OzVMX Forum

Marque Remarks => British (BSA, Greeves, Triumph etc) => Topic started by: TM BILL on June 23, 2011, 09:42:27 am

Title: BSA Mettise
Post by: TM BILL on June 23, 2011, 09:42:27 am
Im very interested in this but my knowledge of such beast is limited  ::) i will be 50 in a couple of gear changes and i promised myself a BSA Mettise . I started racing on a Bantam and i just love the look of those mettises  :) Thanks to Jonesy and Mark Halls i have been fortunate enough to ride a couple in recent times and thats just fueled the fire  ;D
Does it look like a good buy ? he gives a reasonable description in the ad but what other questions should i be asking ?
I know shipping will be a factor but i can deal with that for the right bike  :)
Would it be pre 65 or pre 70 legal in Australia ?
http://forums.mxtrax.co.uk/showthread.php?t=305619
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: Marc.com on June 23, 2011, 10:35:20 am
Im very interested in this but my knowledge of such beast is limited  ::) i will be 50 in a couple of gear changes and i promised myself a BSA Mettise .

Kehrist after the hard time you have given me about Harleys and Pommy bikes, you are about to buy a Birmingham gear shredder of your own. ::)

Anyway mate, B44 from what I understand is pre 70 in Aussie and pre 65 elsewhere.

That engine has had all the major B44 issues addressed, Alpha big end, NEB clutch and mainshaft ( splined not keyed) and B50 piston and sleeve in B44 barrel gives good big bore set up. NEB mainshaft is regarded as gearbox fix as stock one flexes and leads to gear failure, NEB one is beefed up and better material.

I think it is a decent buy ..... and if you need to raise a little extra cash Bill you know what I like  ;)

Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: TM BILL on June 23, 2011, 10:43:44 am
Thanks for that Marc you have converted me  ;D See my ad in for sales as im wanting to move a few on  :)
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: bazza on June 23, 2011, 10:46:47 am
Bill about time you came over to the darkside !!! Looks to have all the good mods done to it.Added bonus if the tow truck breaks down you can use the Beeza (must be tax deductable there fore)
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: Marc.com on June 23, 2011, 12:15:12 pm
I think the biggest decision now is whether you go big twin like Steve McQueen ..... or just have a little tingle on the single. ::)

(http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy255/shopdog/r2.jpg)

Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: TM BILL on June 23, 2011, 12:36:28 pm
For me it would have to be the Bezza  :) or at a push a matchless or Jap but definetly a single  ;D
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: firko on June 23, 2011, 03:00:27 pm
              (http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-8/1062154/b44%20metisse.jpg)
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: bazza on June 23, 2011, 03:10:02 pm
bill you will have to ridw my beeza, just did electronic ignition and richer pilot i Mikuni and starts 2 nd kick in jandles
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: Marc.com on June 23, 2011, 03:33:15 pm
I think if you are going to ride Rickman BSA you need to wear the right gear, Belstaffs, Cloth Cap and a Rollie hanging off your lip to help concentration.

(http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr86/jay-ninja/mcqueen_belstaff_jacket_03.jpg)



Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: Marc.com on June 23, 2011, 03:39:31 pm
But you can also get together with a few mates from the BSA owners club and have a few laughs

(http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd47/BrandiLee815/England/943e.jpg)
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: Davey Crocket on June 23, 2011, 03:54:29 pm
That knock on the head obviously did more damage than we thought......he'll give up drinking, swearing and start being nice to his customers next. ;D
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: Mike52 on June 23, 2011, 04:06:31 pm
I rekon I know where you might be able to buy a cheep copy of one of those frames ;)
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: mx250 on June 23, 2011, 04:15:14 pm
But you can also get together with a few mates from the BSA owners club and have a few laughs

(http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd47/BrandiLee815/England/943e.jpg)
Suddenly decrepit grumpy old men playing with rusted out old bikes looks sane :D.

