Ok, its not me 
, but rather my 1950 Comet!
The bike is, generally, in great shape as per the image below, and the engine looks good from the outside (second image). However, I have done a couple of 20-40 mile runs with a couple of mates and both have said the engine is smoking on the overrun and off the throttle riding downhill. Riding steadily, it appears to be OK, however, I have noticed it on start up occasionally, too and hate to admit that I think it needs some attention. It also seems to max out at 70 mph. I thought a comet on a good day should be able to do around 85mph. There is a small oil leak from the oil pump brass screw at the bottom of the RH crankcase and some from the valve tubes which I have reduced by tightening the valve tube screws and also occasional weeping from the inspection caps on the RHS, not a lot and not a major worry.
Looking through the history (and there is a lot with this bike), the last engine work was done in 1980 and 1981 with a host of invoices for numerous parts. I believe the work was done by the then owner who was a competent motorcycle mechanic. So, however competent the gentlemen was, I have to be realistic that this was 24 years ago and whilst the bike runs well enough, together with the other niggly items, I think it may be worth having it looked at and some fresh gaskets here and there replaced at the same time.
I am moderately competent but am not keen about doing this level of work as I reckon the valves need to be checked and it would not do any harm to look at the piston & rings. Anything else I should be thinking of?
I need some advice or a recommendation on someone , trustworthy to do a great job at a modest cost. I did come across Mike Hawthorne's name and he lives around 100 miles from me in Newcastle, however, have no idea of his reputation, though I did spot he races a Grey Flash on "You Tube"!
Also, what should I expect to pay for a strip down, check over, new valves, piston, gaskets and rebuild? I would prefer to have the work done over the winter , however, I also want to be out on the bike again in the Spring, so need a reliable turnaround time.
So, recommendations on appropriate Vincent engine specialists, thoughts on likely causes of smoking and a very rough estimate of cost would be very welcome at this stage. I should let it be known that I have only owned this bike since December 2013 and am still a relative newbie to this site, so I hope its ok to ask for this sort of advice. I would gladly tackle the work if I was shadowed by a Vincent "expert" but on my own, I don't think so.
I do want to keep the Comet in good shape and enjoy it for many years to come and have enjoyed its charm on these recent outings, though I feel there is a little more power to be gained from it. Perhaps, that a reflection of it needing some fettling.
Something in my life that is a little older than I!
And the engine that is on 50 B & H a day!
, but rather my 1950 Comet!The bike is, generally, in great shape as per the image below, and the engine looks good from the outside (second image). However, I have done a couple of 20-40 mile runs with a couple of mates and both have said the engine is smoking on the overrun and off the throttle riding downhill. Riding steadily, it appears to be OK, however, I have noticed it on start up occasionally, too and hate to admit that I think it needs some attention. It also seems to max out at 70 mph. I thought a comet on a good day should be able to do around 85mph. There is a small oil leak from the oil pump brass screw at the bottom of the RH crankcase and some from the valve tubes which I have reduced by tightening the valve tube screws and also occasional weeping from the inspection caps on the RHS, not a lot and not a major worry.
Looking through the history (and there is a lot with this bike), the last engine work was done in 1980 and 1981 with a host of invoices for numerous parts. I believe the work was done by the then owner who was a competent motorcycle mechanic. So, however competent the gentlemen was, I have to be realistic that this was 24 years ago and whilst the bike runs well enough, together with the other niggly items, I think it may be worth having it looked at and some fresh gaskets here and there replaced at the same time.
I am moderately competent but am not keen about doing this level of work as I reckon the valves need to be checked and it would not do any harm to look at the piston & rings. Anything else I should be thinking of?
I need some advice or a recommendation on someone , trustworthy to do a great job at a modest cost. I did come across Mike Hawthorne's name and he lives around 100 miles from me in Newcastle, however, have no idea of his reputation, though I did spot he races a Grey Flash on "You Tube"!
Also, what should I expect to pay for a strip down, check over, new valves, piston, gaskets and rebuild? I would prefer to have the work done over the winter , however, I also want to be out on the bike again in the Spring, so need a reliable turnaround time.
So, recommendations on appropriate Vincent engine specialists, thoughts on likely causes of smoking and a very rough estimate of cost would be very welcome at this stage. I should let it be known that I have only owned this bike since December 2013 and am still a relative newbie to this site, so I hope its ok to ask for this sort of advice. I would gladly tackle the work if I was shadowed by a Vincent "expert" but on my own, I don't think so.
I do want to keep the Comet in good shape and enjoy it for many years to come and have enjoyed its charm on these recent outings, though I feel there is a little more power to be gained from it. Perhaps, that a reflection of it needing some fettling.
Something in my life that is a little older than I!
And the engine that is on 50 B & H a day!
