Idle thought

[guest7]

I think I've asked this before.

What Brit thumper can still be ridden regularly and reliably? I'd say a Gold Star isn't top of the list, but a sidevalve Norton might be one option. However, some performance is required to compete with modern traffic.

Thoughts?
GC

[Richard]

That BSA Regal 'Gold Star' with an SR500 engine ?

Richard

[guest7]

Cheat  

I've always heard good things about the MatchlessG80/AJS model18. A good solid workhorse apparently.

After reading 'The Last Hurrah!' I have to say that I hanker after a big Panther.

GC

[Jez F]

Having ridden a Panther, once was enough. I wouldn't mind trying a Velocette or a Vincent or Arial Red Hunter, whether they would be reliable enough for 7 days a week use is a question for any owners out there to answer.
 Jez

[Steffan]

If there was an affirmative answer  to be had to your question they would still be making them  and RE Bullets are the exception that proves the rule.  I thought that properly fettled one might find the bullet to be the sort of thing you're talking about but frankly despite the undeniable and delightful charm I would rather have my ETZ250 everytime. It's lighter, faster, more reliable, will carry as much luggage and doesn't require any where near the amount of attention.

Steffan
 


 

[guest146]

I always fancied a BSA B31. But an old norton would be  nice.  I had a look and listen to the new Enfield with the race tank and exhaust  and it looked and sounded the part.

Ken

[Steve Lake]

Bu55er.....kerabo beat me to it.....the B31 has to THE workhorse...I had a plunger framed one for 5 years, commuted on it every day, and i swear i did sod all to it except look after the chain (remember duckhams 'linklife?) and change the tyres....just kept on going, used and abused in all weathers....wish i still had it.

[bobby554]

When I worked in a place where I could securely park my Gold Star I used to ride it to work, they work better if you ride them.

[bullet350]

 from my experience slow brit bikes are the most reliable and last longest.

'cooking' 350 singles will keep up with most town traffic.

 bullet350

[guest24]

Believe it or not, I have never ridden a British bike 
I hang my head in shame, sorry, I shall never be a true old duffer harping on about oil leaks, primary drive cases, blah-de-blah...

[guest7]

It's pretty easy to replicate the Brit bike experience, cross your legs and drain half the fluid out of your brake's master cylinder.

GC

[Mark]

I've just got hold of a C15, is it big enough to be called a thumper.

[guest7]

is it big enough to be called a thumper.

Well you wouldn't want to pick it up unaided would you? 

Easily big (and heavy) enough

GC

[guest18]

I've been having a good, long think... and you know, I don't think I've ridden a brit bike either! 

Mind you, I've ridden a Laverda 750SF with a clutch that would have made a body builder whimper, and if I want the 65mph and no frills of a cooking brit single I could just go back to a cg125 and enjoy economy and reliability as well 

Nah, I keep getting tempted, but the good stuff is stupid money and for what I do I need a bike (well, I would like a bike!!) that I can use like "white goods", switch on, use, switch off, forget. Much like cars. (but much nicer  )
If I'm ever in the position to have a Brit it will be as a weekend plaything (or if I win the lottery a weekday plaything  ). They are imho unjustifiable as practical day to day transport for 99.9% of us. Either far to expensive, or if within our budgets, too maintenance intensive 

[SteveC#222]

i swear i did sod all to it except look after the chain (remember duckhams 'linklife?)

I certainly do!....I also remember spilling a tinfull of the stuff on the kitchen floor!!!...my mother was NOT impressed!! ( I was 17 at the time)

I too have never ridden a Brit.  I started bike just a bit too late (1976).