new rider advice for historic bikes
Discussion
Never ridden a motorbike and to be honest thinking they are pretty scary - Im still being drawn to the dark side. why?
I dont want a fast bike (ive had the need for speed done) but I do like the skill of learning something new which is an attraction but a means to an end i absolutely love the look and sound of some historic bikes - I can imagine the fun for summer weekend use to tootle around and stop for a coffee enjoying the summer weather on a beautiful historic bike.
I have cars for commuting/family so this would be fair weather short distances only. No interest in the latests ninja or fireblades or going fast on a bike.
Im thinking of a BSA M20 or similar- as I think they are stunning/functional/historic just lovely. How hard are they to ride?
talk to me. advice needed
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I dont want a fast bike (ive had the need for speed done) but I do like the skill of learning something new which is an attraction but a means to an end i absolutely love the look and sound of some historic bikes - I can imagine the fun for summer weekend use to tootle around and stop for a coffee enjoying the summer weather on a beautiful historic bike.
I have cars for commuting/family so this would be fair weather short distances only. No interest in the latests ninja or fireblades or going fast on a bike.
Im thinking of a BSA M20 or similar- as I think they are stunning/functional/historic just lovely. How hard are they to ride?
talk to me. advice needed
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Edited by superlightr on Monday 11th February 13:29
I have no experience of old bikes but I know exactly where you are coming from on wanting to do something new. I did exactly the same a couple of years ago. Learning to ride a bike has been great fun and quite challenging.
Even if you don't end up buying a bike I can recommend just getting your license just for the thrill of the challenge. It will take you a few weeks/months if you don't do an intensive course and will cost around £800. Pretty good value in my book. That's the tip of the iceberg though and it might be quite easy to get carried away with buying kit and bikes...not that I did, oh no, not me.
Even if you don't end up buying a bike I can recommend just getting your license just for the thrill of the challenge. It will take you a few weeks/months if you don't do an intensive course and will cost around £800. Pretty good value in my book. That's the tip of the iceberg though and it might be quite easy to get carried away with buying kit and bikes...not that I did, oh no, not me.
If you're a non-rider, then not sooo much more difficult than a modern bike - just different. Typically the controls will be heavier, the gearbox more clunky and the brakes totally rubbish. But not to say more difficult - folks managed these bikes just fine in the 40s, 50s and 60s and hopefully we haven't got dumber. But really think about the brakes and [lack of] performance in today's traffic - as a new rider you maybe won't have the awareness to get on the brakes early and some decent modern brakes may save your skin. And of course they're much slower cc for cc that anything modern - a moped would probably give some vintage 500s a run for their money! And you'll have to learn kick-starting and sticking your arm out instead of using indicators, but not really any more difficult.
It's probably a bigger problem with existing riders with much older bikes with 'different' controls - in my case mastering a foot clutch and hand change. I've kind of got it cracked when everything is going well, but I'm still moving fingers for a non-existent hand clutch every so often!
But this is just comparing difficulty and not safety. You will be less safe on an older bike all else being equal, especially as a new rider. As above - crappy brakes, having to take your hand off to indicate, crappy tyres (even new ones as they'll be 'square' profile), worse handling, no safety aids...and more bits to break, fall off, and/or drop oil all over the place. Old bikes are a labour of love and require constant fettling - not something to do on a whim I'd say.
edited - shameless opportunity to repost a pics of my 72-year-old
It's probably a bigger problem with existing riders with much older bikes with 'different' controls - in my case mastering a foot clutch and hand change. I've kind of got it cracked when everything is going well, but I'm still moving fingers for a non-existent hand clutch every so often!
But this is just comparing difficulty and not safety. You will be less safe on an older bike all else being equal, especially as a new rider. As above - crappy brakes, having to take your hand off to indicate, crappy tyres (even new ones as they'll be 'square' profile), worse handling, no safety aids...and more bits to break, fall off, and/or drop oil all over the place. Old bikes are a labour of love and require constant fettling - not something to do on a whim I'd say.
edited - shameless opportunity to repost a pics of my 72-year-old
Edited by tvrolet on Monday 11th February 14:03
Edited by tvrolet on Monday 11th February 14:04
Are you looking for something to repair and tinker or ride?
I would suggest you consider a Moto Guzzi v7. A retro styled bike, it's not about about speed, but has brakes that work, fuel injection ABS etc.
I've not owned one, but ridden a mates and it a good match for what you are looking for. Its a lovely bike to ride and I would expect very much easier than learning on a classic.
