It only took seventeen years.

[Bevel bob]

Really nice Brian. I can agree that a comparison to a mini Goldstar can be made. The tuned up 250 has even more similarities to a 350 Clubmans ,but without the solid weighty feel . I can see that as body strength wanes a Narrow case Ducati could become the "go to bike". Glad I kept mine, just need to make it happier in traffic. Overheating has never been a problem, getting all that alloy up to a good working temp is more of one.

[Bevel bob]

Really nice Brian. I can agree that a comparison to a mini Goldstar can be made. The tuned up 250 has even more similarities to a 350 Clubmans ,but without the solid weighty feel . I can see that as body strength wanes a Narrow case Ducati could become the "go to bike". Glad I kept mine, just need to make it happier in traffic. Overheating has never been a problem, getting all that alloy up to a good working temp is more of one.

[DBDBrian]

Stick with it Ian, I'm sure you will get the better of it in the end, but these things can certainly be trying at times.

I too think they are a stunning little machine, while still at school in the late fifties, my mates and I used to cycle into Norwich in the evening, and press our noses against Kings of Oxford showroom window and drool. As Bob said the sheer effrontery of the styling made the British offerings certainly look a bit mundane to a young teenager.

I don't know if the Goldstar will be sulking in the corner George, but it does seem to get heavier with the passing years. So the new "Mini" Goldie will hopefully provide a few more years in the saddle.

[DBDBrian]

Awhile ago, reading the posts re the Honda TLS brake upgrade, I spotted a complete CB 160 brake plate on E-Bay and made a successful bid.
After weighing up what was required to install it, new brake anchor, machining the plate etc, I decided on a more radical approach.
Looking at pictures of the double sided Formula 3 brake with it's large air scopes, I thought it might look a bit more "Ducati", albeit a single sided TLS, if I could replicate it to some degree.
I did some calculating, made a wood pattern, and had a plate cast.
This required quite a bit of machining as I left the inside of the casting a solid piece of material, so as to be able to sort the dimensions along the way, using the Honda shoes and cams, I had to modify the linkage using a push rod arrangement in order to clear the anchor boss and air scoop.
The brake is now finished, complete with new oversize linings machined to size.
I went for a short test ride today, just up my lane, and all went well. Removed the wheel on return, to check things over, all ok with full lining contact on both shoes.
Refitted the wheel and did an eight mile ride, applying the brake hard several times, and it improved considerably with each application.
It would seem to have been worth the effort, much better than the original SLS set up, and hopefully will improve even further as it beds in.

[Jordan]

With the big air scoop, that really is cool.
Looks great with appropriate style for the Ducati.

What is the plate with the 6 holes? A separate plate behind the outer one?

Is it easy to find a foundry to do a job like this?

[themoudie]

Aye Brian,

I did some calculating, made a wood pattern, and had a plate cast.
This required quite a bit of machining as I left the inside of the casting a solid piece of material, so as to be able to sort the dimensions along the way, using the Honda shoes and cams, I had to modify the linkage using a push rod arrangement in order to clear the anchor boss and air scoop.
The brake is now finished, complete with new oversize linings machined to size.

Master of understatement! That "calculating", "bit of machining" and "modifying the linkage" are all things that I would love to have a crack at, but don't have the aptitude or equipment to carry it out. It appears to be a very practical and worthwhile modification and I hope that you can put in the miles to enjoy it.

Thank you for sharing.

Good health, Bill

[Bevel bob]

Looks very much like the magnesium brake on my mates 125 DOHC GP racer ,made I think by Amorodo . The rear hub is just as trick with scoop and ventilation in the hub.

[graeme]

That is a credit to you !

[George]

Good job well done Brian. What next to keep brain in good working order.

[DBDBrian]

Thanks all for your replies.

Jordan, the Ducati shoes have a large offset from the centre of the cam, in order to centre them in the drum. The Honda shoes are on centre to the cam and slightly narrower, so the cam needs to be further into the drum to keep them on centre, creating a large overhang of the spindle bosses on the brake plate. The additional plate gives extra support between the cam spindles, and also help prevent any flexing of the cable anchor boss.
My thinking being it would be the lighter option, rather than leaving extra material on the brake plate.


The plate was cast by a one man engineering business with a small foundry, just a few miles away. I had a chat with him prior to making the pattern as to what he required, re shrinkage
allowance, and release angles etc.





Bob, yes I think your mates 125 DOHC has the type of brake I based it on. It may well be an Amorodo, I have no idea as to the manufacturer.
Has he posted on the web under the title of Airman Blue. ?





George, I think her indoors might well have a few projects lined up, in view of the amount of time spent in the shed of late.