British project

[Indiana_Jones]

Hey guys,

Just putting some feelers out there (minds out of the gutter kids!) to see if anyone has a old British bike/project they don't wish to own anymore as I would be game for one.

Would prefer a 500cc twin, but am open to other ideas.

Regards,

-Indy

[Voltaire]

If you want to talk Triumph and Norton your welcome to come over and have a yarn about the joys/pitfalls of old British bikes.....I have a running Commando and two Triumph work in progress bikes......:innocent:

My pick would be a running Oil in Frame BSA or Triumph 650.....or a mid 60's Thunderbird or speed twin.:yes:

[Indiana_Jones]

Cheers for that mate.

A speed twin would be high on my list, or maybe even a Bonnie to go with the Hinckley one I have :)

-Indy

[Edbear]

I had a B31 350 BSA, a '51 with the plunger rear and always wanted the 500 B33! Any of the old 500 singles were great bikes! My favourite twin has to be the Daytona, though, or the W1 650 Kawasaki.

[Indiana_Jones]

An AJS/Matchless big single would do me very nicely :)

-Indy

[Paul in NZ]

The 350 / 500 twins are great bikes but cost as much as the 650 / 750's to restore and are worth waaaay less....

BSA pre unit singles are lots better than the rest in handling and general usability (350s are easily made into 400cc and go very well)

AJS etc are great and have a super club etcbut are a little less exciting but a lot more availiable and cheaper.

[Indiana_Jones]

Cheers everyone.

A 1950s/60s Triumph twin would be nice, the AJS 350 or 500 single would be great too.

With regards to the 350 single, how would that be at 60mph etc riding? or more suited to slower speeds?

Cheers,

-Indy

[Paul in NZ]

Cheers everyone.

A 1950s/60s Triumph twin would be nice, the AJS 350 or 500 single would be great too.

With regards to the 350 single, how would that be at 60mph etc riding? or more suited to slower speeds?

Cheers,

-Indy

BIG differences between 50's and 60's twins (price wise especially)

A 350 singles top whack is around 65 to 70 mph although they claim faster. BSA goldstar 350 is of course a LOT faster but yes - on a motorway you will be a mobile chicane. Bloody good bikes but you dont want to be in a hurry really.

My old 54 500 AJS would cruise at 60mph but was a lot happier at 55mph.

All my pre unit 500 twins were happy at 60 to 65 mph and used feck all gas to boot.

My 650 will happily cruise at 60 to 70 mph but you are getting pretty battered about as the speed goes up.

But seriously - you dont buy these bikes today for endless highway use

[Indiana_Jones]

Great info Paul,

Endless highway trips isn't what I had in mind, just the odd trip on the m-way etc incase I had to. Just wanted to know it isn't gonna run out of steam and/or blow up lol

500 twin is looking like my ideal bike then. Or a early Bonnie :)

Norton would be nice, but they're mega bucks. Not to mention I'm more of a Triumph man..... :scooter:

-Indy

[Indiana_Jones]

One thing I've forgotten to ask is what is the spares/new parts situation for these bikes?

-Indy

[Voltaire]

One thing I've forgotten to ask is what is the spares/new parts situation for these bikes?

-Indy

Pretty good, British Spares can supply to my door most of the everyday Commando parts next day service. Prices are good too, service is great.
Could not say the same for my modern Ducati...
I'd say it was easier to get parts now than at any time in the last 20 years for Triumphs and Commandos.
Paul is right about what you choose....I had a 68 Daytona basket case and I did a hard look at restoring/worth and moved it on.
Riding the Commando every day at the moment but a similar state Bonnie or Tiger would be much of a muchness. Quite fun riding old bikes around....

[Indiana_Jones]

I better take one of those Trumpy's off your hands :innocent:

-Indy

[Edbear]

Cheers everyone.

A 1950s/60s Triumph twin would be nice, the AJS 350 or 500 single would be great too.

With regards to the 350 single, how would that be at 60mph etc riding? or more suited to slower speeds?

Cheers,

-Indy

Mine would do 72mph with me lying on the tank, but practical cruising was about 50mph. I reckon it sounds like you're wanting the Daytona 500 twin which is a beautiful bike!

[Indiana_Jones]

As long as it's looks good next to my 2010 Bonnie I'm happy lol :D

-Indy

[Edbear]

My favourite model was the '72 in red and white, and I'm sorry to say your 2010 Bonnie will not look so good parked next to a Daytona... :innocent:

[Motu]

Mine would do 72mph with me lying on the tank, but practical cruising was about 50mph.

