The engine has been hard to start, and hasn't seem to had the right amount of torque at low revs. I figured that it was too far advanced, and I should back it off some. I'm not halfway between the original mark on the distributor and where the book said to set it. It runs much better.
Also, the clutch travel wasn't right, so I took the blob of tape off the handlebar to find that someone had adjusted the clutch cable with a washer holding the sheath out away from the handle. That explained a lot. I removed the bodge, and then remembered that the clutch slave arm wasn't symmetrical. Its actually made so that its bent a little and can be put on either direction. This meant pulling the rear fender out of the way, and undoing the jam-nut and screw that holds the arm in. With that done, I flipped it around and then readjusted the clutch adjuster so that I got better travel and engagement at about where I wanted it. The clutch is much better now and the bike even shifts better since its disengaging better. Previously it would clunk pretty loud when changing from 1st to 2nd. Now its smooth. Probably smoother than my Guzzi.
I still haven't taken it very far. The engine runs hot even though its running a little on the rich side. The rings are likely still rather tight.
Dedicated to the preservation, stewardship, and enjoyment of old things.
It was an easy mod. I never understood why anyone would need a clutch mod on the S7 or S8 to make it easier to pull. The force required on the handle is much less than my other bikes. The Guzzi California requires much more effort.... of course the Guzzi clutch has to handle +70 lb-ft of torque and the Sunbeam under 30... so I'm sure the springs on the Sunbeam clutch aren't quite as strong.
ReplyDelete