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The Classic Biker Bar / Advise on my first vintage purchase
« on: October 29, 2019, 04:30:44 PM »
So, I am finally in a position to purchase my first truly old motorcycle. I have experience in bikes from the early 70's onwards but I want to try something different this time.
What I want to buy is a single seater pre-war bike. Something along the lines of a new imperial or matchless looking bikes. So with that in mind I have no idea what models or manufacturers I should be looking at. I think it's best I list my wants and needs and take it from there. I welcome all advise and discussions.
Budget- £6000 tops. I see bikes ranging from £2k and up with a majority of them around £5000 so I think my budget is good.
Must be a single seat.
I would prefer a prewar but new ones are possible too. Looks like the style I like dies out around mid 50's.
I would like one with a twist throttle and lighting. I've never ridden a lever throttle bike but I dont think I would get on well with it. Lighting is a nice add on but realistically I could build a rechargeable lighting system if the bike didnt have any. I doubt the bike would be ridden at night but you never know.
Hand shift
I'm a bigger guy at 6ft and around 110kg. I'm not sure how the power works on these old motors but I am thinking I need a bigger motor. Question is how big? Frame size may also be an issue.
Reliability and parts availability need to be pretty good. I know thats a relative statement but I dont want to buy a bike that I have no chance of repairing if something simple goes.
Where is the best place to look to buy one? I've been watching Ebay and a few other sites lately. I've seen a few nice bikes I wouldn't mind checking out but i feel i lack the knowledge to make a good decision at this point. I am planning on taking the long drive to a few dealers in the coming weeks to see some first hand.
What I want to buy is a single seater pre-war bike. Something along the lines of a new imperial or matchless looking bikes. So with that in mind I have no idea what models or manufacturers I should be looking at. I think it's best I list my wants and needs and take it from there. I welcome all advise and discussions.
Budget- £6000 tops. I see bikes ranging from £2k and up with a majority of them around £5000 so I think my budget is good.
Must be a single seat.
I would prefer a prewar but new ones are possible too. Looks like the style I like dies out around mid 50's.
I would like one with a twist throttle and lighting. I've never ridden a lever throttle bike but I dont think I would get on well with it. Lighting is a nice add on but realistically I could build a rechargeable lighting system if the bike didnt have any. I doubt the bike would be ridden at night but you never know.
Hand shift
I'm a bigger guy at 6ft and around 110kg. I'm not sure how the power works on these old motors but I am thinking I need a bigger motor. Question is how big? Frame size may also be an issue.
Reliability and parts availability need to be pretty good. I know thats a relative statement but I dont want to buy a bike that I have no chance of repairing if something simple goes.
Where is the best place to look to buy one? I've been watching Ebay and a few other sites lately. I've seen a few nice bikes I wouldn't mind checking out but i feel i lack the knowledge to make a good decision at this point. I am planning on taking the long drive to a few dealers in the coming weeks to see some first hand.