Thank you Marc 8), you have made my day (not kidding :-[)
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: mainline on June 23, 2011, 05:46:04 pm
here's a cheap alternative to the metisse kit, runs on methane

http://cgi.ebay.com/Fiberglass-Tank-Fender-Kit-Beach-Cruiser-Bike-Bicycle-/260803408970?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cb918344a

(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/$(KGrHqYOKi4E3SHG1F6nBN-6VO1ebg~~_12.JPG)
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: VMX247 on June 23, 2011, 05:51:27 pm
What about a red Matchless Metisse ?
can email pics and contact.
cheers A
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: TM BILL on June 23, 2011, 06:25:56 pm
But you can also get together with a few mates from the BSA owners club and have a few laughs

(http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd47/BrandiLee815/England/943e.jpg)

Mate that is the funniest ever  ;D what is with those geezers  ::)
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: TM BILL on June 23, 2011, 06:27:22 pm
              (http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-8/1062154/b44%20metisse.jpg)

Just Oozzes cool  8)
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: TM BILL on June 23, 2011, 06:29:29 pm
bill you will have to ridw my beeza, just did electronic ignition and richer pilot i Mikuni and starts 2 nd kick in jandles

Cheers Mike i will take you up on that  ;) will even buy a pair of Samoan safety boots to test the theory  ;)
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: TM BILL on June 23, 2011, 06:33:49 pm
I think if you are going to ride Rickman BSA you need to wear the right gear, Belstaffs, Cloth Cap and a Rollie hanging off your lip to help concentration.

(http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr86/jay-ninja/mcqueen_belstaff_jacket_03.jpg)





I think i still have a Belstaff   ;D and i can still roll a spliff  ;) did i say that out loud  :o
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: TM BILL on June 23, 2011, 06:36:21 pm
here's a cheap alternative to the metisse kit, runs on methane

http://cgi.ebay.com/Fiberglass-Tank-Fender-Kit-Beach-Cruiser-Bike-Bicycle-/260803408970?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cb918344a

(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/$(KGrHqYOKi4E3SHG1F6nBN-6VO1ebg~~_12.JPG)

Thanks paul  ;) i have plenty of methane but i had the biggest stack of my life on a pushy  ::)  so im a bit iffy on them  ;D
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: TM BILL on June 23, 2011, 06:39:39 pm
What about a red Matchless Metisse ?
can email pics and contact.
cheers A

Hey alli if the Bezza deal falls over would possibly be keen  :) photos appreciated at [email protected]  :)
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: mainline on June 23, 2011, 08:35:46 pm
Thanks to Jonesy

how bloody nice is that thing to ride? I was thinking the gearchange/rear brake would stuff me up, but it was the easiest, most confidence inspiring bike I've ridden.

Well done Mr Bill on seeing the light, if the budget BSA is done by CD9 Tamworth  ::) ;D you're more than welcome to a spin.
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: bazza on June 24, 2011, 03:18:06 pm
mark guy woth rolie is Bill !!! and those are the taupo towing dance troupe
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: Marc.com on June 24, 2011, 04:30:00 pm
mark guy woth rolie is Bill !!! and those are the taupo towing dance troupe

Nah the Taupo Towing dance troop looks a bit more like this .....

(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg71/marcFX_photo/15493941-31478-large.jpg)
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: flower pot racing on June 30, 2011, 09:56:12 pm
Im very interested in this but my knowledge of such beast is limited  ::) i will be 50 in a couple of gear changes and i promised myself a BSA Mettise . I started racing on a Bantam and i just love the look of those mettises  :) Thanks to Jonesy and Mark Halls i have been fortunate enough to ride a couple in recent times and thats just fueled the fire  ;D
Does it look like a good buy ? he gives a reasonable description in the ad but what other questions should i be asking ?
I know shipping will be a factor but i can deal with that for the right bike  :)
Would it be pre 65 or pre 70 legal in Australia ?
http://forums.mxtrax.co.uk/showthread.php?t=305619


That bike is a bargain.  (no it isnt mine)  Somebody buy it quick before he changes his mind.  If you intend onwing onw, please get teh spulling rite ~ it's a Metisse.
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: Marc.com on June 30, 2011, 10:50:57 pm
That bike is a bargain.  (no it isnt mine)  Somebody buy it quick before he changes his mind.  If you intend onwing onw, please get teh spulling rite ~ it's a Metisse.

