john b Posted January 1, 2015 Report Share Posted January 1, 2015 Hi there Apologies for what might seem like an obvious question, but I'm new to Villiers engines ! I want to change the gearbox sprocket on my 8E engine to lower first gear - first glance doesn't look as easy as it is on all the other bikes I have - just thought I would ask advice before I start cheers John 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ask greeves Posted January 1, 2015 Report Share Posted January 1, 2015 You would have to remove 1st outer clutch cover, 2nd complete clutch assemble and front (engine) drive sprocket and chain, 3rd remove inner clutch cover, then you'll be at the(final drive) sprocket and nut. I'd make sure first that the correct size sprocket, that you require, are available to purchase, The other alternative, is a bigger rear wheel sprocket, or even maybe a smaller engine sprocket, but that would put more torque through the clutch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john b Posted January 1, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 1, 2015 Many thanks for the replies I think bigger rear wheel sprocket may be the way to go based upon the replies I was surprised at how well it pulls from tickover with no clutch anyway (almost 4 stroke like!) so may just be a case of getting used to it. My son (nearly 13) will be riding it in VMCC trials this year (as well as his TLM50 in twinshock trials - see below) .....looking forward to 2015 ! Ill be getting beaten by him on my TLR200 and Sprite ! cheers and Happy new year to everyone John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john b Posted January 1, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 1, 2015 Many thanks for the reply I think that's how I was riding (and my son riding) after a while today. I said leave the clutch completely alone - it will pull on tick over, and even if you wind the throttle on hard, its not like a modern bike and wont leap out of your hands. It seems a nice little bike to ride (1955 James Captain) - its very small and light, and like I said the power delivery surprised me (almost 4 stroke - will pull from nothing). I may get a new bigger tooth back sprocket for it, or just let Chris get used to riding it as it. thanks again John 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bashplate Posted January 2, 2015 Report Share Posted January 2, 2015 your onto it John, every old classic has it's own foibles and so requires different riding styles.....adds to the fun aye? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john b Posted January 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 2, 2015 Thanks for the reply I'm a pre 65 newcomer so may well be (anything post 1980 I'm ok on !) It was sold as a converted captain - it has v5 but was first registered a couple of years ago. Any advice on it welcome ! (Another photo below) Cheers John 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruffmutt Posted January 2, 2015 Report Share Posted January 2, 2015 Hi John, re Villiers gearing, assuming youve got the standard ratio gearbox, your options are limited. On my James commando with std ratio Albion gearbox i use 13 tooth gearbox sprocket, and 73 tooth rear. This gives a usable 1st and 2nd gear but very low top speed. On my Ruffmutt( Dalesman frame, 8e engine} i use the wide ratio Albion gearbox with 13 on the front and 63 rear which seems to be the optimum setting, but, the wide ratio gearboxes are like hens teeth. Regarding the clutch, do yourself a favour and invest in a 9e coversion, available from Nametab or Villiers services, not cheap but totally transform the riding experience. Ultimately, enjoy the bike for what it is. If you need any help or advise with Villiers engines, get in touch. Trev. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john b Posted January 4, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 Thanks Trev I spoke to villiers services who were very helpful. In the first instance im going to try a 14t front sprocket (on the bike is a 17t) While im doing this i'll check the clutch out. Thanks for the advice, and im sure you will see me and my son out and about on classic and twinshock trials this year Cheers John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john b Posted January 5, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2015 Thanks for the photo! Definitely looks very similar to mine, and any other photos appreciated Cheers John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john b Posted January 9, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 9, 2015 Hi Deryk Took your advice and subscribed - an excellent magazine ! Many thanks John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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