Technical issues with the Nimbus

Head gasket - When the dealer fixed the head gasket, he didn't do a very good job. It leaks oil. When I go very fast, it pisses oil on your boots.

Fuel tank reserve - the reserve position does not work. It must be blocked up.

Paint - the last owner used spray paint to pint it. They did a very poor job with paint drips.

Gear box - 2nd gear does not work well. It does not say in 2nd gear.

100 Km/hour

I joined Craig (from the Scooter Cafe/Scooter Works) and the group for the monthly ride out to the coast. My motorcycle was by far the slowest. I was easily able to keep up with the group as we rode through London. When we reached the M25 on the east side of London, I quickly realised that I would be left behind.

I managed to push the Nimbus up to 100 Km/hour for a few minutes. Unfortunately, by doing so, it started pissing oil onto my right boot. As soon as I slowed down, the it stopped pissing. It needs a better seal.

As the group turned East, I turned West and made my way back home. I stopped at the Greenwich market and had a tea with browny. Delicious.

My new 1953 Nimbus

I bought my Nimbus in February of 2012 from a dealer in Belgium.

I was going to drive it back, but it was the coldest week of the year. The temperature was -15C. I was prepared for a sub zero ride and set out. I only got 15 minutes out when the motorcycles stopped. It blew the head gasket. I telephoned the dealer, he collected me and the bike and I took the train back to London.

He repaired the head gasket and delivered the bike to me a few weeks later.