HD advice required.

[map]

Apologies if not the right place to ask for this advice but have asked elsewhere as well, so here goes.

Looking for a little runaround that is easy to work on and a little different/quirky. I've been told about a Harley-Davidson MT350, one of the military spec ones, that is affordable. However, I know nothing about these regarding maintenance, reliability, parts available, handling, etc. I'm assuming their ok if nothing special given their military use. Any help and pointers appreciated.

As an alternative, I've been told a Cagiva W12 may be worth a look. However, can't even find a used example of this bike. What are they like (I know it's a trial bike thanks ) and where should I look. If I can't even find them used are parts available?

Thanks in anticipation
____________________
...and the whirlwind is in the thorn trees, it's hard for thee to kick against the pricks...
Gibbs, what did Duckie look like when he was younger?

[Sadie]

For some info on the Cagiva try here.
____________________
With experience comes age.

[map]

[Sadie]

There is the Aprilia Tuareg Rotax 350
____________________
With experience comes age.

[mr.z]

I remeber reading an article on them, not the fine detail...

The jist of it was the bike was like the equivilent of a tractor with two wheels, clunky gear box, very very basic... but very good in an agricultural sort of way...

MZ's look an interesting, quirky and easy to work on possibility + 2stroke stinky goodness, the 80+ ones are not quite up to jap standards but still quite relyable..

If its a spare bike you want for relyability and pottering you'd not go far wrong with a cx, stupidly comfy, keep feeding it fluids and it will go and go forever... trouble is you will hate chain drive so very hard afterwards
____________________
>RidingSkills<->Tech Tips<->MyBikes<

[Kickstart]

Hi

The ex army bikes are designed to be squaddie proof so are very tough. The Rotax engines should be very good (they were the single cylinder engine to use for racing for years) but is in a very low state of tune.

The Aprilia Tuareg was a decent bike but quite tall and they were never imported as a 350 to the UK. Also likely to be 15 years old by now.

There is also the Gilera Nordwest that was built as a 350 as well as the more common 600. One of the earliest supermotos with good handling and stunningly good brakes (2 x 300mm disks with 4 pot calipers).

Think the Cagiva was also built for military use. Think the French army used them.

There are a few bikes that are different and quirky using the Rotax engine. How about a Matchless G80? Or one of the Rotax engines MZs (or was it a Jawa, cannot remember now).

All the best

Keith
____________________
Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[map]

Thanks for the advice.
I sort of fancied the idea of owning a Harley, but couldn't bring myself to having a custom

According to the site given by Sadie the Cagiva is/was also used by the Italian army.

I'll have a look for info on the other suggestions, any others still welcome
____________________
...and the whirlwind is in the thorn trees, it's hard for thee to kick against the pricks...
Gibbs, what did Duckie look like when he was younger?

[iCraig]

[map]

[TheShaggyDA]

You can pick up a 350cc or 500cc Enfield Bullet quite cheaply, if it's solid and easy to work on you are after.
____________________
Current: CB500 Previous: CB100N, CB250RS, XJ900F, GT550, GPZ750R/1000RX, AJS M16, R100RT, Enfield Bullet

[i:6e3bfc7581]But still I fear and still I dare not laugh at the madman...[/i:6e3bfc7581]