Prepping a BSA S27 for the Motorcycle Cannonball

[mijmoto]

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the compliment on the bike and the advice on the tank. I will see if I can find a spare or make one if necessary. Anyone have thoughts on where to find a tank? Jim

[darrylri]

I've had my Bosch mag/gen rebuilt and I've run my headlight and taillight all day without problem, so, on an electical basis, my bike seems to be ready to *start* the Cannonball. I've got a spare unit that I'm finishing up a restoration of, so I hope that will be sufficient to carry me *through* the ride.

I just need to add a brake light, but BMW's contracting driveshaft rear brake moves in the wrong direction for most of the brake like switches out there. I will have to get a bit more serious about building something for it.

I have also been considering buying a wearable bicycle rider's light, with red LEDs facing back and white forward, to get more attention out on the road. I need to go visit a bicycle shop anyway to see about a a bicycle computer (so that I get an MPH speedometer and odometer, so I don't have to convert from KPH all the time during the ride).

Hey Darryl,

I have been thinking of lights as well. Wondering if the headlight needs to be capable of actually lighting the way or just for visibility sake. I have asked the guys at Baja Designs about their lighting kits and the possibility of using them in a total loss mode. I don't think that the brake/taillight is much of a problem and I will probably use an LED based system in as unobtrusive way as possible. For the headlight I have thought about the bicycle guys and searched around for something suitable that I could "hide" it in the acetylene headlight housing. What are your thoughts? Good luck on your preparations! Jim

[mijmoto]

Hi Darryl,

Sounds like you are under control for lights compared to my acetylene setup. I have found some good stuff at Baja Designs and they may have the switch that you need. On another topic, I might like to talk to you one day about my 1960 R26 with sidecar. I would like some discussion on to upgrade or not to upgrade the electrical system. Looking forward to meeting you in September. Jim

[darrylri]

This past weekend I bought an LED bicycle taillight that has a steady and a strobe mode. It's much brighter than my little 8 watt stocker. I also bought a bicycle computer, so I can read speed and distance in miles rather than kilometers; I think that may be important for the run.

I don't know too much about the BMW singles, but the charging system ought to be adequate for the stock system. The mechanical voltage regulator works ok, but the new electronic ones are better at treating your battery nicely, though they go poof! if you hook them up backwards. The place to go for BMW single information is this Yahoo Group:
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/bmw-mono-club

[mijmoto]

Hi Darryl,

Appreciate the BMW thoughts, thanks. I will figure out a light that I can put in the headlight shell that runs on a battery. You may have a point on the speedo. Had thought about it but might just use GPS. Wonder if that is OK. Perhaps if I use an acetylene GPS that would pass muster! Jim

[darrylri]

An acetylene GPS, I'm sure that would be ok! Unfortunately, Lonnie has already said no GPSes.

[mijmoto]

Well I guess that settles that. I will get to work on the acetylene model ASAP. Have joined the BMW singles group and post a pic etc. Thanks again for the tip. Jim