If I had a spare few quid, I would be adding one to my garage.
I would suggest you consider a Moto Guzzi v7. A retro styled bike, it's not about about speed, but has brakes that work, fuel injection ABS etc.
I've not owned one, but ridden a mates and it a good match for what you are looking for. Its a lovely bike to ride and I would expect very much easier than learning on a classic.
If I had a spare few quid, I would be adding one to my garage.
thank you for all the replies/ I had a look at the modern repos but they don't float my boat im afraid.
I do like the 1940's style warts and all. Being an old bike is part of attraction to me.
I agree that it would be a good idea to get some miles under my belt - although I am viewing it as a faster push bike - so I would ride in a similar way. slowly and carefully !
I do like the 1940's style warts and all. Being an old bike is part of attraction to me.
I agree that it would be a good idea to get some miles under my belt - although I am viewing it as a faster push bike - so I would ride in a similar way. slowly and carefully !
Old bikes are virtually impossible to ride and ridiculously dangerous.
This is why so many people who used to ride them in the 20's, 30's, 40's and 50's are now dead. As an example, my grandpa rode a motorcycle when he was a young man and couldn't afford a car and he's dead now.
Even bikes from the 60's and 70's are pretty lethal when you compare the number of people who rode them and are dead with the number of people who ride modern bikes and are still alive.
Generally, people who started riding in the 1980's and currently ride modern bikes have a much better chance of still being alive than anyone who rode bikes in the preceding decades.
The safest place for old motorcycles is in museums, although even there they can be pretty dangerous too; I tripped in the car park of the National Motorcycle Museum once when I was visiting and suffered a nasty graze on my left knee.
This is why so many people who used to ride them in the 20's, 30's, 40's and 50's are now dead. As an example, my grandpa rode a motorcycle when he was a young man and couldn't afford a car and he's dead now.
Even bikes from the 60's and 70's are pretty lethal when you compare the number of people who rode them and are dead with the number of people who ride modern bikes and are still alive.
Generally, people who started riding in the 1980's and currently ride modern bikes have a much better chance of still being alive than anyone who rode bikes in the preceding decades.
The safest place for old motorcycles is in museums, although even there they can be pretty dangerous too; I tripped in the car park of the National Motorcycle Museum once when I was visiting and suffered a nasty graze on my left knee.
Rubin215 said:
Old bikes are virtually impossible to ride and ridiculously dangerous.
This is why so many people who used to ride them in the 20's, 30's, 40's and 50's are now dead. As an example, my grandpa rode a motorcycle when he was a young man and couldn't afford a car and he's dead now.
Even bikes from the 60's and 70's are pretty lethal when you compare the number of people who rode them and are dead with the number of people who ride modern bikes and are still alive.
Generally, people who started riding in the 1980's and currently ride modern bikes have a much better chance of still being alive than anyone who rode bikes in the preceding decades.
The safest place for old motorcycles is in museums, although even there they can be pretty dangerous too; I tripped in the car park of the National Motorcycle Museum once when I was visiting and suffered a nasty graze on my left knee.
None of the above is worth listening to.This is why so many people who used to ride them in the 20's, 30's, 40's and 50's are now dead. As an example, my grandpa rode a motorcycle when he was a young man and couldn't afford a car and he's dead now.
Even bikes from the 60's and 70's are pretty lethal when you compare the number of people who rode them and are dead with the number of people who ride modern bikes and are still alive.
Generally, people who started riding in the 1980's and currently ride modern bikes have a much better chance of still being alive than anyone who rode bikes in the preceding decades.
The safest place for old motorcycles is in museums, although even there they can be pretty dangerous too; I tripped in the car park of the National Motorcycle Museum once when I was visiting and suffered a nasty graze on my left knee.
Brads67 said:
Rubin215 said:
Old bikes are virtually impossible to ride and ridiculously dangerous.
This is why so many people who used to ride them in the 20's, 30's, 40's and 50's are now dead. As an example, my grandpa rode a motorcycle when he was a young man and couldn't afford a car and he's dead now.
Even bikes from the 60's and 70's are pretty lethal when you compare the number of people who rode them and are dead with the number of people who ride modern bikes and are still alive.
Generally, people who started riding in the 1980's and currently ride modern bikes have a much better chance of still being alive than anyone who rode bikes in the preceding decades.
The safest place for old motorcycles is in museums, although even there they can be pretty dangerous too; I tripped in the car park of the National Motorcycle Museum once when I was visiting and suffered a nasty graze on my left knee.
