General question about getting back into bikes. Retro bikes?

[Challo]

I'm in the process of selling my car, getting something bargain basement and perhaps use the extra cash to get a motorbike. Now I passed my bike test in 1999 and not ridden since.

I grew up around bikes with my dad having old BSA, and Norton's from the 60's & 70's and I love that style of bike. I know there are a lot of retro style bikes out now and I'm drawn to more a cafe racer style of bike. I was looking at the cheap new Chinese/Indian bikes coming in under the Sinnis, HMC, Mutt, Royal Enfield brands as a good way to get new bike cheap, and ease back into riding. Looking at 250-500cc as I'm not doing long motorway rides, fancy a light bike and not something that powerful.

Anyone got one of these new Chinese retro style bikes and would they recommend one?

Or would it be better to look second hand at something's? Seen quite a few cafe racer bikes on eBay but I have no idea what's good or whether to steer clear of these for the time being.

At the moment I'm toying with the idea so advice would be great.

Edited by Challo on Sunday 30th August 21:07

[daimatt]

It seems to be thought that although the Chinese are getting better it can be a good idea to have some mechanical knowledge and upgrade money set to one side to replace some of the consumables sooner rather than later. The Heralds/Mutts etc. are rebranded Chinese bikes that sometimes have the upgrades done already saving you the bother but costing more initially.

Other one to look at would be the Royal Enfield GT if the café racer style is your thing.

[CAPP0]

It would appear that Sir needs a Kawasaki W800



Been around several years so there should be one to suit a variety of budgets.

[crofty1984]

That Mutt looks really good!

[Challo]

daimatt said:

It seems to be thought that although the Chinese are getting better it can be a good idea to have some mechanical knowledge and upgrade money set to one side to replace some of the consumables sooner rather than later. The Heralds/Mutts etc. are rebranded Chinese bikes that sometimes have the upgrades done already saving you the bother but costing more initially.

Other one to look at would be the Royal Enfield GT if the café racer style is your thing.

I do like the Royal Enfield look but unsure on the reviews. The engine seems poor compared to the size.

[Challo]

ash73 said:

I've had my Mutt 125 about a year and love it. The mods are good quality and replace all the cheap bits on the standard HMC, and the exhaust sounds great. The engine is a Chinese copy of the Suzuki engine, built at the same factory.

I was in a similar position not having ridden for about 10 years and the Mutt has been perfect for getting back into it. Best thing about it is speccing it exactly as you want, and Benny the guy who builds them is great to deal with.

Problem with a 125 is I'm already thinking of upgrading... the 250 might be better but if you get hooked I bet you'll still be longing for a Triumph Thruxton like I am.

I have seen the Mutt Scrambler and looks great. What's the performance like on the 125? I had a 125 Honda when was younger but it struggled over 60mph.

Also how has the reliability been?

[Mr2Mike]

Challo said:

I have seen the Mutt Scrambler and looks great. What's the performance like on the 125? I had a 125 Honda when was younger but it struggled over 60mph.

That is true of most four stroke 125s, 60mph is pretty much the top end. If you have passed your test then unless you literally only want to commute a few miles then you should be setting your sights higher than a 125. There is a 250 Mutt but they are expensive bikes for what you get IMO; the new price would buy you a very tidy Kawasaki W650 with a lot of change to spare.

[Challo]

The aim is to have something to cruise around on at the weekend's and also part of a small commute if the weather is good. I'll take a look at the Kawasaki as an option, plus look at some other smaller engine size bikes.

[heyhomes]

I've got the Herald 125 and love it. It's a great design and easy and smooth to ride (my first bike). It has not been without issues though. So far I've had: All bulbs repeatedly blowing (sort of 'fixed' by replacement with chinese LED ones), fuel tank welds failing causing petrol leak (replacement tank sent out under warrenty), bolt fell out of exhaust and indicator wiring pulling too tight inside the frame.

So that's quite a lot of problems for a bike bought seconed hand with less than 50 miles on the clock, and I've done less than 1000 miles so far. But I'm still happy with it as it only cost me £1200.

[FartKong]

Would a 125 not be frustrating for going on a cruise on? There are quite a few bigger engine retro bikes around which would be faster/safer/easier to ride because of the better engine.

[FunkyNige]

Triumph also do a similar range to the Kawasaki and Ducatti mentioned above, they don't look cheap (£7-8k new).
The Thruxton looks quite café-racer-esque, with 70HP (ish) it should be plenty for cruising around.
http://www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk/motorcycles/th...
No idea what they're like to ride/live with mind!

[HustleRussell]

Don't get a 125. As you have already observed, they are slow.

[Spanna]

The W650/800 is a lot heavier of a bike compared to the others suggested, a very characterful and enjoyable bike though. Enfields are slow and can be a bit tractor like in their character, fun in the right setting though. I have no experience of any Chinese bikes.

I had a similar idea to yourself recently, after looking at SR400s I happened across a CB400SS for sale and went for that.

[3200gt]

If your reasonably handy with a spanner have a think about a 70's bike. Once sorted they are reliable and £1500 will buy you a nice z650 which will only go up in value over the next few years. Plenty fast enough for a cruise, good for a commute and your dad will be proud of you.