Douglasmotorcycles.net

General => Douglas Motorcycle Discussion => Topic started by: PBBarb on 12 May 2021 at 14:27

Title: Obligatory "Intro" Post
Post by: PBBarb on 12 May 2021 at 14:27
Hey y'all!  I just got my first Douglas recently at auction.  Attached (hopefully) is a pic I took before I won her.  She was listed as a 1951 Mk4, but when I looked up the engine/frame number, they appear to be 1950 (I'm guessing built 1950 but not registered until 1951?).  She's now home and in the next couple of days going to a friend who owns a shop specializing in vintage British (although he has worked on my husband's bikes with random countries of origin before we managed to convince him he needed some British in the garage).  At least the weather is ugly so I don't mind waiting since I wouldn't be riding in this anyway.  I am sure I'm going to be full of questions since my main bike is modern and I don't have to do much other than gas her up and regular oil/filter changes.  I've already been in contact with both Reg and Dave to join the club and get books, and hopefully some of my questions will be headed off by the books.  I've never worked on bikes before, but used to work on cars with my dad so I used to be fairly handy with engines and such. 

I do have one question to start with.  I did a quick search but didn't see a definitive answer.  Side stands.  Suggestions?  I usually have issues getting most of our bikes up on to center or rear stands.  I'm strong enough, but I'm so short it's hard to get leverage.  I haven't tried yet with the MK4 (she really needs a name soon), but since I plan to ride in the Motorcycle Chase and I know I'll be exhausted at the end of every day I'd like to head off being a damsel in distress and needing help with something basic like that.  If there's not a workable ready-made solution I may see if one of my friends can fabricate something.     

Do we do "about me" intro posts?  I've only been riding 3 years (this month actually) and my main bike is my (lightly) customized 2018 Triumph Bobber Black, I also have a 1947 Velocette MSS that I don't ride often because she's hard to start (turns out some of that was the decompression - the cable apparently snapped today when my husband was going to ride) and I drive a Jag (see a pattern with my choices?).  My husband might have a bit of a "problem" since at last count I overheard that we have over 30 bikes.  I think he has most of the Zundapps in the US plus a range of other interesting bikes.  Maybe we need to open a museum!

I apologize since this was a lot longer than I expected it to be. 
Title: Re: Obligatory "Intro" Post
Post by: kncken on 12 May 2021 at 22:16
Well done,Barb(?),welcome,and I hope that bike goes as well as it looks.Regarding side-stands on Mk Douglas's,improvisation seems tb be the way;personally ,I dislike the clamp-on type,and on my Dragonfly,I utilised the front engine mounting  bolt (the one which passes through the sump)and which is similar to your machine.I can't remember how thick the distance piece is that side,but if it's nice and thick,you could make your bracket the same thickness,thus taking the place of the distance piece.You must make the bracket in a way that it 'embraces'the frame lug so there is no possibility of the whole caboodle twisting round when the bike is leaning on it!All the best,Ken.
Title: Re: Obligatory "Intro" Post
Post by: Red on 13 May 2021 at 09:15
Welcome to the club. Have a look at the link below with regard to fitting a simple side stand. I must say the only time I use the centre stand is when the bike is in my garage. At all other times I use the side stand which makes life so much easier.

Roy

https://www.douglasmotorcycles.net/index.php?topic=7633.msg29116#msg29116
Title: Re: Obligatory "Intro" Post
Post by: PBBarb on 14 May 2021 at 21:31
Thank you both!  Guess I should have said in my "intro" that my name is Tina.  I know, makes no sense with PBBarb, but that's part of a really old nickname that stuck with me for a long time.

And I STILL haven't had a chance to take her out yet between work being insane this week, the rain and my husband being so focused on getting his Zundapp ready for the Chase, my bike has kind of been pushed to the side all week.  I may see tomorrow if our friend has time for me to go get him and let him ride the Douglas back to his shop (or maybe bribe him with beer and pizza to just come over after work or on Sunday). 

I'll keep y'all updated!

Title: Re: Obligatory "Intro" Post
Post by: Daren W Australia on 15 May 2021 at 03:17
Hi Tina what is the frame number as it has a Mk5 front guard if its xxxx/4 its a mk4 if its xxxx/5 its a 5 ta Daren
Title: Re: Obligatory "Intro" Post
Post by: PBBarb on 15 May 2021 at 03:51
Frame and engine are both 8547/4.  Good to know at some point someone put wrong parts on there though.  Wonder what else I'll find once we start going through everything.