Hi all
After a lifetime of Japanese bikes I now have the desire to own a classic BSA twin of some sort,
Having read many posts on here i am now slightly worried of the ongoing cost to repair/ maintain one, are these old bike expensive to fix or am i panicking without due cause.
I am not wanting a pristine showroom bike just one that runs, safely.
Best regards
Al
Most important thing is get someone who knows what they are doing to go with you to look at anything you are interested in. The main expense is getting a bike up to a good usable spec. Once you achieve that they can be run very cheaply if looked after properly. NEVER buy a bike just because you like the look of it, always take someone who knows what they are looking at with you.
Hi,
I would suggest joining the BSAOC and get along to your nearest branch. This way you can find out about bikes for sale locally and an insight to the history of them. There are also the bikes for sale in The Star. As just mentioned go for a bike that is sound mechanically rather than looks pretty.
Dave.
Hi
many thanks to the two responders to my question, both citing very honest and sound advice.
The nearest bsaoc branch to me is in Cheshire, so that's a 70mile round trip, and of all the lads I rode with in days gone by I dont remember one of them expressing any interest in classic bikes, so maybe I will need to shout out for help when the time is right.
Best regards
Al
I work on classics for a living and to be honest i usually hate really smart well presented bikes that people buy. Most of them turn out to be the worst mechanically. Money spent on paint and polish rather than mechanical upkeep. Try to look for an honest well maintained bike.
Do a lot of research. Look at contemporary photos of the model.
Ask the seller for history with provenance including a dating certificate and V5C.
Check that the frame and engine numbers are visible and match exactly any documents. Frame numbers sometimes hiding under too thick powder coated finishes.
Do more research and dont rush it.
Hi,
I would say that Cheshire Branch is a good place to get advice and possibly a bike. Go sooner rather than later and put out some feelers.
Dave.
I also bought my first British bike some 18 months ago as I wanted a change from the Japanese bikes I'd always ride (along with a few German and italian machines). As the guys have said, buy with your head not your heart and DO take someone along with you who knows something about the bike you're looking at. Not sure if you're after a rider or one to restore. From my experience as a 'first timer' I've found an A65 restoration to be both frustrating but very rewarding too. If you've had experience working on Japanese stuff you shouldn't have any problems. Just be prepared to buy non-metric spanners and to get to understand the different British threads used on the various fasteners. DO join the BSAOC, I've found the club members to be so helpful and friendly even when asked umpteen numpty questions they've probably been asked many times before. They're a patient lot! I should know. Good luck, have fun and post a picture of what you eventually buy.