New to classics

[norbi7631]

hello there!
I'm new to classic bikes, but want one so badly. Searched net resources, maybe my searching skill sucks, but was not able to find answer to my question: what should I go for? I was expecting tones of discussion about pros and cons of different brands. Since like mentioned I am new to classics but not new to mechanics. I was wondering if there more parts available for BSAs or Triumphs, which are considered as more reliable and lasting, which has more spare parts available those days (somehow I do not like others). I was strongly considering BSA B31 (fron forks/rear plunger - do not like swingarms nor rigids). I am riding souless modern Japanese and want someting with balls - is B31 something I am lookng for?
BTW is L2,5K (~3500Euro) fair price for one in original condition? no repainting, engine never opened (not sure if possible) made in 1951.
Cheers
Norbert

[33d6]

Hi Norbert,
You won't get tons of discussion on which bike is "best" because the question is unanswerable.
It's like discussing football teams. When did you last get total agreement as to which team is best? Everyone has an opinion and no one listens to anyone else.
As for which make is easiest to get spares for that again depends on who you know and how skilled you are. As an old boy who has played with bikes for a long time I never have problems. As a newcomer you will have to learn.
Finally, I agree with you that the plunger frame B31 is a good place to start. It is good looking, pleasant to ride, simple to work on and can be made very reliable.
It isn't fast and you will have to re learn how to ride to be happy with it. As for price, whatever you spend you will have to spend that amount again to get it running properly.
Cheers, Bob

[norbi7631]

Hi Bob, thanks for answer, 1st lesson taken

I know most of the opinions would not be objective it would take to read between the lines and I know each mashine is different from another so I would be able to decide which disadvantages are acceptable for me.
Anyway I have almost decided to take that BSA.

I have requested detailed pics from seller so I will post it here and hopefully I will hear some opinions.
I guess completion and originalty matters here, possibly you may help me to find things that will let me to drop the price a bit

I have asked about spares since I am from Poland and finding good BRIT specialist is pain you know where.

BTW are there available good and complete owner and service manuals for BSA B31?

Also I would expect those machines were upgraded with time, is BSA B31 from 1951 good choice or should I look for other production year?

Here is a pic I got so far - I love the way it looks, I wonder how it rides
http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/7754/bsab31bo1.jpg

Many thanks
Norbert

[douglas]

I'd get it Norbet. It looks original to me. They are very reliable bikes and if you want in the future you could bore it out quite a bit for a bit more go, without butchering anything. The main thing to watch is the magdyno strap tightness to stop it dancing around and wearing out the platform it sits on!  Douglas

[33d6]

Hi again Norbert,
 Information on any model BSA is very easy to find. You can get any amount from specialist firms like BMS publishing or the VMCC Library.
General information books like BSA MotorCycles written by DW Munro and published by Pearsons are also good value. Just be careful to get the right edition that covers your model.
Living in Poland is no disadvantage. I live in Australia and have no problem getting anything I want.
The B31 is exactly the right bike for you to start on. It is simple, reliable, handles well and is pretty to look at but not fast 110-115 kph is about it.
Cheers, Bob

[Grizzly]

Hi Norbert

Welcome to the forum, great bike, go for it

I've  had a B31 for 10 years now and I think it's great. My B31 was also my first British bike and like you I came to it from Japanese bikes.


Oh and sometimes you might find pattern parts need to be worked on a bit before they will fit.

Grizzly

[norbi7631]

Gents, thanks for all replies and welcomes!

33d6: top speed is not an issue here - whenever I want to collect some speeding tickets I can always ride my Jap .
As for BSA specialists it is really difficult here, I asked on one of the biggest bikers forum (12K users) and got only one response from guy located in Canada,
but I like challenges so will go for it.

Just before I will give my finall YES for the deal here are 2 additional pics (it is just being carefull to new things   ):
http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/9531/b311dg8.jpg
http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/809/b312ct3.jpg
What is bothering me is wireing - seem to be a quite messy - is it usual?
I am planning to have he bike parted, get it the paint renewed by polishing, checked/fixed all stuff which will let me to ride it fairly cofortably (mentioned by douglas magdyno, bearings in wheels, etc) and ride it to start full restore during the winter which should be fairly easy since bike is complete.

If you have any comments on the bike on pics please feel free to post it.

Thanks again
Norbert

[L.A.B.]

I suggest that you try C & D Autos or Draganfly for parts:


http://pages.eidosnet.co.uk/~canddautos/

http://www.draganfly.co.uk/main.html

Photocopy manuals and parts books are available from Bruce Main-Smith (as suggested by 33d6):

http://www.brucemainsmith.com/

[RichP]

The wiring does look like a bit of a mess. I don't really understand why owners of magdyno equipped bikes let them get like that because it's very straightforward to rewire.

The wiring does of course only relate to the charging / lighting system. You have an independent magneto so you don't have to worry about the scruffy wiring causing breakdowns.

If the charging system still has its electro-mechanical MCR2 control box then I think that you should budget for more modern internals. Apart from that, with a selection of coloured wires and some connectors, you should be able to re-do it in an afternoon.

[33d6]

Hi Norbert,
It is a pretty bike isn't it.
The front end isn't quite right. That cowl arrangement over the headlight is from a later model and there is something not quite right with the front mudguard stays.
In fact I suspect the whole front end is off a slightly later BSA. This fits properly but looks a little different.
I suggest the first thing you do is get a copy of the 1951 catalogue so you can see what a '51 B31 really looks like. They are even prettier without that headlamp cowl.
Cheers, Bob

[norbi7631]

Bob, thanks for the comment - so little I know about BSAs, but yes they are all pretty  . I will ask seller for reason, but I have allready confirmed I will take it so I will have bike with newer from-end - actually it is not a big issue, besides I believe this could be one that came from factory with new front - who knows.
As far as I know there are different bearings (roll) in steering head in newer models which is not 100% compatible with ball bearing found on older machines. Anyway there is a long long way, kind of personal challenge to bring it back to factory condition or better if possible. There is one thing bothering me - british standard bolts, nuts and threads - I have a feeling this will be real challenge to find it here locally.
BTW final price including shipping from Wales to Poland is 2350GBP - I hope I was not ripped .