This is a two stroke right?
3. What fuel mixture should I use?
Unleaded with some sort of lead additive?
4. What about oil – I cannot find a oil tank therefore should some sort of two stroke mix need to go in the tank?
5. I have a on off button located below the seat connected to the battery and a switch on the front lamp. – Is this standard or something my grandfather has added?
6. Is there any particular technique to starting it other then kick it over?
Many thanks in advance.
Jason
Photos of my FB:



Having just inherited some vintage bikes from my grandfather I’m a little cautious about getting the FB on the road. Before he passed away we got it started although he did most of the mechanical and I road it around the garden a few times. However things happened suddenly and he never passed onto me how to run and maintain the bike.
I have a few simple questions which might sound daft but I’ve grown up with GSXR’s and Ducati’s (although can’t wait to ride this bike!! )
1. The engine number is 842A119* therefore can I assume it’s a model 84?. There’s no mention in the log book. ( Photo of bike attached )
2. This is a two stroke right?
3. What fuel mixture should I use?
Unleaded with some sort of lead additive?
4. What about oil – I cannot find a oil tank therefore should some sort of two stroke mix need to go in the tank?
5. I have a on off button located below the seat connected to the battery and a switch on the front lamp. – Is this standard or something my grandfather has added?
6. Is there any particular technique to starting it other then kick it over?
Many thanks in advance.
Jason
Photos of my FB:




clarkjason- Posts: 3
Join date: 2010-07-12
Age: 33
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk
general maintenance
hi jason
if i am wrong members will soon point this out
no 1-it looks to me to be a 84
no 2-yes a two stroke
no 3-yes two stroke oil fuel mix, i run my 87 at 25 to 1
no 4-yes see no 3
no 5-i think this is a cut of switch , switch on first and then switch on the ign switch
no6- i shake the bike first to mix the fuel oil mix in the tank , then switch on the fuel and kick the bike over twice, flood the carb , switch on the ign ,open air lever 1/4 , kick over and that is how i do mine
bike looks nice , hope this helps ,
willie
ps you can buy a manual from the club for your bike which will help you a lot.
if i am wrong members will soon point this out
no 1-it looks to me to be a 84
no 2-yes a two stroke
no 3-yes two stroke oil fuel mix, i run my 87 at 25 to 1
no 4-yes see no 3
no 5-i think this is a cut of switch , switch on first and then switch on the ign switch
no6- i shake the bike first to mix the fuel oil mix in the tank , then switch on the fuel and kick the bike over twice, flood the carb , switch on the ign ,open air lever 1/4 , kick over and that is how i do mine
bike looks nice , hope this helps ,
ps you can buy a manual from the club for your bike which will help you a lot.

willie wilson- Posts: 289
Join date: 2008-03-19
Location: edinburgh
cruiser
Not a cruiser 84,it is a cruiser 75,with villiers 225cc 1H engine,normally the switch is a key switch in the r/hand engine casing,i am assuming this has been bypassed hence the switch under the seat????The switch on the headlight is normally for lighting only,the bike is normally flywheel magneto ignition and does not need a battery,the engine generates its own spark when kicked over,the switch is purely to stop the engine!!!!Generally to start ,turn the switch,tURn on fuel and depress tickler button on carb till a small amount of fuel is evident around it (not necessary when engine is warm)and kick it!!!JH

piston 197- Moderator
- Posts: 1210
Join date: 2008-08-17
fuel mix
Thanks guys, just the advice I need :-)
Can I just touch on fuel mixing....
Mix some "two stroke oil fuel mix" with unleaded or leaded petrol?
(if the answer is leaded - I'd need to combine lead additive?)
ta,
J
Can I just touch on fuel mixing....
Mix some "two stroke oil fuel mix" with unleaded or leaded petrol?
(if the answer is leaded - I'd need to combine lead additive?)
ta,
J

clarkjason- Posts: 3
Join date: 2010-07-12
Age: 33
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk
leaded
Its a 2 stroke (no valves) unleaded vs leaded does not come into the equation,it will run happily on unleaded with no damage done,JH

piston 197- Moderator
- Posts: 1210
Join date: 2008-08-17
Choke
Jason, You dont have a separate handlebar control for your choke (air lever). Your 'choke' is on the air filter. In the pictures it is closed. Just slide it open once the engine is warming. Usually best to do it before you set off. It can be quite difficult to find once you're on the move.
Steve.
Steve.

fulmar88- Posts: 204
Join date: 2010-03-15
Age: 45
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