Tell me about older motorcycles

[dmcummins]

I'm thinking of getting another motorcycle. I haven't had one for years, my last one was a 73 harley. I just want something to buzz around the small town I live in or go on short drives, 50-75 miles tops.

I have always liked the looks of the older Triumphs and BSA's from the late 60's. Can anyone tell me anything about them, what to avoid. Other bikes from the era to consider.

[Rot 911]

Look and lust. You can make it there and back in the same day: Current Inventory/Pre-Owned Inventory from Baxter Cycles

[Steve Carlton]

The British bikes from that era need constant attention and need rebuilding every 10-20,000 miles. A Kawasaki W650 has all the looks with none of the hassle. Or better yet (depending on your budget), a modern Bonneville or Thruxton.

[cbush]

OK, I am biased, but the perfect bike for kicking around town is an older BMW. I prefer the /2s for this--like a mid 60s R69S (pictured). They are fun, reliable, and easy to work on.

If you don't want to spend as much money get a /5 or /7- mid to late 70s. Reliable, easy parts availability, and fun. They make a great restoration project also if you enjoy doing that.

[HunterVonWurst]

Old British bikes = old British cars.

Get something Japanese or German.

Walnecks is your friend: Find Classic Antique Vintage Motorcycles - Walnecks.com

[ODDJOB UNO]

how much do ya want to work on it? can you say "LUCAS"

[Joeaksa]

Agree with Chuck. A 1970-72 R75/5 is a hoot to ride and great in town bike. You can find them for $2-4k and they last forever.

[ODDJOB UNO]

READ MY LIPS PAY ATTENTION LISTEN UP ASK ME HOW I FEEKING KNOW!


20 year old restorations(frame up/crank up) not so bad. generally parts available dependent on production numbers.


30 year old plus restorations unless a high production model........................


GRAB YER ASS AND HANG ON FER DEER LIFE!



you will spend GOBS of MULA TO DO THE HULA and.......................


1) it will be so damn nice it should be in a freeking museum

2) you will be gunshy as hell of riding for fear of breaking it and then going thru hell AGAIN finding some dumbass part or machining it

3) you will pay a hefty insurance premium


4) everyjuan will want to steal it


5) and after working on it for years..............that one beautiful day you have planned all month to ride it on.......................the SOB WONT START!



it better be DAMN RARE if ya expect any money out of yer investment.

[Superman]

I'm currently getting a 1978 Honda CB750K up and running. I love those things, and am looking forward to the experience. Lots of examples are out there, and parts are very available and not spendy. Plus, those things were/are as reliable as a hammer. Like others have said, a British bike won't be a "good girl" in the long run. I would early love to ride a Norton 850 Commando, but those things are guaranteed to require as much maintenance time as ride time. That's if nothing goes wrong.

[ODDJOB UNO]

there ya have it!


just think :

honda

suzuki

kawi

yammers

ktm

bmw

husqvarna

bultaco

montessa

penton(some)

atk(some)



after those....................yer pretty much at the mercy of CURMUDGEONS!

[Halm]

Contact Sithot over on the Early S board. He is big time into restoring old bikes, mostly BMW's as I remember.

[dmcummins]

Thanks, I'm just in the looking stage right now. I don't want a restoration project, I have enough of those. Just something I can have fun with, don't mind spending some money for the right bike.

I'll do some research on the BMW's, I have had the Japanese bikes when I was a kid and want something a little different now.

[maxnine11]

If you have an urge for old British, you could save some pain and go new(er) British :

[Chocaholic]

Originally Posted by cbush

OK, I am biased, but the perfect bike for kicking around town is an older BMW. I prefer the /2s for this--like a mid 60s R69S (pictured). They are fun, reliable, and easy to work on.

If you don't want to spend as much money get a /5 or /7- mid to late 70s. Reliable, easy parts availability, and fun. They make a great restoration project also if you enjoy doing that.

Wood just hit the underside of my desk. Yes, this is the one. Must////have////...

[ODDJOB UNO]

me? id buy an older paris to dakar beeeeeeeeeeemer. and i would seriously search for an ex marlboro team paris to dakar if possible. go anywhere do anything scare the hell out of yerself. ZIPPO MAINT and quite the cool conversation piece in yer living room.


its a GERMAN THANG!



MAICOS are always acceptable...............yer just gonna need a machine shop.

[LakeCleElum]

I'll sell you this 1978 Triumph Bonny 750 for $3K....Needs a rear master cylinder...........

[legion]

I run from old bikes, mostly because I know they won't run and chase me.

[sc_rufctr]

What about something American?

A classic (non chopper) Harley or Indian?

Am I being naïve?

[Bill Douglas]

As a 16 to 17 year old I sure learnt a lot about Lucas electrics (and the associated smoke) by owning this. I saw the bike many years later and as it turned out I got the electrical system sorted a week or two before I sold it. Mechanically it was rock solid. I don't really miss the bike but I'd like the ab's back.

[ramonesfreak]

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

What about something American?

A classic (non chopper) Harley or Indian?

Am I being naïve?

nothing wrong with an old ironhead sportster so long as you have a strong knee and hip to kick it over. i like them. i love all the old harleys and if i was set on an old bike, i would definitely get one over anything else...so long as its not from the 70's.