After a bit of work I would cruise my B31 at 70mph with standard gearing.With all the people racing B31's and 33's,Goldstar cams and pistons must be available after market.Cams,piston,some head work and a carb and exhaust and you have a cast iron Goldstar.I think a swing arm B31 or B33 is the way to go - you get a good handling frame,good gearbox,and all the 650 frame parts to use....and enough stuff to fiddle with the engine to keep you happy for years.Adapt a Triumph clutch (all you need is the hub to fit the BSA mainshaft),a modern ignition system and solid state generator and it would be an everyday bike.

[Voltaire]

The Daytona history makes an interesting read, how they took on the Harley 750s and won. I think I even read that once came second after Agostini on an MV 500.After I bought my basket case one the research on parts told me it was going to be an expensive engine rebuild. Still ....the old boy in Bluff who's nephew bought it said it would be on the road in no time and it was his 4th or 5 th Triumph rebuild for the year " got to have something to do when you retired he said...":yes:

had a look on TM....nothing lept out saying buy me.....also note that 40 years plus and its only about $130 for rego....

[Paul in NZ]

Not worth buying? Hmm - kinda depends.

A bit spendy but complete and usable... GREAT bikes

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-368969065.htm

A bitsa - make a good flatrack / off road project

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-368797058.htm

Someone buy this - definately THE star buy! You dont find these easily buy sadly you could spend lots and it will never be worth much more. It would be in my shed tomorrow if I'd won Lotto. Much cooler than a Daytona

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-368800232.htm

Compliance issues making it street legal but you couldnt build this for that $$

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-368796146.htm

Not sure about this - I dont think they were all black in 51 or at least had a chrome panel tank so expensive to get that right, tres cool though

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-368761310.htm

The makings of a very good classic here...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-368558949.htm

Been for sale forever - make an offer. T140 usefulness with 1960's looks, a good project but it screams "I've been hammered'

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-368431060.htm

Classic kiwi rural bonnie

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-368219479.htm

Worth heaps properly restored. 'maybe'

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-368233027.htm

Nice bike - reasonable $$

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-368176149.htm

If this was a bit more original or had the twin carb head?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-367950445.htm

Well the price is OK

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-367106094.htm

This has been for sale since the internet was invented - living proof that one mans diamond is another mans irritating stone in the boot.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-368376902.htm

Anyway - plenty to choose from

[Paul in NZ]

The Daytona history makes an interesting read, how they took on the Harley 750s and won. I think I even read that once came second after Agostini on an MV 500.After I bought my basket case one the research on parts told me it was going to be an expensive engine rebuild. Still ....the old boy in Bluff who's nephew bought it said it would be on the road in no time and it was his 4th or 5 th Triumph rebuild for the year " got to have something to do when you retired he said...":yes:

had a look on TM....nothing lept out saying buy me.....also note that 40 years plus and its only about $130 for rego....

Um - dont confuse a stock 'Daytona' with the bikes Triumph raced at Daytona. Came from the same root stock but trust me, you wont be catching MV's over the hill. VERY very good bikes, better in some ways than the 650 / 750 but they nearly always suffer from a LONG line of impoverished owners who really wanted a 650 but the 500 was cheap and...

[Indiana_Jones]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-368797058.htm

Good project?

Was thinking take off the bars and stick on some clip-ons :)

-Indy

[Indiana_Jones]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-366443676.htm

or this one, same deal again, ditch bars...

-Indy

[Paul in NZ]

Most british bikes of the era have the pegs mounted a little too far forwards to suit american tastes. If you run clipons you will need rearsets and then .... either of those bikes is good at the right price but the only way to do a cafe project is properly or else you will be miserable...

[Edbear]

After a bit of work I would cruise my B31 at 70mph with standard gearing.With all the people racing B31's and 33's,Goldstar cams and pistons must be available after market.Cams,piston,some head work and a carb and exhaust and you have a cast iron Goldstar.I think a swing arm B31 or B33 is the way to go - you get a good handling frame,good gearbox,and all the 650 frame parts to use....and enough stuff to fiddle with the engine to keep you happy for years.Adapt a Triumph clutch (all you need is the hub to fit the BSA mainshaft),a modern ignition system and solid state generator and it would be an everyday bike.

Now you're making me nostalgic and wanting it back!

[Indiana_Jones]

Cheers guys,

Yea one would need new rear sets if they were to stick clip-ons onto it.

Otherwise I'd be getting M-bars etc

The ape hanger/US style isn't gonna work for me lol

-Indy

[Voltaire]

When I said not much....I meant in the way of bargains..... and I do realize that that it was not a production bike at Daytona.....but still....a pushrod rod bike going that fast ...:woohoo:
What sort of deposit are we talking as the buy price is only the start on a Pom bike unless you buy a restored one...and thats taking a chance too....
The early 70's BSA/Triumph OIF are probably your best bang for buck....Daytonas might just be bang....they are a pretty fragile motor by BMW/Guzzi standards.