None of the above is worth listening to.This is why so many people who used to ride them in the 20's, 30's, 40's and 50's are now dead. As an example, my grandpa rode a motorcycle when he was a young man and couldn't afford a car and he's dead now.
Even bikes from the 60's and 70's are pretty lethal when you compare the number of people who rode them and are dead with the number of people who ride modern bikes and are still alive.
Generally, people who started riding in the 1980's and currently ride modern bikes have a much better chance of still being alive than anyone who rode bikes in the preceding decades.
The safest place for old motorcycles is in museums, although even there they can be pretty dangerous too; I tripped in the car park of the National Motorcycle Museum once when I was visiting and suffered a nasty graze on my left knee.
Rubin215 said:
Old bikes are virtually impossible to ride and ridiculously dangerous.
This is why so many people who used to ride them in the 20's, 30's, 40's and 50's are now dead. As an example, my grandpa rode a motorcycle when he was a young man and couldn't afford a car and he's dead now.
Even bikes from the 60's and 70's are pretty lethal when you compare the number of people who rode them and are dead with the number of people who ride modern bikes and are still alive.
Generally, people who started riding in the 1980's and currently ride modern bikes have a much better chance of still being alive than anyone who rode bikes in the preceding decades.
The safest place for old motorcycles is in museums, although even there they can be pretty dangerous too; I tripped in the car park of the National Motorcycle Museum once when I was visiting and suffered a nasty graze on my left knee.
What a ridiculous post. I would have expected better from you who normally talks a lot of sense.This is why so many people who used to ride them in the 20's, 30's, 40's and 50's are now dead. As an example, my grandpa rode a motorcycle when he was a young man and couldn't afford a car and he's dead now.
Even bikes from the 60's and 70's are pretty lethal when you compare the number of people who rode them and are dead with the number of people who ride modern bikes and are still alive.
Generally, people who started riding in the 1980's and currently ride modern bikes have a much better chance of still being alive than anyone who rode bikes in the preceding decades.
The safest place for old motorcycles is in museums, although even there they can be pretty dangerous too; I tripped in the car park of the National Motorcycle Museum once when I was visiting and suffered a nasty graze on my left knee.
The last sentence is a wind up surely?
Have you been drinking?
I would expect people who rode motorbikes in 1920 would be dead by now anyway.
OP. Go for a new Royal Enfield Bullet EFI. Under 5k brand new, easy to ride, make a lovely "chugging" single sound with 1955 looks.
Here's my old one:-
I think its a great idea OP, go for it!
I've been brought up around old British bikes and think they're great, Dads always had them- he was 80 last week and still has two or three on the go.
The main problem I have with them is the right hand gearchange, I really struggle to ride them - I learnt to ride on modern bikes and not long after I passed my test I bought a Triumph Tiger 90. I sold it shortly after as I kept touching the rear brake when I went to downchange. I still cant get it right over 20 years later, something that I do naturally on a modern bike takes me so much extra time on the road on a British bike as I have to think about it.
Not that any of this would be a problem for you as you say you have never ridden any bike!
If I was in your position now I would probably think about getting my CBT done on a moped and then buying something like a D1 Bantam or James Comet as these are 125cc so you could learn to ride and then maybe even take your test on (not completely sure if you can still do this and am happy to be corrected!).
As for the M20, if that's what you want then go for it but they are a heavy old beast. There are plenty of other options to think about if you like the 40s rigid look. BSA C11's are quite nice but only a 250cc, plenty of BSA B31's about or Matchless G3L / G80 are also nice.
I've been brought up around old British bikes and think they're great, Dads always had them- he was 80 last week and still has two or three on the go.
The main problem I have with them is the right hand gearchange, I really struggle to ride them - I learnt to ride on modern bikes and not long after I passed my test I bought a Triumph Tiger 90. I sold it shortly after as I kept touching the rear brake when I went to downchange. I still cant get it right over 20 years later, something that I do naturally on a modern bike takes me so much extra time on the road on a British bike as I have to think about it.
Not that any of this would be a problem for you as you say you have never ridden any bike!
If I was in your position now I would probably think about getting my CBT done on a moped and then buying something like a D1 Bantam or James Comet as these are 125cc so you could learn to ride and then maybe even take your test on (not completely sure if you can still do this and am happy to be corrected!).
As for the M20, if that's what you want then go for it but they are a heavy old beast. There are plenty of other options to think about if you like the 40s rigid look. BSA C11's are quite nice but only a 250cc, plenty of BSA B31's about or Matchless G3L / G80 are also nice.
