Old classics, modern classics

[Mark]

I'm not so sure I'd agree with the 400/4 as an example though, having owned three (or four), worked on them and thrashed them. If I had one today I would still be able to redline it and ride it as fast as I could. Which sort of brings us back to my original point.

GC

If they were that reliable how come you went through 4 of them.

[guest7]

Cheeky monkey! 

As usual, with all the things I do, I just kept buying the bloody things. A couple were scrappers for spares, but two of 'em went well. One thing they shared with more modern machinery such as Andy and Jethro's Bonnevilles is piss poor coils... I tried everything to keep them waterproof, but to no avail.

GC

[guest27]

Well I guess Andy you hit it on the nail.  Bikes were once a cheap mode of transport, they are now a fashion accessory. Cheap transport need to be cheap over a lifetime - enter the Micra - fashion only needs to last till the next model update - so 2 years will do.

R

[002]

 Andy and Jethro's Bonnevilles is piss poor coils... I tried everything to keep them waterproof, but to no avail.

GC

As far as I'm concerned my coil died of old age...just one of those things ! As did the coil on my R80 not long after I had it.
My previous Bonnie didnt have a problem.

And I do remember rebuilding several 400-4 because of the stupid cam chain tensioner,primary chain with out a tensioner.The chain beating the crap out of the cases.
Front brake that stopped pivoting as soon as it got moist and as you said the piss poor coills that absobed water like a sponge.And rear drum brake that cracked.Silly me...forgot the pressed steel frame that rotted !

Yes Fantastic Bikes !!!  If you say so !
Jethro

[guest987]

My 400/4 was fine, no problems at all.

My bonnies coils failed after eight years.

Any bike old or new, is only as good as the upkeep it receives. Look after it and it will look after you. If you don't maintain it then you reap the benefits, either by regular breakdowns or generally poor running.
What you can't allow for is componant failure.

Rob.

[Richard]

Blimey Jethro, I didn't think they had been making Hinckley Bonnevilles long enough for anything on them to die of old age - I will accept things like chains and brake pads.  Hate to say it but until two years ago my Beemer was still running the original 1977 coils, only taken off becasue I had to use a new ignition system to go with the twin plugging.

Richard

[002]

As with any sort of componant they have a life.....they can fail at anytime.
As far as I'm concerned my coil had served a purpose for a number of years,a seam had opened up and water got in.
If it was only a few months old then yes i would not be happy.

Look at Batteries,for example,can last for years and years with no problem.Or just a twelve month and thats it ! Can say its luck of the draw.
Now BMW G/Boxes are another thing...Big bore kit,low gearing and hauling a sidecar.
1000-1500 miles !!!!  Not what they were designed for !

Jethro

[guest987]

As with any sort of componant they have a life.....they can fail at anytime.
As far as I'm concerned my coil had served a purpose for a number of years,a seam had opened up and water got in.
If it was only a few months old then yes i would not be happy.
Look at Batteries,for example,can last for years and years with no problem.Or just a twelve month and thats it ! Can say its luck of the draw.
Now BMW G/Boxes are another thing...Big bore kit,low gearing and hauling a sidecar.
1000-1500 miles !!!!  Not what they were designed for !
Jethro

Not to mention all the additional weight

[002]

Not to mention all the additional weight

BUGGER OFF !   

Jethro

[guest7]

Don't be tetchy Jethro, Rob was only talking about the spare gearbox and drive shaft that you had to carry on every long journey 

GC

[guest987]

Not to mention all the additional weight

Sorry, should have read;
 
'Not to mention all the additional weight of spare gearbox and driveshaft, sweeties, ration packs,sweeties, kitchen sink,sweeties, gazebo,sweeties, cuddly toy,sweeties, fondue set,sweeties, crisps, sweeties, buns, sweeties, substantial chair and several pairs of elasticated waist combat slacks.'

Rob

[jules]

Not to mention all the additional weight

Sorry, should have read;
 
'Not to mention all the additional weight of spare gearbox and driveshaft, sweeties, ration packs,sweeties, kitchen sink,sweeties, gazebo,sweeties, cuddly toy,sweeties, fondue set,sweeties, crisps, sweeties, buns, sweeties, substantial chair and several pairs of elasticated waist combat slacks.'

Rob

Steady on Halfsack,
gazebo???,i think you'll find its frame tent

[002]

Not to mention all the additional weight

Sorry, should have read;
 
'Not to mention all the additional weight of spare gearbox and driveshaft, sweeties, ration packs,sweeties, kitchen sink,sweeties, gazebo,sweeties, cuddly toy,sweeties, fondue set,sweeties, crisps, sweeties, buns, sweeties, substantial chair and several pairs of elasticated waist combat slacks.'

Rob

Steady on Halfsack,
gazebo???,i think you'll find its frame tent

Yeah !  Numbnuts !.....Nut Cutlet !   

Jethro

[002]

Don't be tetchy Jethro, Rob was only talking about the spare gearbox and drive shaft that you had to carry on every long journey 

GC

You Can F@ck Off Too !

Jethro

[guest987]

Careful , you'll pop the top button on your combat pants

Lackernacker.