If it was original frame and not later kit then I could see the money, looks a little pricey in today's market by the time you ship it. Besides Rickmans are supposed to be twins..... its in the Bible or something ;)

(http://i740.photobucket.com/albums/xx41/paulhdick/Rickman.jpg)
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: flower pot racing on July 01, 2011, 09:12:09 am
That bike is a bargain.  (no it isnt mine)  Somebody buy it quick before he changes his mind.  If you intend onwing onw, please get teh spulling rite ~ it's a Metisse.

If it was original frame and not later kit then I could see the money, looks a little pricey in today's market by the time you ship it. Besides Rickmans are supposed to be twins..... its in the Bible or something ;)

(http://i740.photobucket.com/albums/xx41/paulhdick/Rickman.jpg)

Pricey?  Are you sure......  The pic of the twin you hve posted, now that is pricey and it has a 1 in front of the £3000.  I am not sure who on earth is buying them and it's a 'later kit' which you seen to think makes it worth less?  Ok, so you have to ship it.
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: flower pot racing on July 01, 2011, 09:14:17 am
maybe I am the one that is out of touch.  Is it possible to buy a bike of this quality in Oz?  If it is perhaps I should be bringing them back into the UK....
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: Marc.com on July 01, 2011, 09:31:03 am
I picked up original Ricky frame in NZ for 1000 quid, tidy unit 500 motor for about 500 GBP.... but maybe just got lucky. Now I am just practising Steve McQueens signature so I can add the additional 10 grand.  ;D
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: flower pot racing on July 01, 2011, 04:49:22 pm
£1000 for a frame (why?  A new one costs less?!  The basic frame and s/a only is about £900 (plus the other parts like footpegs, adjusters, bodywork etc) £500 for a motor (good price), so you are now £1500 in.
plus some wheels (£110 for a rear rim, £100 for a front, £100 per wheel for sainless spokes and a build, tyres, tubes, brake shoes, bearings, oh yes and you need hubs etc etc etc)  You can kiss £1000 good bye all day long.
Shocks £500 (more if you want or less if required)
Bodywork?
Bars, controls, throttle, new carb.

hang on a minute this getting expensive!

Oh yes and you have to build the thing.  We even if you are very quick and very good and your hourly rate is £0.10 an hour, I cant see how on this earth you can build a bike of this quality for that price.

You you can then you are by far the better person that I am and I salute you! 

Anyway, none of that matters, it's a lovely bike and would look good in anyones garage.
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: flower pot racing on July 01, 2011, 04:52:47 pm
I picked up original Ricky frame in NZ for 1000 quid, tidy unit 500 motor for about 500 GBP.... but maybe just got lucky. Now I am just practising Steve McQueens signature so I can add the additional 10 grand.  ;D

McQueen signature, yes I agree you do seem to be paying a lot for it....

Adrain Moss will do you the same spec bike for about £9k (might even be less)

Delieasy (spelling?) wants £13k when the stickers are on the tank.  I dont know who is buying them, but so say, they are selling....

Let me know how you get on with the signature.  I have some Metisses that could do with that decal on the tank!
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: Marc.com on July 01, 2011, 05:02:17 pm
hang on a minute this getting expensive!

Anyway, none of that matters, it's a lovely bike and would look good in anyones garage.

Ok I conceed that point  ;D, my Rickman will probably owe about 9 grand if it goes the way of my regular projects.... there is an element of winding up Beeza Bill in all this BSA talk.

