Classic bike for back lanes and green lanes

[ReadySalted]

Having just sold my car (an old landrover) and rejoicing in the thought of not having to spend weekends fixing something I'm looking at getting a second bike, (I'll still have my sv650s for commuting and long rides). I've been torn between finding a nice classic for pootling around the plentiful country lanes where I live, or an enduro bike for some greenlaning.

I figured a good compromise would be a cheap classic which I could enjoy riding to the greenlanes, and then ride over them. With a budget of about 2K absolute maximum I'm very limited.

I saw a good BSA that fit the bill, but the sale fell through when it developed a knocking noise.

My budget limits me to small engined BSA's basically, or a cheap royal enfield (old or new) if one comes up. I'd like my budget to include, the bike, indicators if the bike hasn't got them, a single seat, and some tires that will handle gravel and grass a bit.

I'm tempted by bsa bantams which seem cheap and plentiful, but riding 30 miles before I even get to a greenlane on a 150 or 175 two-stroke will drive me insane no doubt. A modern royal enfield 350 would seem like a good choice, but there's not loads about, and it may be a bit heavy to use off the beaten track?

Anyway, if you've got any thoughts or advice, let me know!

[stevo as b4]

Does it have to be a British classic though?
A vintage twin shock or early 80's mono shock Jap trailie will be a better off road ride, unless you build up a proper nice british engine'd scrambler or trials bike?

I don't know if you would get a BSA engine'd CCM for your budget at all?

The problem with anything British that's pokey and decent and in a competition style frame like a Cheeny or Rickman etc, is that they will cost mega bucks due to being sought after for classic competition use.

[Northern Monkey]

Royal Oilfield?
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[Rogerborg]

Enfields ain't featherweights. I've taken mine about 30 yards up a lane then thought better of it.

Do you definitely want a "classic"? I ask because if you want a simple, basic, cheap, lightweight low powered carby bike for throwing about then how about a modern Chinese 125?

Cheap enough that you won't mind when you drop it: you can pick up used but almost unridden ones pre-depreciated for very little. Get a Lexmoto and parts won't be an issue. You even get a kickstarter on the CG copy-engine bikes, and 150cc kits can be had for extra lulz.

Or... Van Van 125?
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[Wednesday Biker]

Dunno if I'd want to take a classic bike on green lanes really.

[Northern Monkey]

[Rogerborg]

[ReadySalted]

Well perhaps a bantam would be my best bet then for pootling about. Enfields look the part, but a modern bike just wouldn't feel right, and I dunno whether I'd feel more gutted if (when), I dropped a 2005 enfield, or a 1965 bantam.

Its the ring of the 2 stroke engine that makes me want to ride it into a brick wall lol

[stevo as b4]

I'd look at cheaper options like the Bantam's etc, and secretly hope for a Rickman Triumph or BSA scrambler!

[Northern Monkey]

[pepperami]

[andyscooter]

older Honda xl 250

even the 125 would be cool
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[ReadySalted]

I've seen a BSA c11 which has just been restored. It's 4 stroke and a bit bigger than a bantam so more desirable.

Steve mcqueen had one so they're also cool.

MOT and tax exempt, so it's a case of petrol being the only cost besides keeping it road worthy.

Having said all that, it's definitely a 'proper' classic and therefore I dunno if I'd have the balls for anything off tarmac. Or the balls to even ride it more than 15 miles from home. Maybe I'm being a pussy.

[bamt]

I'm looking on-and-off for a Bantam/Trophy 250/similar cheap-ish classic - any pointers on where these things are actually sold for reasonable money would be appreciated. I did see this one (which amused me)
BSA – Bantam – Nut and Bolt restoration 1967 - 12v kit, Over £4,000 was spent restoring this bike, Great Investment. Selling price £3,000. Obviously the seller's idea of a great investment is somewhat different to mine

[-]

[ReadySalted]

Bamt, have a look at the BSA bantam forum. They've got a thread for discussing Bantams that crop up on ebay and it's very interesting to learn what their members say about some of the bikes. Ie. some bikes advertised for 2K upwards and advertised as genuine D7s, will actually be bikes with non original engines and D10 forks etc. Something I wouldn't be able to spot but these guys really know their shit.

Ref; classic jap bikes. For an early 80s scrambler type like the ones you've suggested I'd be paying similar money to a middle of the road 60s BSA, and I think brit bikes just have more appeal. My father for example talks keenly about the bantams he had in his youth. Wheras a classic honda would hold absolutely no interest to him whatsoever.

