Long classic bike, which one?

[koolio]

Sorry if this is the wrong forum for this, likewise if you happen to see the same/similar post in another classic bike forum.

I've always had a passion for classic bikes specifically from the 1930s up to the early 1950s, although I've never had the balls to actually use one as an every day bike.

Recently I've decided to take that step I'm after a long looking classic or classic replica, my budget is up to £3000 and a big single would be lovely.

So first thing went to view a 90s Royal Enfield 500, priced around £1300. First thing that struck me is it's a lovely looking bike but I really made it look small, almost dwarfed it.

So when I look at my other options I can get things like a Matchless G9 for around £3000.

AJS Model 20 1952 for around £3250.

(is there a reason they are so cheap?)

2nd hand Kawa W650 (Is a copy of a 60s Triumph so a little late) for around £2500-3000

My question is this:

Can anyone point out any bikes from the 30s, 40s and 50s that are long? I'm really after long bikes hence why the Enfield just won't do it.

I can give some examples, a Norton Model 30 International or Vincent Black Shadow are both long bikes but they both cost more than £20,000!

Any pointers would be appreciated.

[hmmmnz]

its a weird thing to be looking for in a bike,
i like em long

douglas
norton
bsa

or alternatively an old bmw or a ural ,
to be fair probably one of the best options as reproduction parts are still easily available,
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the humans are dead
I kick arse for the lord
Wiring Diagrams BIDNIP it bitches

[stinkwheel]

Slope engined panther is probably sufficiently huge and unweildy.

Or you could stretch an enfield?
https://photos.imageevent.com/motorbiker/newspics3/Royal-Enfield-Three-Wheels.jpg
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[koolio]

Thanks but no thanks stink.

Sloped panther however would be nice, although I have no idea if they're long or not and I reckon they're about 4 grand up?

Forgot to mention I'm looking for at least a 500, 350s are nice but just too small for what I need.

The BSA would be great but I wouldn't want to ruin it with a repaint. Douglas is a 350. Norton 16H is long but not that pleasing to the eye + out of my budget.

Out of interest a Matchless G9 and AJS Model 20 (both the same bike) are all around £3000 is there any reason for them being so much cheaper than others? They appear to be longer than an Enfield.

https://classic-motorbikes.net/images/gallery/10234.jpg

[Suntan Sid]

Always thought these looked a bit stretched!

https://www.motorpsychorealms.org.uk/bikes/images/sunbeam01.jpg
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"Everybody needs money, that's why they call it money!"

[koolio]

Also fairly ugly though imo.

[Chalky.]

I hope you know how uncomfy they'll be

[Suntan Sid]

[The Shaggy D.A.]

I disagree, that's what a bike should look like. Including the lovely fat tyres.
____________________
Chances are quite high you are not in my Monkeysphere, and I don't care about you. Don't take it personally.
Currently : Royal Enfield 350 Meteor
Previously : CB100N > CB250RS > XJ900F > GT550 > GPZ750R/1000RX > AJS M16 > R100RT > Bullet 500 > CB500 > LS650P > Bullet Electra X & YBR125 > Bullet 350 "Superstar" & YBR125 Custom > Royal Enfield Classic 500 Despatch Limited Edition (28 of 200) & CB Two-Fifty Nighthawk > ER5

[hmmmnz]

this is the most ridiculous thread ever, koolio your an idiot,
go to the haynes museum or a vintage bike meet up and check out bikes,
you clearly have no real idea of what you want, and looking for a "long" bike is just stupid, you should be looking for a old bike that is reliable or has parts available,or one that you have your heart set on from when you were a kid,

you are just wasting everyones time on a fruitless search for a bike that you don't have the first idea of what it is
____________________
the humans are dead
I kick arse for the lord
Wiring Diagrams BIDNIP it bitches

[koolio]

[mistergixer]

[dextersaurus]

a 1950s Enfield bullet 350 is the same 'length' as my TT600, and that's a big bike. I don't know what you're getting at, but all these classic British bikes are pretty small... it's just the way they were built

Dunc

[stinkwheel]

One thing I will say is that pretty much universally, the wheelbase on motorbikes don't really vary by more than a couple of inches. One bike appearing "long" and another appearing "short" is more a function of the seat, peg and handlebar position than the actual size of the bike.

For example:
Sunbeam S7 57"
Kawasaki ZX9R 56.7"
Triumph T140 bonneville 55.75"
Vincent Black Shadow 55.5"
Honda CBR900RR 55.3"
Norton International 54.75"
RD250LC 54.1"
Enfield Bullet 53.5"

So a huge range of bikes, with only 3.5" difference between their wheelbases from shortest to longest.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[koolio]

Thanks stink, curious as where you got that data from, are you able to get that kind of data on other bikes? Match G9, Velo MSS 500, Panther 600 for example?

It does appear that a lot of it must be in the eye then, couldn't explain why the Royal Enfield really looked very small and short to me (and the friends I took with me to see it) I have seen a few classic bikes, the Vincent and the Gold star and both look considerably longer and substantial than a RE but one costs £25,000 up, the other £15,000.

[tvchimp]

[greetingsfrom...]

I strongly strongly suggest you test ride a classic bike before you buy, they ride handle and perform so differently to anything built post 1975 or so to be in a different league

As a rule of thumb you will find the brakes to be shocking, handling erm interesting and 6 volt electrics which produce less illumination than a maglite - and I like classic Brit stuff and have owned a few and still own a vintage special complete with hand change gear box, rigid frame and JAP engine

Parts wise, all except the more obscure of models and manufactures have reasonable spares backup from specialists and clubs.

AJS Model 20 1952 for around £3250. - AJS are seen as a bit of an also ran (sorry AJS/Matchless fans) - the twins vibrate more than Norton and Triumph twins (and they can't be seen as smooth)as well as having reputably weak main bearings.


2nd hand Kawa W650 - looks a bit like a triumph bonny but is so different the likeness is superficial.

Norton Model 30 International or Vincent Black Shadow - Anything v twin engined and has HRD Vincent on the side is second mortgage time - Norton Inter - rob a bank time.

[Ed Case]

You've got to remember koolio that the companies that made these 'Classics' went out of business because much of the time they were selling stuff that simply wasn't up to the job and what was crap then is nothing more than old crap now. I started on British bikes in the 60s when they called them unreliable now they call them 'Maintenance Intensive', it's the same damn' thing but with a positive twist. Unless you're as keen as mustard and useful with the spanners, forget it, stick with more modern (and much better) bikes, the old stuff will do your head in. In addition the Indian Enfields no matter with what engine, original, 'Lean Burn', or any other , the bike is still stuck in the 1950s and will need 1950s attention.

[koolio]

[Ed Case]

I've had Triumphs, B.S.A.s, & Nortons, most of 'em bought new, you're welcome, best of luck, they'll keep you busy !.

[Banned]

Are you inspector gadget .. ??

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[stinkwheel]

[koolio]

[DrDonnyBrago]

Buy a Harley, they are just as slow, underpowered, lardy and impractical as 1930's bikes but the technology is the same, they are long and there is parts availability - so long as you don't mind buying bolts with eagle heads on them and chrome tassled grips that is.

(that's a joke btw, I can never condone under any circumstances that anyone should ever buy a Harley)

[Ed Case]