A which bike thread for a newbie
Discussion
Sorry for the which bike thread but I recently got my bike licence via the DAR scheme.
Question is now, which bike. I'm not really "at the moment" interested in anything that resembles a sports bike or is absurdly fast. One of the reasons I got my license is because I love the classic bikes like the Royal Enfield's and BSA's.
I've been pondering a Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 500cc, it's got that looks I'm after and isn't going to be silly fast.
Being a newbie, is there anything else that's similar orbhas that classic look that I should be considering?
Question is now, which bike. I'm not really "at the moment" interested in anything that resembles a sports bike or is absurdly fast. One of the reasons I got my license is because I love the classic bikes like the Royal Enfield's and BSA's.
I've been pondering a Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 500cc, it's got that looks I'm after and isn't going to be silly fast.
Being a newbie, is there anything else that's similar orbhas that classic look that I should be considering?
A Royal Enfield Bullet is one of the slowest bikes out there, if you are happy with this and having nothing in reserve to overtake modern turbo diesel cars get one, they are only really suitable for plodding around on (although someone will probably pipe up that they have done trackdays and toured the world on one) if you like the type of bike there are plenty of other retro styled alternatives with a little bit more poke.
Jazoli said:
A Royal Enfield Bullet is one of the slowest bikes out there, if you are happy with this and having nothing in reserve to overtake modern turbo diesel cars get one, they are only really suitable for plodding around on (although someone will probably pipe up that they have done trackdays and toured the world on one) if you like the type of bike there are plenty of other retro styled alternatives with a little bit more poke.
The 650 Interceptor is slightly less slow, though I suspect the Street Twin would be well worth the extra money.To be honest I always said to myself that I wasn't getting into biking for speed, I just really love that classic bike look and that's what really drew me to get my licence. I'd love be to get an actual classic BSA/Royal Enfield or Norton but I neither have the time nor want to dedicate money on something that I feel would need constant money throwing at it.
None of the cruiser or retro style bikes are very quick, you'll be quite alright on any of them I should think, though I hear the Harley V Rod and Suzuki Intruder are quite quick in a straight line. The other retro bikes are fairly tame but should be pleasant to ride. Triumph are usually very accomodating for test rides, so I'd head there and seek to try out their retro models back to back.
I really like the Triumph Street Cup. Retro looking but loads of modern electronics etc.
I also really like the Triumph Scrambler and Ducati Scrambler, as well as the BMW R nine-t.
In fact, I don’t think at the moment there’s a single bad looking bike in the whole Triumph line up, not just the retro stuff.
I also really like the Triumph Scrambler and Ducati Scrambler, as well as the BMW R nine-t.
In fact, I don’t think at the moment there’s a single bad looking bike in the whole Triumph line up, not just the retro stuff.
If you look for Nathan Millward on Facebook, he’s done a fair bit of round the world type stuff, has just bought a “new” Royal Enfield and has posted quite a few articles/thoughts/reviews about it.
I’m sure he’ll have a website with the same info on it, but I’ve only ever seen his stuff on Facebook. He seems to rate it for what it is. There are issues (I can’t remember what, exactly), but I think if you don’t expect it to be “too” capable, you wouldn’t necessarily be disappointed.
I’m sure he’ll have a website with the same info on it, but I’ve only ever seen his stuff on Facebook. He seems to rate it for what it is. There are issues (I can’t remember what, exactly), but I think if you don’t expect it to be “too” capable, you wouldn’t necessarily be disappointed.
I have a similar issue.
My old man collects old bikes and it's my interest in those that have got me into riding. Now I'm at the point of finally getting my finger out and passing my test I've realized that my plan of buying a modern retro style bike might not scratch my itch. They just aren't the same. They're all a bit plasticy, some just mix too much modern day styling in and none of them manage to sound like an old Triumph or Norton. Some of the modern Triumph stuff comes closest but I think I'll probably spend my money on something properly old.
It might be worth looking to see if you have a local VMCC or other classic bike club near you. Good classic bikes swap hands amongst club members for more reasonable money and there are lots of knowledgeable members for the inevitable breakdown/parts. I've been joining my dad on VMCC rides on my little (almost CBT legal) 2 stroke Yamaha RS and I love riding around surrounded by thunderous Gold stars, Commandos, Bonneviles etc.
My old man collects old bikes and it's my interest in those that have got me into riding. Now I'm at the point of finally getting my finger out and passing my test I've realized that my plan of buying a modern retro style bike might not scratch my itch. They just aren't the same. They're all a bit plasticy, some just mix too much modern day styling in and none of them manage to sound like an old Triumph or Norton. Some of the modern Triumph stuff comes closest but I think I'll probably spend my money on something properly old.
It might be worth looking to see if you have a local VMCC or other classic bike club near you. Good classic bikes swap hands amongst club members for more reasonable money and there are lots of knowledgeable members for the inevitable breakdown/parts. I've been joining my dad on VMCC rides on my little (almost CBT legal) 2 stroke Yamaha RS and I love riding around surrounded by thunderous Gold stars, Commandos, Bonneviles etc.
Sorry guys but none of these are really doing anything for me in terms of style and looks,. I'm really leaning towards the Royal Enfield Bullet with a single saddle. Gonna try and find a dealer or something local and get a proper look at it.
I have seen some classic stuff that I really could fall in love with, the BSA Bantam/A65 and a few others, just really hesitant about jumping into classic bike ownership for a first bike.
I have seen some classic stuff that I really could fall in love with, the BSA Bantam/A65 and a few others, just really hesitant about jumping into classic bike ownership for a first bike.
Edited by NordicCrankShaft on Monday 18th June 15:34
NordicCrankShaft said:
Sorry guys but none of these are really doing anything for me in terms of style and looks,. I'm really leaning towards the Royal Enfield Bullet with a single saddle. Gonna try and find a dealer or something local and get a proper look at it.
Apparently the most powerful bike available in India.....I think you may get bored of the lack of power, antiquated handling, etc quite quickly.
Biker 1 said:
NordicCrankShaft said:
Sorry guys but none of these are really doing anything for me in terms of style and looks,. I'm really leaning towards the Royal Enfield Bullet with a single saddle. Gonna try and find a dealer or something local and get a proper look at it.
Apparently the most powerful bike available in India.....I think you may get bored of the lack of power, antiquated handling, etc quite quickly.
My 1942 BSA WD M20 is the one I refuse to part with and the one that puts the biggest grin on my face: Not for how it handles or speed, but just for the experience
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