Hello all

[onepot]

I thought I'd drop by this forum to say hello and start gleaning some more info on diesel bikes. I currently ride a 500 single sidecar outfit that I use to carry my tools for my job.

A few years ago I went up to Charnwoods to test ride one of their diesel Enfields and it was an interesting experience. Having said that, once 55mph was reached there was no further acceleration whatever you did.

I pestered Jim for ages to see if he was going to try one of these bikes with a light chair and how it would perform. He didn't seem to get around to it though.

What prompted me to drop in today was reading an old Cathcart article on the Boccardo (sp?). I do have a soft spot for very frugal motorcycles

Cheers
GC

[Stuart]

Hi Onepot,
yes that's what it's all about, for me atleast, doing it on the cheap and not paying more tax along the way
I've taken some advice from others and tweaked my fuel screw on my Charnwood bike so I can gve it some more 'welly' when I need to. It smokes a touch more but now 60+ are speeds I can just about make. I just have to be sensible and not keep the engine reving up there for too long. Infact I may tweak it a bit more in the summer.
The clouds of smoke help to blind the MOT man whilst he's testing the bike That and the fact that he is usually laughing so much mean that the bike usually sails through it's road worthiness test
Nice to have you onboard mate.

[andrewaust]

Hi Onepot



I can truly say I didn't realise how much fun the Diesel bike would be - I swore and cursed while building it, but in the end it occurred to me - its priceless, heaps of fun and now I don't regret building the bike.

I posted a message up in another post that sums the bike up, saying its heaps of fun to ride But never try to overtake other vehicles , although I've blown away a few Semi Trailers on a few runs.

Another thing that you realise - Building a Diesel bike is very unique, and I'm sure many of the other guy's on the forum will agree. It doesn't matter what Diesel engine or bike you use or build - you've done it yourself, even if you purchase one already built, it's still gonna be different from the mainstream bikes out there, and believe me - the bikes always draw a lot of attention.




Cheers


Andrew

[onepot]

My abiding memory of riding the Charnwood diesel enfield was the uncanny resemblance to a cement mixer when you turned the key. Made me smile I can tell you.

As I have to lug my tools around my city every day in a sidecar I am sure that a low powered diesel donk like the one I rode would be ideal for two reasons:
1. I won't be tempted to ride like an arse (which sometimes happens)
2. Fuel economy!

However the initial outlay is daunting and I'd be loath to sell other bikes to pay for an untried vehicle. If I find someone who has chaired with an Enfield diesel it might be different, but no luck so far.

GC