Classic bike (1 Viewer)

[bobnick]

Some will know i have just got rid of my Gold wing. There is now a space in my garage for another bike.

In your opinions which classic bike from the late 40s all 50s and early 60s do you think are the easiest to maintain in the sense of availability of parts, mechanical comlexity and overall reliability.

I am considering again.
I have, over the decades had many, non really stand out................could be my yoof.

 

[Flairy]

have you thought of Norton commando?

 

[bobnick]

have you thought of Norton commando?

I have but my hazy 60s memories i seem to remember they were not the most reliable in those days.

 

[eurajohn]

I have but my hazy 60s memories i seem to remember they were not the most reliable in those days.

Not many of the 60's bikes were what would be called reliable by todays standards, usually electrical faults of one sort or another.

 

[Flairy]

No mine wasn’t but once sorted it was Avery good long distance bike,Colin seely made me a 6 gallon alloy tank.The other thought would be motoguzzi S3 or early Le Mans mine were bullet proof?

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[Wh05apk]

Not a classic as such, but I have just bought a enfield interceptor, has the style and character of a classic, but modern build quality, and is cheap!
I came from a bmw 1200gs, and this is much more fun "bimbling" around the lanes.

 

[Shrimp]

Maybe something a bit different, unusual?

 

[Flairy]

Thinking about unreliable your right I spent a lot of time on my knees sorting things at the time it was part of the pleasure ,except when it happened in the wet in the dark or when you should already be at your destination ,my 350 clubman’s gold star was like that ,but the Moto guzzi totaly reliable.another thought what about one of the first 750 Honda 4 ,I had one in early 69 it was very good .

 

[icantremember]

Velocette Venom Clubman

 

[Flairy]

Or a Thruxton always wanted a Dodkin version in Green 24 hr version.id forgotten how much I enjoyed some of my bikes.

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[Coastal Cruiser.]

Steve McQueen Desert Replica, got your name all over it

Steve McQueen™ Desert Racer

www.metisse-motorcycles.com

 

[bobnick]

Not a classic as such, but I have just bought a enfield interceptor, has the style and character of a classic, but modern build quality, and is cheap!
I came from a bmw 1200gs, and this is much more fun "bimbling" around the lanes.

I had a Honda CB1100 on the same theme. Loved it. There are lots of retro style bikes out there at the mo.
If i cannot convince myself a gen classic is for me i will probably go for a modern classic version.

 

[PhilMary]

Whyte E160 is the answer you seek.

 

[The Coops]

Rose tinted specs time, stick with a modern classic like the new BSA Gold Star or an Enfield, too many things to go wrong with older bikes, also may be problems with fuel and the ethanol content and unleaded petrol. If you still want the older bike then a Guzzi or BMW or something Japanese ( Yes I have had British bikes in the past!)

 

[Nirvanauk]

Mobylette, or a big Vincent

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[bobnick]

Whyte E160 is the answer you seek.

Need to Google that.

 

[bobnick]

Mobylette, or a big Vincent

Ok Mobylette is top of the list.

 

[bobnick]

Need to Google that.

I did.
So that's that's a 40s 50s 60s Classic motorbike is it

 

[pagey]

Ariel arrow sport 250 mine never went wrong and so easy to keep clean

 

[pagey]

.

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[Hettie's Crew]

All this reliability talk has to be taking into account the age of these bikes. When new and properly maintained most mainstream Triumphs, Nortons and BSAs etc were reliable, they just weren’t maintained very well as they got older, used as get to work bikes or run on next to nothing. Then the basic designs were stretched too far to try and compete with the Japanese imports.
Unfortunately the prices of so called classic bikes is getting a bit daft, too many older people with money to spend.
I rebuilt a 70’s Commando years ago and it was brilliant but I’d changed the bearings to the modern equivalent, fitted electronic ignition and gone to a single carb.
In last few years I rebuilt a 76 Triumph Bonneville and did the same sort of mods.
I’m currently fancying the challenge of a Harley Davidson from 70’s / early 80’s, or a 70’s Suzuki GT750.
In answer to your question I’d go for a BSA A10.

 

[bobnick]

Ariel arrow sport 250 mine never went wrong and so easy to keep clean

Was that the two stroke?

 

[pagey]

Was that the two stroke?

Indeed

 

[Charlie57]

Remember these from my school days



May not give you the adrenelin rush you are looking for though

 

[Boringfrog]

BSA Bantam.

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[Verteuil Man]

A thing to consider is starting it. Most of the 60's bikes i had would chuck you over the handlebars if the kick-start caught you right. Electric starter much better.

 

[bobnick]

A thing to consider is starting it. Most of the 60's bikes i had would chuck you over the handlebars if the kick-start caught you right. Electric starter much better.

My shins remember that all to well.

 

[Mikey RV]

This is what you and Mrs Bob need.

 

[bobnick]

This is what you and Mrs Bob need.
View attachment 787999

Mrs Bob would have no issue riding in that. Lovely.

 

[Verteuil Man]

Could not resist.

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