RC readers recommend the specialists they use to keep their classic bikes in fine fettle. This time; electronic ignition, riding jeans, Hepolite pistons, wobbleless mirrors, spares for Triumphs, Nortons and more...

Super Sparks

I have used a Boyer Bransden micro-digital ignition system on my A65 Firebird for the last four years, covering around 11,000 miles in that time. Last Sunday on the way to a ride out, it suddenly quit. No spark! The next day I phoned Boyer who asked me to send the unit back for testing. Hearing nothing by Friday afternoon, I was resigned going through to the 'have you received my parcel yet? Hold on I'll check' routine some time the following week.

But instead on Saturday morning there was a knock at the door. There was postie with a brand new mico-digital box. Ever seen a fat bloke doing cartwheels? Yes, I was delighted. So top marks to Boyer for their no-quibble attitude. To be honest, I didn't realise it was still under warranty.
Charles

Super Strides

Another endorsement for Draggin Jeans. I bought a pair in about 2004 and they are still virtually as new. No loose threads, no bleached knees yet I wear them much more than for riding as they are also my work and gardening jeans. Over five years they have suffered far more abuse than other well known traditional jeans but are virtually unmarked. I reckon they will last for years!

Although I've never properly tested them in a spill from the bike, that loop pile Kevlar does wonders to protect my knees, not just from the concrete floor of the garage but it is just as good when gardening or doing other DIY chores that I'm forced to endure. Now, the new Evo CE approved jeans from Draggin mean that I can pension off the old ones and keep the new just for riding, perhaps….
Peter J Jenks

Super Pistons

I can recommend Red Lizard Classic Motorcycles. I was on their site (classic-motorcycles .co.uk) and saw that they had +0.030 Hepolite pistons in stock for my BSA C12. I ordered one but they sent me a JP piston instead.

I phoned them and apparently they had three JP pistons and one Hepolite piston in stock, but there was no way when ordering to state which one was required.

They got back to me and exchanged the JP piston for a Hepolite and refunded my postage costs. A top trader and British as well.
Timyt

Super Spannerman

I took my BSA B31 over to Lee Peck (07599 062562) in Abingdon (as recommended by Steve Wilson) to have some work done and I have to say he was very efficient, knowledgeable and did a great job. The work was done in no time so I took the rest of the day off went for a ride in the sunshine. A great day!

And then I fitted one of the Ironhorse mirrors which supposedly give a clear view without being troubled by Britbike vibration. Took the B31 out for a 30 mile run. The mirror works perfectly: Ironhorse Spares Mirror
Peter P

Super Starter

I ordered a new kickstart for Swampy, the RC project Commando, on Sunday, to replace the cheepo one I got from eBay which was difficult to use and fouled (not as in Bantams) the silencer.

So RGM's finest T160 style Commando kickstarter arrived today, Tuesday. It fits perfectly, is very nicely finished, came with all bolts and even a rubber and it makes starting Swampy 100 times easier than with the original one. So five stars to RGM for top quality goods and super fast service. Usual caveats apply - no links to RGM, just a very satisfied customer.
Matt Vale

Super Insurance

When my underwriter stopped offering cover this year, I had to do the phoning / emailing around thing which is particularly ghastly when you want to insure four bikes of varying ages to ride, and have another half dozen in differing states of decay which are laid-up.

It's a tedious process to go through and the results from different brokers can be wildly different: one famous company didn't even bother to respond with a quote: one couldn't offer me any cover whatsoever; two were pretty competitive and one, Lynbrook, went the extra mile to figure out the best cover for the non-running bikes.

Their policy is extremely comprehensive and the prices very fair - unlike one other broker who wanted to charge a £50 premium for a year's Fire, Theft and Accidental Damage on a bike which hasn't turned a wheel in a decade!

Plus, Lynbrook were extremely e-literate and responded quickly to mails which made it easy for me to organise as I wasn't around during normal office hours. So thanks especially to: Laura.Rowland@equitygroup.co.uk

I just hope I don't ever have to test how good their service is in the event of a claim…
Rowena

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More Service Stars Wanted

Have you enjoyed excellent service from your local bike shop or a national specialist? Don't be shy in sharing the details - your report will help other classic bike riders choose who to use, and will reward good performance with more business.

So send reports to the fabulously delicious Typing Person (TP at RealClassic.net) who will knock them into shape - don't worry about writing great literature because she'll sort out full stops and such as she goes. But do include contact details and plenty of info about what your products or assistance your Service Star can provide.

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Panther Publishing for classic biking books

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Motorworks' eBay shop or the BikerOneStop eBay shop for all sorts of useful bits and bobs

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