Returning to 2 wheels

[AndyF52]

Hi all, I am seeking advise! I am in my 60’s and looking to return to the world of biking. I have owned many bikes/scooters over the years from Lambretta to BMW via Suzuki and Honda. I really like retro bikes but don’t want the issues of maintenance/fettling/kick starts etc. I quite like the look of the Mash 400. I’m not put off by Chinese origins. Has any one owned or has an opinion on these bikes or anything similar, eg Herald, AJS, Mutt etc? It’s purely for week ends/pottering about. Prefer at least a 250cc, so I don’t look like a complete novice and it can at least pull the skin off a rice pudding.
Thanks in advance, Andy

[Prof Prolapse]

Not any first hand experience, but have you considered "Royal Enfield" at all?

I've always thought they looked quite smart, cheap as well.

[AndyF52]

Actually yes! Went to India last year and they are well respected. May find a picture or two! Enquired about importing one to U.K. but after tax/duty etc, wasnt worth the hassle against buying one in the U.K.

[Andybow]

The interceptor is meant to be a great bike

[CaptainSlow]

Andybow said:

The interceptor is meant to be a great bike

It is, and they depreciate fairly quickly...secondhand 2019 models at sub £5k now with 2k miles.

[tvrolet]

AndyF52 said:

Actually yes! Went to India last year and they are well respected. May find a picture or two! Enquired about importing one to U.K. but after tax/duty etc, wasnt worth the hassle against buying one in the U.K.

Not sure why you'd want to import - there are plenty of RE dealers in the UK; no more reason than you'd want to import a Honda from Japan as opposed to popping along to the local Honda dealer. State of the art stuff now with fuel injection and electric start The Continental GT actually looks quite good as it holds on to a classic RE look. Bonnevilles too retain the classic look (as do Indian Chiefs ) so plenty of options. Can't help on the Chinese front sadly, but I've always subscribed to the 'buy cheap - buy twice' mantra.

[MrOrange]

CCM Spitfire range might do the trick. Modern, light, nippy, and very retro.

[Chainsaw Rebuild]

How about a modern Triumph Bonnieville or Thruxton? Or there is the Honda 1300 retro thingy.

[stu67]

Could I throw another bike into the pot? Moto Guzzi V7 III. I use one to commute into London and it's wonderfully analogue in a digital world. I really enjoy riding it and it's really easy to maintain yourself (which is great as the dealer network is sketchy at best)

[dibblecorse]

Ducati Scrambler may be worth a look too, early ones at decent prices, light and modern controls, ideal for getting back out and about ... will also hold a little value when you get the bug back and start chopping and changing.

Some really good suggestions on here generally though ....

[carinaman]

Royal Enfield Interceptor No.3 best selling motorcycle in the UK last year:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRp001aOgNc

[lukeyman]

^ His videos are easier to listen to at 1.5x speed!