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

[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?

[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.