[Indiana_Jones]

between $3-5k for something with no reg etc.

Basket case even considered

-Indy

[Dodgyiti]

Paul with the Crystal Ball
Been for sale forever - make an offer. T140 usefulness with 1960's looks, a good project but it screams "I've been hammered'

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-368431060.htm


Ha!
Yes I'm pretty sure that was the guy on the last Mapua Guzzi Rally in 2008
He went on the run with us, I was following behind him on my Daytona and he was whipping the arse off that Trumpie, it went well but umm... like Paul said:shutup:

[Voltaire]

Swapmeet in Hamilton on Sunday morning at Claudelands...same day as the Holden/ford thing but no real traffic issues last year....in and out early.
Usually a couple of Bonnie projects for sale and other old stuff.... you never know what will turn up at these things. 3-5 K could get you a runner....:yes:

[Dodgyiti]

Paul, I dunno about this one:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=368800232

Sure it is a lovely bike, but study the guy's feedback relating to the last bike he sold.

Negative feedback for hoggly ironhead... buyer complains of electrical problems..seller said in add "too much for my old bones" yet he had only bought it a few months prior and complained to the seller of the same problems the guy who bought it off him had. Reads to me he bought a lemon then passed it on.

Once a bullshitter, always a bullshitter. Wonder what is wrong with this Triumph then...:facepalm:

[Voltaire]

Its pretty easy to get negative feedback and doen't necessarily mean the seller was at fault. One mans mint is anothers junker...:yes:
You buy sight unseen at your own risk.

[Motu]

I prefer the small Triumph twins to the big fellas....but I'm a less is more kind of guy.They are easier to work on...and modify - the cams can be changed without splitting the cases,and they can go from twin carb to single without changing the cyl head.Transform your bike on a saturday afternoon.I'm not one for clip-ons either,they work really well with high wide bars.Steve McQueen didn't use no stupid clip-ons on his Triumphs,Steve knew how they worked best.

[pete376403]

The Daytona history makes an interesting read, how they took on the Harley 750s and won.....

Yabut - the Harleys were sidevalve KR750s (think Briggs & Stratton). AMA rules of the day were arranged to make things pretty even between makes ie 750 sidevalve = 500 overhead valve twin = 500 ohc single (more or less)

[Motu]

The Yanks were pretty good at getting hp out of sidevalves - Harley's and Ford V8's.C R Axtel worked on the Harleys...but he also worked on the Triumphs and Nortons.There was nothing in it really....but the extra torque from 250cc and V twin traction was money in the bank compared to the more top end of an OHV.

[Voltaire]

Yabut - the Harleys were sidevalve KR750s (think Briggs & Stratton). AMA rules of the day were arranged to make things pretty even between makes ie 750 sidevalve = 500 overhead valve twin = 500 ohc single (more or less)

spoiler....:innocent: I like David and Golieth stories....small English bike Vs huge American bike.......:violin:
...are you saying my rotary hoe is a sidevalve?????

[pete376403]

spoiler....:innocent: I like David and Golieth stories....small English bike Vs huge American bike.......:violin:
...are you saying my rotary hoe is a sidevalve?????

Quite possible, do you have a Harley powered cultivator?

[Kickaha]

Well the price is OK
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-367106094.htm


I didn't even realise Harris made a Tiger, I've only seen pictures of the Harris Bonneville and it showed it with a twin disc front end with brembo brakes

[Ronin]

Quite possible, do you have a Harley powered cultivator?

More to the point. Do you own a cultivator powered Harley?

[Big Dave]

You do realise what sort of dedication, skill and tools are required to keep a classic brit on the road Indy? You just don't buy one and turn into Steve.
From where to buy parts to installing them.

Some enthusiasts will naysay me, because like anything it becomes easier with experience. My Bonneville is blah blah blah - but it's an investment.

There is a significant learning curve - the nuances of the machines. Got a gear puller, decent torque wrench, all imperial sizes etc etc.?
You want to figure all that into the equations too.

You can buy my 1995 Thunderbird for 4 grand. Ohlins and Race Techs, mildly breathed on and in need of some TLC. :-)

[Voltaire]

You do realise what sort of dedication, skill and tools are required to keep a classic brit on the road Indy? You just don't buy one and turn into Steve.
From where to buy parts to installing them.

Some enthusiasts will naysay me, because like anything it becomes easier with experience. My Bonneville is blah blah blah - but it's an investment.