Not sure what my Cheney owes, ooops North of er 4000 quid so I am totally out of touch with reality, if you counted in my labour you could probably buy a 3 bedroom semi detached in Sbananahorpe ::).
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: TM BILL on July 01, 2011, 05:46:47 pm
Wheels are in motion  ;D but its not in me dads shed just yet  :-X somone will probably cut me lunch at the last minute  :o
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: sudman on July 01, 2011, 05:49:07 pm
Coming over to the 4 stroke side Bill, it's a cool bike.
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: mainline on July 01, 2011, 06:54:47 pm
Good stuff! Make sure you bring it to cd9;-):-D
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: flower pot racing on July 01, 2011, 10:35:30 pm
Wheels are in motion  ;D but its not in me dads shed just yet  :-X somone will probably cut me lunch at the last minute  :o

you know it makes sense!
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: flower pot racing on July 01, 2011, 10:36:41 pm
hang on a minute this getting expensive!

Anyway, none of that matters, it's a lovely bike and would look good in anyones garage.

Ok I conceed that point  ;D, my Rickman will probably owe about 9 grand if it goes the way of my regular projects.... there is an element of winding up Beeza Bill in all this BSA talk.

Not sure what my Cheney owes, ooops North of er 4000 quid so I am totally out of touch with reality, if you counted in my labour you could probably buy a 3 bedroom semi detached in Sbananahorpe ::).

Ha ha, now we are talking!  I also forgot to mention the forks in my costings. but dont worry about finding some I have a shed full of Cerianis and Marzocchi.  Form an orderly que.....
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: TM BILL on February 01, 2012, 03:16:57 pm
The eagle has landed  ;D will post photos soon .

But for those interested in shipping cost etc , all up including crating and the crate would fit 3 bikes stripped , but i filled it with old personal effects  ::) was approx $NZ 1200 door to door . this includes customs and MAF charges  :)
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: tony27 on February 01, 2012, 07:13:34 pm
Does that mean you're bringing it to the naki next week or that it's actually in the country but not in your hands yet?
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: TM BILL on February 01, 2012, 09:17:02 pm
Yep Tony i now have it at work  ;D dont know about the naki  ??? but definetly Johnny old  ;)
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: tony27 on February 22, 2012, 07:37:56 pm
Couple of clips of our pre-ride entertainment ;D

(http://i788.photobucket.com/albums/yy166/tony27_photo/th_E7086.jpg) (http://s788.photobucket.com/albums/yy166/tony27_photo/?action=view&current=E7086.mp4)

(http://i788.photobucket.com/albums/yy166/tony27_photo/th_E7087.jpg) (http://s788.photobucket.com/albums/yy166/tony27_photo/?action=view&current=E7087.mp4)

Sweet looking bike, hope you found which wire had come off Bill  8)
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: oldfart on February 22, 2012, 08:21:14 pm
Ummm  .... It has shit load of compression and you weigh 60 kg ringing wet
 ;) I think your in a spot of trouble ole mate  ;D
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: Marc.com on February 23, 2012, 07:47:08 am
Ummm  .... It has shit load of compression and you weigh 60 kg ringing wet
 ;) I think your in a spot of trouble ole mate  ;D

Just remove the kickstart lever you won't be needing that..... NEB clutch will help, kick starting a BSA is even more of a hoot when the clutch is slipping.
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: crankpin on February 23, 2012, 08:03:28 am

Valve lifters are worth their weight mate  :)
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: bazza on February 23, 2012, 09:14:18 am
Mark found that out 4 weeks ago at classic scramble club meeting - BSA already has to short a kick ark
with out the slipping clutch trick.
Title: Re: BSA Mettise
Post by: Marc.com on February 23, 2012, 01:59:18 pm
Mark found that out 4 weeks ago at classic scramble club meeting - BSA already has to short a kick ark
with out the slipping clutch trick.

Yeah not sure what BSA were thinking with the kickstart gearing, but with clutch suitably adjusted and if you hold your mouth right mine will start pretty easily. But it seems the drama goes up exponentially with the compression ratio.