Project Bike

[nedj]

Call me a romantic or call me a fool (ok I now most people will go with later), but I would like to build/fix up a bike (1969 model). I was looking around on the net for a project bike of the year. I saw the BSA (dont know much about it) and was wondering what other bikes were made in that year. I can imagine there were many. So what would be a realistic bike to build up. One where parts are still available. One where I wont have to hock my Mother-in-Law (havnt got one so cant,drat!) to finance and make/find the parts.
Any suggestions will be appreciated.
:spudwhat:

[Posh Tourer :P]

You foolish romantic!!!

Seriously though, any of the more common models should be no problems - of course it wont be as easy as going to your local dealer and ordering in parts, but you ought to do ok with anything with a recognisable name I reckon. Depends where you have sources. When we built the BMW, friends in Germany were invaluable....

There are always people like Victorian M/C Wreckers, and any number of clubs and enthusiasts that you'd need to get in touch with.

[Kickaha]

Whatever you get will always take four times as long and cost ten times as much as you originally plan so you will eventually have to hock the mother in law

[Jackrat]

69 was a top year for a lot of bikes both from England and Japan.
The BSA would probably be an A65 lighting or if you really like punishment the original Rocket three or Triumph Trident.Parts for them can be had from British spares in Wellington.Then the 69 Bonnie is the last and best of an era
Or how about a CB750 Honda,XS650 Yamaha,500 Kawa triple,T500 Suzuki.
Mate the list is endless,but you can still get parts for them all in NZ and over seas.I rebuilt three Triumph twins and the parts were quite cheap and easy to get.

[Hitcher]

One where I won't have to hock my Mother-in-Law

Post a photo and see what offers you get! If she's good at ironing, doesn't cost too much to run and doesn't mind sleeping in the basement, I may be interested...

[Posh Tourer :P]

you will eventually have to hock the mother in law

Sounds like you'd better invest in one quicksmart before the project starts then ned?

[nedj]

Now thats one for the books... Thats pretty much off the beaten track that is. That was a brute of bike if memory serves me right.
I used to own a CB750. Was a bit of joke watching a small man like me kick starting the old thing. Still was a nice bike.
Yea... think I will see what is lying around in the Kawa stable....

[Jackrat]

Now thats one for the books... Thats pretty much off the beaten track that is. That was a brute of bike if memory serves me right.
I used to own a CB750. Was a bit of joke watching a small man like me kick starting the old thing. Still was a nice bike.
Yea... think I will see what is lying around in the Kawa stable....

Kawa' huh.
Let us know what you do,I know a bloke

[nedj]

I pray do tell...

[Jackrat]

I pray do tell...

There is a Kawa' triples club in NZ.
Their prez' lives just down the road from me.
I'll get their contact details for you.

[Paul in NZ]

Let me know if you get keen on an old pommie bike. I've owned (and still do) a fair few of them over the years. The years 68 to 70 are the better years for english bikes and demand a premium. Most mods can be retro fitted to earlier ones.

Triumph 650 / 750 twins are by far the most common and the easiest to get stuff for.

Norton Commandos / Dominator twins, everything costs a bit more than the equivalent triumph part but again, can be obtained.

BSA's have a weakness in the timing side main is a plain bush and some of the replica parts are not up to the job. Alternatives exist but it costs.

Basic rules are:

Mechanical stuff is usually solveable - Correct body work is harder, however, a close enough alternative is always availiable for non train spotters.

Most british running spares cost way less than japanese.

You will spend way more than the bike is worth. (in dollar terms)

You will meet some shit hot people.

Buy the best bike you can find.

Until you know what you are doing, buy a complete bike that actually runs. basket cases are always missing stuff.

Research the model you fancy, knowledge is power and will save you bucks.

US import bikes are way less rooted than Kiwi new ones.

BSA has the best owners club followed by AJS/Matchless and Norton. Triumph owners? (sigh)

Decide if you want to ride it or 100% concours original.

Most factory parts are better than the replica stuff. Apparently, the factory knew a thing or 2 despite what people say!

My TR6C will get flung back together soon. Last time it managed 55,000km before I nipped up the bore. Bottom end is still standard!

Cheers