pre war

[tv200]

Hi all,
I am seriously thinking of putting myself into classic british bikes soon.
So far I have been involved into classic cars and classics scooterσ but for a long time now I am flirting with these beauties of the 30s. 
My intention is to proceed with acquiring a bike within the next two months. What would you suggest?
I fancy the Triumph Tigers (preferably the 80) and some Rudges.
What do you think about them?
Cheers,
Nassos

[mark2]

for me the tiger 70,80,90 is better than the rudge , the rudge will be faster but always sound like a rattling can , the rocker arangment on the four valve is interesting the radial four valve more so . and for me the triumph looks are only put in the shadows by a 1930s velocette , value for money and a good machine look at BSA

[Bentley eight]

Hi,
Getting the machine is all very well ie BSA/ TRIUMPH/ ETC It's what your intending to do with it ie the riding conditions and the spare's !!! if needed "are they available in you locations,

One of the best classic/vintage makes has to be BMW, these machines go on for ever, ive owned only two, my first one was the R75 and i had it for 5 years and part x'ed for the RT100 (ive still got over 30yrs now)
 and ive never had a new part (except tye's and exhause / battery. This bike is great for touring and road use but no good for off road,

But if you did want an off road classic again BMW made a few good machines with this sort of use in mind and you can still get the parts.

So i'd say think

[mark2]

you recomend a 1930s BMW ? what planet are you on

[rogerwilko]

No spares for single Triumphs. No spares for Rudges. Enter at owners risk. Pre-war BMW's, dreamer world.

[chaterlea25]

Hi

No spares for Rudges

Not true,  http://www.rudge.co.uk/ plus several independant specialists

[33d6]

Buy whatever tickles your fancy.
If you've played with old cars and scooters long enough you'll know it doesn't really matter if spares are available or not. I'm sure you know some car nutter who easily maintains some obscure banger where spares and info are impossible yet it's running beautifully. I'm sure you also know someone who finds it a drama to fix a windscreen washer and lets the world know it.
The bike world is no different. Those who have the interest will cope. Those who do it because its fashionable soon fade away.
Just remember we do this for fun----although some peoples idea of fun is a little strange.
Cheers,
 

[cardan]

You might want to consider the evolution of the British motorcycle through the 1930s. Often the late 1930s model was very similar to the early 1930s model from the same maker, but carrying tens of extra pounds.

As 33d6 says, go with what tickles your fancy. As well as the usuals (Triumph, BSA, Norton...), have a look at Ariel, Rudge, Royal Enfield or even the smaller makers. I'm not much of a 1930s person (a bit modern for me) but some very nice models came out as the depression eased in 1932-3.

Good luck!

Leon

[rogerwilko]

When I said spares I meant replacing worn out gearbox bits crankshafts tinware wheels etc... Checkout ebay. Nothing. There are plenty of dreamers who take on basket cases and never finish them. Make sure whatever you get that it's complete.

[mark2]

the complete part is very good advice , proects in boxes can be a nightmare

[RichP]

If it's the girder-forked look that you're after, then probably the ex-War Department models offer the lowest prices and the best spares availability. Many of them have been 'civilianised' or can be made to look pretty much like their pre-war ancestors.

Triumph's Coventry factory was bombed in 1940 which rather drew a line under the pre-war models and Rudges haven't been made since then either.  In WD circles, Triumph 3HWs are thought of as a little difficult for parts but they're far easier than any of the makes or models which ceased with the 1930s.

Only you know whether you truly want something that relates to the the 1930s or you're just after the fun of a rigid 500cc single with girders. If the latter,  then a BSA M20 is probably the most accessible, although a Royal Enfield WD/CO could be cheaper (and it's Overhead Valve).

[Bentley eight]

No spares for single Triumphs. No spares for Rudges. Enter at owners risk. Pre-war BMW's, dreamer world.

Mark once again your in here firing on all fours and showing you know little or nothing about early bmw's
the first bmw road bike was the R32 and it was on the roads in 1921,

And thats on this planet "earth".

TRY GOOGLE IN FUTURUE " before you start finding faults with other peoples efforts to help members who are asking "BIKE" questions,
Your coming over as someone who looks for a fight rather than help any one, but you show no common ground in being interested in people "never mind" bikes.

[mark2]

that quotes not mine , I know bmw history and would not recommend a 1930s bmw as a introduction to vintage motorcycles , finding a good one for a start , cost , and spares are a few reasons , but the main one is its not british (what a tit)    ps . paris show 1923 first shown R32

[Bentley eight]

Yes it is yours, look towards the top of this page and you'll see your name and your reply ref bmw and "what planet are you on'.

No wonder you did'nt make it here in france, and no wonder you we're broken into twice, ive an idea your other ex-pats turned their heads when all this was going on.

You dont seem to be able to talk in a grown up way .

[mark2]

your losing the plot , to much cheap wine , I have not run away to france from north wales (good move) I have a property there ......  No spares for single Triumphs. No spares for Rudges. Enter at owners risk. Pre-war BMW's, dreamer world....... not mine but I do agree , have you read up on your bmw history yet