There is a significant learning curve. Got a gear puller, decent torque wrench, all imperial sizes etc etc.?

You want to figure all that into the equations too.

You can buy my 1995 Thunderbird for 4 grand. Ohlins and Race Techs, mildly breathed on and in need of some TLC. :-)


Restoring, riding and owning an old bike is very satisfying. I ejoy spannering on my Norton....not unplanned spannering so much but general stuff.
I'm building up a BMW R75/5 at the moment as a daily rider.....lots of research, hunting for parts, welding, painting....great stuff.
Owning a modern bike is like owning a new plasma/lcd/led TV to me....great picture...shame about the programs...:violin:
In fact I enjoy riding my Norton more than my 900SS ie....which is also for sale.:innocent:

[Bonez]

I'd imagine that'd be half the fun. Some folk like a bit of a challange. There's plenty of info available on the interweb about what's required and classic bike club members willing to assist if need be. It's really just a matter of asking if you're stumped.

[Voltaire]

Yep, the internet has made it sooo much easier than years ago. I have a Triumph file from 1990 and its all hand written letters to places and the like.
I bet Big Dave would love a classic in his shed....a late 60's Bonnie....:yes:

[Big Dave]

Owning a modern bike is like owning a new plasma/lcd/led TV to me....great picture...shame about the programs...:violin:



We're all different. I don't enjoy working on bikes at all. My good pals Brian & Chris thrive on it and are masters at restoration.

The cautionary tale is based on seeing some other's projects sold on as boxes of bits.

But then Indy was off to sea once too.

[Bonez]

I remember dad and his mates working on old brits when I was wee'un. One memorable moment was when the Ariel Huntmaster decided burst into flames. Quick save with some rags had that under control in short order though.

[Big Dave]

Yep, the internet has made it sooo much easier than years ago. I have a Triumph file from 1990 and its all hand written letters to places and the like.
I bet Big Dave would love a classic in his shed....a late 60's Bonnie....:yes:

Sure I would, Bruce brings his around and I dig how primal it is. I had a mint 1976 Bonne once too. But I no longer have the dedication to maintain one - and mine sure took some. Lucas dontchaknow.

The Replicas require less commitment. Guzzi V7 is my current fave. Programmed just fine too. But they ain't $5k either.

[Voltaire]

Sure I would, Bruce brings his around and I dig how primal it is. I had a mint 1976 Bonne once too. But I no longer have the dedication to maintain one - and mine sure took some.

The Replicas require less commitment. Guzzi V7 is my current fave. Programmed just fine too.

I would not mind having a spin on a few of the retro bikes...but what if I liked them....:gob:
I find the wider bars and less crouched postion to suit my low speed life..... what I like is mid range stomp....:woohoo:
Get some of us BFTP riders out to a Retro bike ride photo shoot.....get some real feedback from the one eyed classic owners...:lol:

[Motu]

I guess that's why they make new motorcycles - so people can just ride them without having to know how they work.If you don't know how something works then you can take it back and complain when something isn't right.

Fortunately they also make used motorcycles,you can get one made in almost any year you want,and almost any condition too.The prices reflect the age and condition produced - I prefer the ones they make in older styles,but there are some really good bargains in the later models too.

[Bonez]

Absolutely. Summit for everyone. We're really spoiled for choice. More so now I'd imagine than say 15 years ago.

[Big Dave]

Yeah - there is more diversity now, but some of it is a kinda false economy too. Harley make half a dozen models/variants on one base eg.

Ahhh Motu to understand the modern ones you just plug it in to a computer and the diagnostics tell you what's wrong.

[Voltaire]

Ahhh Motu to understand the modern ones you just plug it in to a computer and the diagnostics tell you what's wrong.

Ah....the printed manual will soon be a thing of the past....like books themselves.

I've been watching the commissioning of a 1000 kw chiller this week....anyone could do it now....no setting up mechanical devices and the computah tells you what to do....glad I'm out of that field now.
( just as well really given the state of our edukashun sistem.... )

this thread has got way off topic:
" has anyone got an old Brit bike project or runner for Indy"

[Big Dave]

Just smalltalk on a wet day. Indy won't mind - unless I give him permission :-)

[Paul in NZ]

Yeah - there is more diversity now, but some of it is a kinda false economy too. Harley make half a dozen models/variants on one base eg..

Thanks goodness, I mean it wouldnt do to be seen on your bobber at the chopper meet.... sigh... I think theres less acceptance of diversity though.


Ahhh Motu to understand the modern ones you just plug it in to a computer and the diagnostics tell you what's wrong.

