classic motorcycle forum

Believe me Iv tried and tried. Thing is it’s an untold thing in my family that my grandad who is unfortunately no longer with us was the last person to ride it before he passed and dad hasn’t taken it out since so there’s a lot of family attachment with it which I understand so I don’t push it. Dad does also have a 66 650 lightning but that currently has a few issues which I could possibly pry off of him but the thing is the girder forked bikes really get me going 😂 I think there’s just something about the look of them that I find so attractive. Hence why I want one so much.

  Thank you everyone for all the tips so far. This is why I joined this forum because you guys seem to have a lot of experience riding different bikes and that’s what I’m looking for. As I havnt ridden any early bike as of yet I just don’t know how fast/slow they are. How they behave. I’ll sure as he’ll know when I buy one but I just want to get a good mix of opinions and thoughts so I can work out myself what could be good or bad. Obviously I’ll try before I actually buy but hearing from you guys your experiences and Thought is brilliant so keep them coming! I really do appreciate it. This is a new scene for me so trying to learn and research as much as I can. I’m only 30 so I have a lot to learn when to comes to these old steeds.

Quote from: Baker_boy on June 25, 2019, 09:31:17 PM

My dad has a lovely 1939 RE that he restored about 40 years ago. Is lovely but unfortunately never sees the light of day.

There's your answer, work on him for a 'special rate' for family members !
Its likely to need recommissioning from standing so long, beat him down with this !
Hereabouts old Enfields don't have a very high resale value, given that you can buy a brand new one for not a vast amount of shekels.
And only the 30's 4 valve or compy or bronze head ones were anything special.

16H's are lovely old chuffers, and sorta representative of what old sidevalve bangers are all about.
But with a top speed absolutely wrung out of about 60 miles per give or take 1 or 2,  if in as brand new condition,
it isn't going to burn up the motorway.  In fact, should be kept right away from motorways.

Thanks winchman I didn’t think of Newark. Would be good to have a look round and see what’s what. I saw your post regarding what your son had brought. Interesting read. My dad has a lovely 1939 RE that he restored about 40 years ago. Is lovely but unfortunately never sees the light of day. Shame really.

  I get what you mean mini-me. I wasn’t that clear in my first post. I’m looking at a sunbeam lion 500 and the Norton big four.
  Previously I have Owned a bantam 175 for around 4 years before I had to sell it last year to get married but I am used to driving 20s and 50s cars and also traction engines so I am sympathetic to old motors. It was more the earlier stuff that I’m a bit unsure about. Thanks so far for the replies

Afternoon all,

  So basically I’m here for some help and advice. My search will be starting in a couple of months for a bike. Where would be the best place to find a vintage ole girl? I’m looking for something around the 1930s age, girder forked and 5/600cc Mark. I’d like a norton but they fetch very decent money. There’s a couple iv seen, one on verrals which is £8k which is just out of my price range but more time and I could stretch to it. Or Iv seen a lovely sunbeam which is £7k on eBay which I’m very tempted by. My old grandad used to ride Norton’s during the war and was a despatch rider and he was lucky enough to get given a Norton and said how good they were from the stories my dad has recalled to me. I don’t want to get mugged off on a bitsa bike, something original and matching numbers would be ideal.

  Can anyone give any advise on either make? I know that’s quite a vague question, I’m not afraid to tinker and be patient. I’m not looking for a speed machine, I have a new bike for that, I just want a nice plodder  with a bit of poke or That can carry a pillion with relative ease. It’s my bargaining chip with the wife that she comes out for rides and rallies 😂

  Any help greatly received

Thanks Dave