60s British bikes. How bad are they?

[McDuck]

I have had a few say that they are bad, some say they are fine others say bad but worth the effort. What do you guys think or know about them? (i am already looking to past the learners licence stage) I like the look of the bonnies, but would like some advice thanks.

[JimO]

I have had a few say that they are bad, some say they are fine others say bad but worth the effort. What do you guys think or know about them? (i am already looking to past the learners licence stage) I like the look of the bonnies, but would like some advice thanks.

do you have a good tool kit and a oil drip tray

[McDuck]

I have all of those, all i dont really have is a lot of knowledge about the mechanics of it. I am not (to) mechanically retarded, i just dont know anything about them.

[Jantar]

The Triumph Bonnies and Norton Commandos of the late 60's were great bikes to ride, but compared to modern bikes they required a lot of maintenance. They handled well, if you knew how to ride them, but don't try and treat them like a modern bike or they'll spit you off in a second.

[McDuck]

lol i would be gntle with them, after all i will be a 155+ kg rider coming off a 250 cc

[sefer]

Much like British cars of the same era, if it's not leaking oil there is probably none in it.

[McDuck]

Is there much stuff you can not do without the help of a workshop and owners manual?

[scumdog]

Modern sealers/gaskets stop a lot of the oil leaks.
Updating the 'lectrics lessen the likelihood of Lucas, Prince of Darkness and Doomed Ignitions striking.

A good collection of non-metric tools and a workshop manual will help a lot.
PM Paul in NZ for more.

[McDuck]

cool. I will continue when i actually plan to get one. At the moment i am looking at a katana 250 to learn on then when i get restricted licence i will get an exemption (it will happen) and get something bigger. Either one of these or a slightly bigger katana. Slightly less hot for a bigger katana as i do not want thhhhaaaatttt much power.




Oh and i have a large amount of imperial tools, sockets and spanners etc.

[Jantar]

lol i would be gntle with them, after all i will be a 155+ kg rider coming off a 250 cc

Also remember that the rear brake and gear levers are on the wrong sides of the bike.

[McDuck]

that would take some practice to use

[xwhatsit]

I would love one at some stage. Or a Goldie It seems to me that if the Royal Enfields are still being mass produced, with little modifications since the 50s, and modern riders are able to deal with them, then real 60s Brit bikes should be liveable.

[pete376403]

The better models of that era (Goldies, Bonnevilles, Lightnings, etc) will be pretty pricey, even if they are poxy old shit heaps. On the upside, there's no shortage of parts. Several people are bringing in old bikes from the US, eg Rob Nesbitt at Classic Cycles in Upper Hutt ususally has a good selection.
It can be difficult finding the correct size fasteners (not sure when the british m/c industry stopped using 26 TPI cycle thread but I remember having problems finding stuff for my 1953 Matchless G9. However if you do get one and restore it correctly they can look really good. A friend has recently completed a bare frame restore on a 72 Commando and it is better than new

[Conquiztador]

U pay $2K - $3K for a basket case.
$3K - $5 for a worn one that will need work
And $5K+ for something you can ride straight away. But even then she will most probably need work done even if minor.

There is heaps of manuals around and NZ is filled with ppl that are enthusiasts and happy to tell you what makes them tick (and give a helping hand)

Good supply of s/h and even new parts.

There is more tinkering needed then with todays bikes. The electrics are simple. The bits are made to do the job. Pushrods are the go. But if you are not scared to get oil and grease on your fingers then I recommend to give it a go. You will always get your $$'s back if you decide that it is not for you.

Good Luck

[Brian d marge]

I would love one at some stage. Or a Goldie It seems to me that if the Royal Enfields are still being mass produced, with little modifications since the 50s, and modern riders are able to deal with them, then real 60s Brit bikes should be liveable.

I can help withthe Enfields . 2007 will probably be the last year of the old style Bullet ,,on saying that the spares for these are very cheap ,, ( try 50 dollars for a complete fork leg ,,New )

They require a few hours every so often and maybe a quick check every other day for loose nuts and bolts. They were designed for ride to work, no frills ,,and thats what you get.

They are all metal , so no expensive fairings , and the chain and sprocket will easily last 20 000km ( I buy black off a roll ,,cheap as ,, !!)

Now , they aint fast ,,, try 12 bhp for a 500 !!! ( 18 HP odd ) ,,, lots of torque , and will run on an oily rag !


also , while most of the bike is a tank ,,the engine is made a low strength alloy , which means you have to be a touch careful ( with the older ones ) when doing nuts and bolts up ,,,, they use a lot of studs for that very reason ,


So if you aint going any place quick , and you dont mind the ocational work ... Enfield are the go

The newer ones have got quite good in the build quality !

I have both engines , english and Indian ,,and I need a frame and I will be set for the rest of my natural days

Do go for a test ride on one first !!! ....


Stephen

pps I am down loading this dvd all about brit bikes from 1950 on ,,, havent seen it and its 4 gig

might be of use to someone