Bantams and the like are probably my best bet, but the price of a modern royal enfield (relatively modern) makes them hard to discount. A bike with some japanese parts, in classic british styling, made less than a decade ago, and for less than 2K. (Plus the benefits of indicators, 12v electrics etc. etc.). It's just not a true classic though, and I have a modern bike, so whats the point!?!

[bamt]

Thanks, will keep an eye on that forum. No rush here, just looking for something to tinker with and pootle about on - and ideally a birth-year bike for Mrs bamt and myself.

[ReadySalted]

At this point I'm torn between two bikes; a 1960 C15, and 1955 C11?

The c15 needs MOTing every year but has had lots of refurb work done (12v electrics, refurbed frame etc.)

The c11 is MOT free but looks to be a little less restored.

Not sure in the differences in performance or reliability but can't imagine there would be much in it. I'm guessing a cruising speed of 50mph, and a breakdown once every 100 miles lol.

Have never ridden either so just don't know which one to go for. C11 looks more classic, but C15 is in better order and a nice colour.

[Teflon-Mike]

Have you ever ridden right foot change? If you are swapping twix the two, it can be a bit, err.. annoying!

Have you looked at any of the Italian alternatives?
60's/ 70's / 80's Guzzi's.. falcone single perhaps; doesn't have to be a shaft drive twin. Couple of decades back, my uncle & I restored a Ducati 350 Street-Scrambler for similar use (Hence my query over the RFC); prices on that marque are a bit steeper these days, but you'd get more interesting machine for your money; there's also the Moto-Morini's that would probably tempt me.. they did a little street-scrambler version, called the 'Kangeroo' of all things! 350 & 500 versions; and not a bad little road-bike, either. Had a 350S way back, which was quite good fun.

Then there's the Aermacchi - Harley Davidsons...... seem to recall they banged out quite a few almost 'Japanese' two strokes in the 125-250 bracket, to compete with the nips in that era, that could be quite good fun and a lot more bike than a Bantam for the money, as well as 175-350 4-bangers to compete with the C15 & ilk. (think that they became the early Cagiva enterprise)

B-U-T... having grown up in Iberian Iron, and still having my old Montesa.... I would be very tempted by a 70's/80's Montesa / Bultaco / Ossa 'enduro'..... a nice blend in many models of the low-tech piston-ported two-stroke, a'la Bantum; with a proper gear-box, a LOT more power, and more sophisticated later chassis and suspension; again, a lot more bike for your buck... or upping the money a tad... the 'real deal' of a genuine '70's MZ ISDT Replica.. in fact even an ETZ based replica of 'the' replica, if it was done properly enough!

Just a few googlies for you to consider.
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[billytwomirro...]

Early British classic think early series Land Rover,i've just sold a BSA A7 more tinkering than riding.

Royal Enfield good off road just need good tyres.

[ReadySalted]

Well I spotted another BSA C15 for sensible money, and it was in a colour I liked (black). It's had somewhat of a refurb, and the owner has been good enough to photograph the development. It was too good an opportunity to miss, so I went for it!!

I should have it at home tomorrow so will post pics then! Not sure how it will be if it I take it over any greenlanes, but the rides on the country lanes getting it to them will surely provide much enjoyment. My first classic bike. Just ordered an open face lid too which I figured would be de rigueur on an old classic, but I may well be too frightened to wear it lol.

In any case, I'll try and post some pics of the bike if I get it back here before the weekend is out. Cheers for your advice.

[ReadySalted]

Oh and mike, no I've never ridden a right foot change, which will make for a very interesting first couple of rides until I'm familiar.

[Teflon-Mike]

[ReadySalted]

Well cheers for all your help and advice.

The arrived bike this afternoon, and my impression was good. I think I got a bargain. The bikes had a complete refurb within the last couple of hundred miles; (powdercoated frame, big and small ends, swing arm bush etc.). Pleased as punch, and nervous about the wrong side gear change I took her out for a ride.

I broke down after 20 miles. (Stopped at a petrol station, bike stalled and simply wouldn't restart).

Within about 10 minutes of being sat by the bike contemplating what I could do to fix it, a chap stopped to reminisce. I explained the circumstances, and then for the next half hour, he and his young son helped me to work through all the possible causes. After testing everything and having no luck restarting it (cleaning plug, using easy start type stuff, checking carb, adjusting points etc.). We finally decided to give it a bumpstart and it fired into life. Much thankfulness displayed and away I went.

I had to stop once on the way home as oil was burning on the hot exhaust and I thought it was overheating. The engine also seems to be leaking a fair bit of oil although I'm not sure where from.

Anyway, despite the breakdown, I had a hoot. ALOT of fun to ride the BSA and got the day off work tomorrow so I'm gonna take her for a nice slow ride somewhere scenic.

[ReadySalted]

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