CLASSIC BIKE FORUM. Vote now!

[Ixion]

Just so. The only real definition of a "classic" is that it is a bike which elicites the question "But what do you see in it?"

Some bikes, their riders ride them because they are very fast. Or have excellent handling. Or lots of chrome and the rider can pretend he is a bad-ass. And so on.

But a classic? The objective observer would argue - "By today's standards it is lamentably slow. And the handling is dodgy. And it leaks oil, is noisey and not very reliable. And parts are hard to get. You could buy a modern bike that does everything better. Why persist in riding that old thing?"

To which the only answer is "Yes, well, all true, But , I don't know, there is something about it, it just kind of grabs me. I don't care if it's slow, if the handling is crap, if parts are hard to get, if it breaks down sometimes, if it doesn't have ponce factor. I just like it". That, to me , defines the classic. The actual age is irrelevant. I would argue that a brand new Ural would be a classic. Just because no sane person would actually want to ride one. But I would.

[cs363]

Lol. By that measure I'm riding a short-stroke 1953 Norton Manx.

Actually, while we have the correct sort of audience, what was the first 4-valve OHC single? Didn't take them until the XL250, did it? Did the Brits do one?

Of course bloody yes.

Pretty sure that Honda were the first with the XL250, plenty of OHC engines prior but I can't recall a 4 valve. I stand to be corrected though...anyone?

[Ixion]

Hm. OHC single . Lots n lots. Norton, velo etc. 4 valve single, Rudge. 4 valve SOHC single cclinder production bike ? Not so many. Yes, maybe Hnda were the first. Though what year did the XL250 come out? Yamaha had the XT250 single . And the SRX250 DOHC 4 valve, quite early in the 80s .

[Highlander]

I don't belive this, 60 odd posts and it hasn't disintegrated into drivel yet. Well Done


I too would be in for a classics forum.

[Marknz]

Yup, count me in

[cs363]

Hm. OHC single . Lots n lots. Norton, velo etc. 4 valve single, Rudge. 4 valve SOHC single cclinder production bike ? Not so many. Yes, maybe Hnda were the first. Though what year did the XL250 come out? Yamaha had the XT250 single . And the SRX250 DOHC 4 valve, quite early in the 80s .

1972 was I believe the year of the mighty XL250's inception.

[cs363]

I don't belive this, 60 odd posts and it hasn't disintegrated into drivel yet. Well Done

Just demonstrates the maturity of classic bike owners!

[Swoop]

But a classic? The objective observer would argue - " it is lamentably slow. And the handling is dodgy. And it leaks oil, is noisey and not very reliable. And parts are hard to get.

You are very close to descibing a GSXR with that post...

[sunhuntin]

put a vote in from me if its not too late! only bike mag i buy is old bike australasia. id love to see a classcis forum on here!

[xwhatsit]

1972 was I believe the year of the mighty XL250's inception.

Yup. Wikipedia even reckons it was the first production four-valve motorcycle, full-stop.

See! I am riding a classic!

[Magua]

One more vote.

[Spyke]

+1 vote for me too!

[Ixion]

Yup. Wikipedia even reckons it was the first production four-valve motorcycle, full-stop.

See! I am riding a classic!

Nope. That's worngA . Rudge had a production 4 valver (350cc) in 1924.Pushrod OHV , but.

EDIT: See, this is the sort of argument that we need an Old Dungers forum for.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Oh and, props to the "Vintage Japanes Motorcycle Group" guys who were in Akaroa yesterday. a Mach III, the CB750K0 a tidy little 350/4, some Suzuki T's (350 and a 500 IIRC). Parked near a bunch of Harleys but I couldnt be arsed looking closely at them. I was going to stop and chat but Akaroa township gives me the shits, and it was very hot.

[xwhatsit]

CB750K0

Toycollector10 on KB.