My advice, you've decided you want an old bike.... so get an old bike. If you try it an love it then great, if you try it and hate it then it's an experience ticked off the list. Either way it's a win?
I wouldn't worry about safety as you won't be riding the same roads. You'll be riding on little country lanes where there isn't much traffic and rubbish brakes don't matter so much if you're never going above 30mph. It is quite relaxing though and I enjoy it, in a completely different way to my modern bike. Old bikes aren't "difficult" to ride, you soon get used to them just like when you buy a new car. They were designed to be ridden and as long as you make allowances for the different environment now you'll be fine.
I'd agree with Silver Harrier about bikes though. The newer OHV singles would be easier to manage. There might be some bias though as I have an AJS Model 18 (same as a G80) and my brother has a B31. These are our first old British bikes and I've had mine 4 years and he's had his since the summer.
The social scene for British bikes is great and your local VMCC section will undoubtedly organise lots of runs out. A good way to meet people with a similar interest (and a good way to feel young if you're under retirement age!).
I wouldn't worry about safety as you won't be riding the same roads. You'll be riding on little country lanes where there isn't much traffic and rubbish brakes don't matter so much if you're never going above 30mph. It is quite relaxing though and I enjoy it, in a completely different way to my modern bike. Old bikes aren't "difficult" to ride, you soon get used to them just like when you buy a new car. They were designed to be ridden and as long as you make allowances for the different environment now you'll be fine.
I'd agree with Silver Harrier about bikes though. The newer OHV singles would be easier to manage. There might be some bias though as I have an AJS Model 18 (same as a G80) and my brother has a B31. These are our first old British bikes and I've had mine 4 years and he's had his since the summer.
The social scene for British bikes is great and your local VMCC section will undoubtedly organise lots of runs out. A good way to meet people with a similar interest (and a good way to feel young if you're under retirement age!).
Go for it OP!
Old bikes are amazing fun and there’s a really good ‘scene’. That’s not to say you have to meet up with a load of people all the time, but there’s spares available now and the ability to research and learn about your machine.
An M20 will be super easy to ride. Side valves are really soft and forgiving, they plod along in any gear and although the brakes won’t be amazing you won’t be going quick enough ugh to worry too much. Also you’ll find you won’t want to be sitting on A-roads so tend to stay out the way of most traffic generally.
As an option, there’s a couple of ways of trying old bikes before you buy now. The Vintage Motorcycle club (VMCC) run training days, where club members take their own machines and let people have a go on them on private land. The other way is via the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham. If you join as a friend of the museum, they have days where they take people out on the road on various machines; some quite expensive and glamorous stuff too!
In my opinion if you’re looking to buy a bike after I’d go with the VMCC day as there’ll be a load of old boys who are keen to pass on knowledge and advice if they’re there!
https://vmcc.net/Events
Old bikes are amazing fun and there’s a really good ‘scene’. That’s not to say you have to meet up with a load of people all the time, but there’s spares available now and the ability to research and learn about your machine.
An M20 will be super easy to ride. Side valves are really soft and forgiving, they plod along in any gear and although the brakes won’t be amazing you won’t be going quick enough ugh to worry too much. Also you’ll find you won’t want to be sitting on A-roads so tend to stay out the way of most traffic generally.
As an option, there’s a couple of ways of trying old bikes before you buy now. The Vintage Motorcycle club (VMCC) run training days, where club members take their own machines and let people have a go on them on private land. The other way is via the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham. If you join as a friend of the museum, they have days where they take people out on the road on various machines; some quite expensive and glamorous stuff too!
In my opinion if you’re looking to buy a bike after I’d go with the VMCC day as there’ll be a load of old boys who are keen to pass on knowledge and advice if they’re there!
https://vmcc.net/Events
Brads67 said:
None of the above is worth listening to.
Wacky Racer said:
What a ridiculous post. I would have expected better from you who normally talks a lot of sense.
The last sentence is a wind up surely?
Have you been drinking?
Can anybody hear parrots?The last sentence is a wind up surely?
Have you been drinking?
OP, go for it. Newer machines leave me a bit cold, I like bikes from the 80s and 90s - what we'd probably now call the Practical Sportsbikes era. They haven't got the performance, handling or brakes of newer bikes but I don't care, and I don't think you should either. Unless you get something with a foot clutch and hand gear change and left hand throttle, or maybe right foot gear change, the controls are all in the same place - they'll just feel a bit different, same as a modern car will feel different to an old one.
I see srob has posted while I've been typing this, listen to him.
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