Posted 22 September 2023
Buying a Classic British motorcycle - advice from existing owners please?
So I guess I must have hit a certain age as the idea of buying a Classic British bike has become appealing despite a life of Japanese and Italian superbike ownership (with it seems the gear lever on the wrong side!)
Looking around though it seems a bit of a minefield, I guess as I'm looking to buy at least a partial restoration project (ideally I'm looking at a running restoration) condition seems a little less important than if I was buying a daily driver.
For those who already have a classic British bike what useful info can you impart? Any bikes/Brands that should really be avoided?
I'm currently looking at BSA C11\C12\C15's but open to other 4-Strokes 250cc-500cc, are these a good option as a first classic? where would you look for best value? eBay etc or Classic auctions
Looking around though it seems a bit of a minefield, I guess as I'm looking to buy at least a partial restoration project (ideally I'm looking at a running restoration) condition seems a little less important than if I was buying a daily driver.
For those who already have a classic British bike what useful info can you impart? Any bikes/Brands that should really be avoided?
I'm currently looking at BSA C11\C12\C15's but open to other 4-Strokes 250cc-500cc, are these a good option as a first classic? where would you look for best value? eBay etc or Classic auctions
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15 Comments
sorted byPlease be mindful that you will need considerably more resources to keep it on the road.
I had a classic car and calculated that it required at least £1500 a year more to keep it on the road.
Every part is either really expensive or bespoke.
Obviously be a lot less for a bike but it's a consideration.
This isn't trying to be negative in any way because a classic bike will bring you real joy, I'm absolutely sure of that. We can't have too much joy in life.
Thankfully Classic British bikes it seems are generally a little easier on the wallet (as long as you aren't buying Vincent's)
Mid 20th century British bikes were built as a tool for those who didn't have the means to a car so have self maintenance in mind, maintenance is simple, cheap and easily done yourself thankfully. I don't intend on riding often.
Now it's just a case of finding the right Bike amongst the masses out there
As it goes I've looked at a few oily bikes parked over drip trays this weekend, seen some good, some not so.
I'm actually getting tempted by a very non classic Brit bike...Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.
Relaxed retro cruiser with all the style of the Old Brit classics without the reliability downsides (edited)