Anyone into old bikes ? (Bsa, AJs,Guzzi's)

TheSmiler · World Chat Champion Joined: 14 Apr 2011 Karma :

I know this is sports-bike chat forum mainly however I was wondering if there were people on here that have the old bikes as mentioned in the title (know lonewolf does).

I've found someone who will store my K100 project at the moment I'm putting that to one side; they are starting a mechanics course so want to do work on it. However I'm looking at getting another bike for fun days.

At the moment I've got no idea what bike I actually want but after suggestions £1000 or under.. I have seen these at a classic bike show which pull my eye. Always liked the Ariel Arrow but they are just too expensive now.

1. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181999819071?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

2. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/131708751344?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

3. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/172063301382?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Also over what I was ideally looking at but I do quite like this.

4. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141883517179?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

too long didn't read

Looking for a new bike later in the year, classic not for every day. Don't mind a bit of work, so after suggestions £1000 or under but willing to look at more.
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P.addy · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

Would you consider a retro styled bike? I know Sable has good things to say about his chinkybox but with the price you are looking at, newer and good condition would be the ideal nah?

Still reckon you'd suit a Bandit though, easy to maintain, smooth delivery of "power" and comfy as.

TheSmiler · World Chat Champion Joined: 14 Apr 2011 Karma :

pepperami · Super Spammer Joined: 17 Jan 2010 Karma :

Shaft · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Dec 2010 Karma :

Are you ready for a right foot gearchange?
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Wonko The Sane · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 Jan 2013 Karma :

You need to look at the spares availability if you're going to get one that needs work (you won't get a classic 50's bike for £1000 that doesn't need work doing to ensure it lasts long)

Royal Enfield and Triumph are two that spring to mind for spares availability.

as has already been said, the foot controls are the opposite way round...
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ScaredyCat · World Chat Champion Joined: 19 May 2012 Karma :

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Check the reality of owning one over the idea of owning one. They're not for everyone. Brakes are shite, gearbox is clunky, often on the right side, stiff clutches and constant low level of tinkering. Road speed can be low, dropping further as you attempt to ride up hills or into a headwind. Especially on the kind of 1950's bikes you're looking at there.

See if you can get a go on one. Although people know you so... maybe see if an Enfield dealer will give you a test ride of one of their new bullets to give you some idea.

BSA unit singles are common. The army used to use them so there's plenty out there. Spares are also common. Something lke a B40.

Do not get a BSA C15. They are made of fail.

Left of centre oddity:

MZ ES250 Trophy.

Fugly bike. East German commuter motorcycle. Cheap, easy, surprisingly reliable. A little oddball. Lots of knowledgeable backup from enthusiastic owners club. Turns heads.

There's a 125 trophy on fleabay just now. Complete and running. Just asking for a little TLC cosmetically. Make a cracking project.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MZ-es-125-Trophy-in-good-working-order-MOTd-with-V5c-logbook-/291668023566?hash=item43e8c4d90e:g:5wIAAOSwUV9Wo4j3
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I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

Matt B · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 May 2012 Karma :

Why don't you look at one of the Indian Bullets Sam? The older 350s, before they bolted all the unnecessary bits on and they were more true to the original.

Like this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Royal-Enfield-Bullet-350-1996-4979-MILES-2-0WNERS-NICE-RUNNER-WITH-A-NEW-MOT-/221959375253
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TheSmiler · World Chat Champion Joined: 14 Apr 2011 Karma :

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

TheSmiler · World Chat Champion Joined: 14 Apr 2011 Karma :

The Shaggy D.A. · Super Spammer Joined: 12 Sep 2008 Karma :

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

A BSA C15 is a hand grenade looking for a war. They were from the slow, inevitable death of BSA. Leave them to he polishers to make into trailer queens and get yourself an nice solid ex W.D. B-model to ride.

Cosmetics on a bullet can be altered fairly cheaply to do anything you like. I have one of those seats at the back of my garage somewhere.

When it comes to parts for a bullet you have three options.

1) High quality British made pattern parts.

2) Reasonable quality Indian made parts sourced by a British company.

3) "Pukka" Indian parts direct. Cheap as chips, quality lottery.

Check out hitchcocksmotorcycles.com Look under "accessory shop" -> "Kits" for what can be done.
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“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.

ScottT · Scooby Slapper Joined: 17 Sep 2014 Karma :

From the links you have given you seem to be looking for a smaller cc bike, forget the C15 get a 2 stroke (you said you liked the Ariel Arrow so you must be a 2 stroke fan).

I was in a similar position last year and ended up buying a 150cc James in about 95% original condition for less than £1000.
One advantage of a Villiers engine is that Villiers services have every single engine part you'll even need, and at realistic prices (full engine gasket set for mine £10).
They also sell bikes and will deliver at a reasonable cost.
Have a look here https://villiersservices.co.uk/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=12&zenid=ljtqjkmj0hda9ubiacjrbrl6k7

I've no connection with them other that a very happy customer.

When looking bear in mind pre 1960 bikes are road tax and mot exempt, and with cheap classic insurance your running cost are very cheap.

pepperami · Super Spammer Joined: 17 Jan 2010 Karma :

Ariel Badger · Super Spammer Joined: 02 Dec 2006 Karma :

It is possible to use a very old bike as everyday transport. I used 2 Ariels. a 1939 350 and a 1930 500 with hand change up until 2009 in all weathers. Is it a sensible option, probably not but it can be done.
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TheSmiler · World Chat Champion Joined: 14 Apr 2011 Karma :

DRZ4Hunned · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Apr 2014 Karma :

TheSmiler · World Chat Champion Joined: 14 Apr 2011 Karma :

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Irezumi aka Reuben · Carrot Top Joined: 28 Sep 2004 Karma :

I dont have a bike, but I do have a classic car. Great fun, when its working. Be prepared to spend more time working on it than using it. Sorting out one problem will make you aware of two more that although might not necessarily need doing you'll want to sort.

Even if it is working you'll be tinkering.

There's always the doubt it may break down. Sometimes the possibilty it does. I hope this is a second/third means of transport as trying to fix something to use it the next day isnt fun, and as much as I want to use my car in all weatehrs I just can't bare to do it so it barely moves!

Having said that whatever you get, hope it's good fun. I get lots of people chatting and asking questions. Each stop for petrol is a half hour job just to get away from a conversation!
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hmmmnz · Super Spammer Joined: 22 Aug 2006 Karma :

out of that list you'd have to go for option 3 and get the guzzi 2 stroke,

they are a reasonably robust motor, you can still get nos parts for them,
simple piston port design.

and of course its a 2 stroke.
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Polarbear · Super Spammer Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Karma :

What about a BSA Starfire? I have no idea if they are any good or the availability of spares but many years ago a mate had one and I thought it was a nice looking little bike.

https://www.vintagebike.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/gallery/bsa/1968-bsa-b25-starfire-760x570.jpg
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