You know you have a Classic if...

**Max Headroom** · 10th December 2008, 16:53

Originally Posted by Bonez

I've got a rather well used '78 CX in the shed. Secound one I've owned. Previous was an '82 model. Funny thing is I like it better than the small framed R65 I had.

Interesting that you thought that. I sold the CX to buy my old R90/6 back in '85, and found that (for me anyway!) the handling of both bikes were quite similar. I liked the Maggot, but it disgraced itself by running a main bearing at only 5000km. The dealer fixed it, but I never completely trusted it after that. Kinda spoiled the whole "new bike experience" for me.

**Voltaire** · 10th December 2008, 19:54

You know you have a classic when dealer sees you and says. " spark plugs and oil is all we have for 'that'...."

True story... They might like to make replicas of their 70's bikes but turn up on one.....
and the 70's ones look better than the replicas anyway...Paul Smart....yeah right....

**Dodgyiti** · 10th December 2008, 20:20

You know you have a classic if you relate to at least 80% of the 'you know you have a classic if..'

You know you have a classic if your head is full of knowledge so obscure you have to find other nitwits on the internet to harp on about it because no one will admit to it in person

You know you have a classic if even your dogs will not keep you company in the garage on those late cold nights spent festering over 'issues'

You know you have a classic if when your wife leaves you and dosen't even consider taking half of your bikes because they hold no salable value in her eyes

**eelracing** · 10th December 2008, 20:29

Read somewhere once that you never actually own a classic,you are just holding onto it for the next owner.

**reofix** · 10th December 2008, 20:54

you know you have a classic if you can't sleep for worrying before a club ride
you know you have a classic if you just need that one original bit that only you know is dodgy

**Max Headroom** · 10th December 2008, 21:05

You know you have a classic if the closest thing resembling a computer or digital display on your bike is the cellphone in your pocket.

You know you have a classic if nobody can figure out how to start your bike, even if the key is in the ignition.

You know you have a classic when they can't even find the ignition key.

**Ixion** · 10th December 2008, 21:15

A real classic doesn't *have* an ignition key. Just a magneto kill button. Or maybe not even that.

or if it does have a key, it doesn't look like any sort of key that any sane person ever saw (that's for the BMW owners )

**Motu** · 10th December 2008, 21:52

Ah,keys! The Triumph key was kinda pointless,a screwdriver worked just as well....I think I still have one somewhere.The Euro keys were good too - how many ways did you start your BMW/Guzzi/Puch/NZeta etc? A leadhead nail was pretty good as it didn't fall into the headlight shell.I also used a needle from a spray painting gun for some time too,it was long and I didn't get around to losing it as much as a nail.

**Ixion** · 10th December 2008, 21:55

If you have lost your Triumph key, one from a Austin Seven (pre 1937 I think) will fit.

Y'see it is this sort of useful information that will make this forum such a valuable resource.

**Bonez** · 11th December 2008, 05:00

Originally Posted by Max Headroom

Interesting that you thought that. I sold the CX to buy my old R90/6 back in '85, and found that (for me anyway!) the handling of both bikes were quite similar. I liked the Maggot, but it disgraced itself by running a main bearing at only 5000km. The dealer fixed it, but I never completely trusted it after that. Kinda spoiled the whole "new bike experience" for me.

May get another airhead one day. Right time right place and all that. Dads got a mint R80 he has had for years. The thread Motu started will be interesting reading.

**Voltaire** · 11th December 2008, 06:07

You know you have a classic when you kick it into life.

I like the amazed looks when I kick my 900cc twin into life.....I'm always amazed when it starts.
Electric start was the beginning of the end as it meant wimps could ride motorcycles.....then electronics....wimps who can't use tools....

**Richard Mc F** · 11th December 2008, 10:06

Originally Posted by Voltaire

You know you have a classic when you kick it into life.

I like the amazed looks when I kick my 900cc twin into life.....I'm always amazed when it starts.
Electric start was the beginning of the end as it meant wimps could ride motorcycles.....then electronics....wimps who can't use tools....

But Ducati bevel electric starts, and electronics, oh lord even more humour, I think I need a lie down and a cup of tea

**Voltaire** · 11th December 2008, 10:42

Originally Posted by Richard Mc F

But Ducati bevel electric starts, and electronics, oh lord even more humour, I think I need a lie down and a cup of tea

Tea....thats for British Bike owners...do you want scones with that....jam and a dollop of cream....

**Chooky** · 11th December 2008, 15:02

You know you have a classic when you put the loading ramp and tiedowns on the back of the ute and tell the missus to keep the phone on,before going for a ride...
True story