I dont need no stinkin computer to tell me I cant afford to fix it....

hey - end of the day, you buy a tool and get the knowledge and its yours for life....

[Motu]

to understand the modern ones you just plug it in to a computer and the diagnostics tell you what's wrong.

I do that for a living - why in hell would I want to do it for fun?

[Big Dave]

I do that for a living - why in hell would I want to do it for fun?

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7z3FS71Tgzw?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Voltaire]

Funny how the non classic retros discussion always ends up on the Classic Forum.... surely they belong in the Harleys and other cruisers bit...:innocent:

[Big Dave]

Horses for courses. If Chris Hyland said to me I'm going to restore a.... I would await the outcome with keen interest.

But we're talking about a man who rates Tom Cruise.

[Bonez]

Voltaire there's enough of them around now days to have their own discussion group. Personally don't put modern retros in the same category as the likes of Boulevards or Victories.

[Voltaire]

Yeah....I'm just the grumpy boring old bloke I was never going to be when I was a teenager....My Dad liked golf and horse racing ....I made model tanks and planes...he was boring and uncool....
I tinker on old VW's, Ducatis, Nortons,Triumphs and BMW's.....my kid play X Box..... even trail bikes collect dust at my place...:violin:

Who's Chris Hyland?

[Bonez]

Who's Chris Hyland?More to the point which one?

[Big Dave]

Who's Chris Hyland?

Proprietor of Motomail, accomplished Classic racer and owner of some very tasty classic Triumphs.

[pete376403]

I remember dad and his mates working on old brits when I was wee'un. One memorable moment was when the Ariel Huntmaster decided burst into flames. Quick save with some rags had that under control in short order though.
That usually happened after working on the magneto - set it 180 degrees out and the plug would spark while the inlet valve was open, and given that old singles didn't often have an air filter - wooof!

[Bonez]

The huntmaster is a twin, so double the fun. Quite terrifying for a young lad. Like this one:

http://motorbike-search-engine.co.uk/classic_bikes/1957-ariel-huntmaster.jpg

Dads had the seperate saddles though.

[Indiana_Jones]

lol walk away for 5mins....

All good guys with the chatter, what forums are for!

Big Dave, you are dead right, it's not just a matter of buying it and then shrugging your shoulder when something goes wrong. I'm in no rush really and just toying with the idea, I have own two classic British cars now and the experience has been something else :)

I've got no car at the moment and donno if I'll have space for one really, so have been toying with the bike idea. Also the idea of a bike with no reg or vintage reg is good as then I have the government off my back.

If I can get a car again I shall do that I dare say, but just checking out what's on offer in the 2 wheel sector. Thinking Morris/Austin 1300 this time :)

-Indy

[Voltaire]

Thinking Morris/Austin 1300 this time
:thud:.....

[Paul in NZ]

:thud:.....

Then forget the Triumph twins - go for a BSA Bantam.... It will be a good match...

[Indiana_Jones]

:thud:.....

What lol, they're cool cars.

Had the Wolseley landcrab before :D

-Indy

[Voltaire]

What lol, they're cool cars.

Had the Wolseley landcrab before

Learned to drive in a 1300, parents had a 1800 ( before they saw the light and bought a Holden V8) and my dad had an A60....sort of put me off Brit vehicles for some years.....

I bought a VW beetle...then a Kombi........ now I'm working on a 69 beetle with my son to learn to drive and spanner on....he rebuilt the engine and I'm welding up the body. Have to get my Kombi sorted this year too.

[Paul in NZ]

What lol, they're cool cars.

Had the Wolseley landcrab before :D

-Indy

Seriously!!!!!

Minis can be cool....

1100 / 1300's are NOT cool.... Innovatitve, successful, ahead of their time but not really cool. shudder....

Allegro's are just..... horrid....

[Indiana_Jones]

You're right.

Marina and Princess are cool....

-Indy

[Edbear]

You're right.

Marina and Princess are cool....

-Indy

I had a 1980 Marina with the 1700 alloy head motor and driving lights. It was the manual and in red it looked really nice. It drove well with good torque for the hills, good economy and very comfortable with good ergonomics for its day, too!

[Indiana_Jones]

:D lol wicked

How about this http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-368306731.htm

-Indy

[Dadpole]

A pal once had a marina 6 cyl. If excitement (especially in the wet) is what you want, look no further

[Paul in NZ]

:D lol wicked

How about this http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-368306731.htm

-Indy

Well - you can make a 350 REALLY fly (ask the red devils) but a fully dressed '21'... not quite my cup of tea thanks...

[Motu]

The 21 was Bathtub or Bikini and helmet front guard - that one is lean and mean.Performance would be on par with a Morris 1100.