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So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by Andy C <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Andy+C' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2021, 8:23 pm

Sat here reading some on line road tests of bikes I have had in the past, and bikes that I have now, I thought to myself, of all the bikes I have owned over the years, if I could have one of them back, and it was going to be 100% reliable which bike would it be.

For me it would be my T160 with the small export tank, probably one of the best looking bikes ever made, certainly the best sounding bike I have ever owned.

If you could have one of your old bikes back and it was going to be 100% reliable which one would it be?

Who needs a signature anyway......

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by Leon Novello <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Leon+Novello' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2021, 8:40 pm, in reply to "So what was your favourite bike?"

My Ariel Red Hunter, but I always wanted a Square Four,I never had enough money for one.

Leon Novello

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by divie <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=divie' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2021, 9:10 pm, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

My AJS16 350. Rode it to work for nearly 20 years. And yes 100% reliable, even left the 650ss at home and took the Ajay to tour Ireland.

Sloper runs again.

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by Brickboy <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Brickboy' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2021, 9:16 pm, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

Laverda 1200

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by a10 newbie <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=a10+newbie' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2021, 10:26 pm, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

My tatty black Laverda 750SF1

Atg
Paul

Hard pounding, this, gentlemen, let's see who pounds the longest
Follow my witter on Twitter! @classicrider

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by Lannis <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Lannis' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2021, 9:27 pm, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

Too hard to answer, it makes my brain all confused.

Too many ways for a bike to be a "favorite".

If I had anything like a clear answer to that, I would sell 4 or 5 of the ones I have now, and just buy a mint version of my "favorite" ....

Lannis

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by geoff the bonnie <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=geoff+the+bonnie' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2021, 10:14 pm, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

Triumph Thunderbird sport 900. I bought one new and had it 5 years until i had a knee replaced. no longer able to change gear, i had to sell it and buy an R111. It was a superb bike for the sound with loud pipes. the prices now are as much as i paid for a new one.

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by Beezabryan <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Beezabryan' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2021, 10:40 pm, in reply to "So what was your favourite bike?"

The Norton Dominator 88 I had in my early 20s.

BeezaBryan does not do politics

He knows not where he's going, For the ocean will decide,
Its not the destination, It's the glory of the ride (Edward Monkton, Zen Dog)

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by Lannis <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Lannis' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 8, 2021, 10:44 pm, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

You probably could have had a completely knackered BSA C10 back then and THAT would have been your favorite motorcycle.

I think that we might be remembering how we felt and what we could do in our early 20s, NOT how well the motorcycles did!

At least it's true for me ....

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by Beezabryan <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Beezabryan' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2021, 6:59 am, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

Thank you Lannis, in certain circumstances you may well have been right.
A knackered old C10/Bantam or any shitty old 2 smoke would have got me to the pit/factory and back most days but, I was not doing that.

BeezaBryan does not do politics

He knows not where he's going, For the ocean will decide,
Its not the destination, It's the glory of the ride (Edward Monkton, Zen Dog)

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by Tonupdave <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Tonupdave' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2021, 9:05 am, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

Well it has to be my Velo Venom Clubman took me to work every day and raced a weekends unti it was too good for computing and raced and sprinted for four years (and winning a few trophies)
But love my Ariel VHA special bought in 70 for £35 and developed to what it is now over the years..
Had many bikes including Vinnie twin (not a good handler and clattery) most interesting a Victoria Swing 200cc electric gear selection..
Also a soft spot fo 350 AMC singles had three

Tonupdave..T.U.D.

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by Lannis <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Lannis' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2021, 2:32 pm, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

Well, I must say you've NEVER done anything normally ... Here you are pushing 80 and have a smokin' hot Italian woman who adores you ... !!!

Lannis

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by Beezabryan <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Beezabryan' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2021, 4:00 pm, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

In the words of Willie Nelson - I've never been accused of being normal.....

BeezaBryan does not do politics

He knows not where he's going, For the ocean will decide,
Its not the destination, It's the glory of the ride (Edward Monkton, Zen Dog)

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by jimmy <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=jimmy' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2021, 7:02 am, in reply to "So what was your favourite bike?"

Andy
Great story. I would love to say my T160 is my favourite bike, especially as I lusted after one for so long, but my favourite bike was my first Triumph bought in 1983 when I was 18yrs old. I still remember the joy and delight when I first saw it in Allan Jefferies in Shipley, and the delight riding back up the road. I like to think I would still own it, but some fkrs stole it in 1989

Moving onto this, I lusted after a T160 after first seeing one on the day I bought my Bonnie, above, and the salesman says "every Bonnie owner aspires to a Trident"
Whilst I am delighted with this, I did not feel the same excitement as that 18yr old back in 83

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by Hampy <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Hampy' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2021, 8:28 am, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

A very late (JJ57698) T100R and I've still got it.

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by Andy C <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Andy+C' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2021, 9:25 am, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

Jimmy - like you I can remember a certain sense of pride / joy / excitement when I bought my first T140 - a late 750 Tiger, I spent a lot of time on that bike and did a lot of miles.

I can also vividly remember the first time I "opened the tap" on my KH250 and looking back at the clouds of blue smoke receding into the distance.

The T160 however has left a lasting impresssion on me had it been more reliable I may well have hung onto it.

Who needs a signature anyway......

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by G3lcs <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=G3lcs' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2021, 10:11 am, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

The first bike I rode was a friends 54 trials matchless in the interval at a Pirbright scramble (in about 1955) when I was 14 or 15, to me it was an experience that changed my life, I still have a 54 trials Matchless, a great bike, I spent many years in the motorcycle trade and my interest in bikes and cars has served me well.

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by Andy C <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Andy+C' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2021, 10:25 am, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

Good that your interest in bikes and cars has served you well.

My first experience on something with 2 wheels and an engine was riding a knackered out 2 stroke Garelli scooter around my mates farm when I was about 14 or 15 - throughly enjoyed it.

Oddly enough I did not really get bitten by the bike bug until I found that I could ride a bike for pleasure and use a car for commuting.

I PXd my T140 Tiger for my first car (a Triumph Toledo), and shortly afterwards bought a 68 T120R Bonnie, the rest as they say is history...

Who needs a signature anyway......

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by Sparrow <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Sparrow' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2021, 10:25 am, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

Ah yes, Pirbright. The North versus the South which the South usually won as I recall.
As for favourite, liked all the few I owned each in their own way but the bike I really lusted for but could not afford was the DOT trials iron with the funny front forks. Life, mortgages and divorce got in the way.

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by G3lcs <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=G3lcs' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2021, 11:15 am, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

Yes I remember the Dot with the Earls front forks, did that also have the square tube frame or was that the DKW?

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by Al Sation <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Al+Sation' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2021, 10:27 am, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

lots of people here and elsewhere love the AMC singles.are they better than the AMC twins? my favourite bike i've had was a '57 BSA M33,rode it for 8 years,solo and combo..rarely missed a beat.

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by G3lcs <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=G3lcs' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2021, 10:42 am, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

1 would prefer a single to a twin because they have less moving parts, the nearest I got to an AMC twin was a P11 with a G85 frame and Norton engine, lovely bike to look at but too heavy off road and nothing special on the road and hard to start with its high compression, missed the valve lifter of a single.

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by Tonupdave <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Tonupdave' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2021, 10:44 am, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

I loved my 48 350 AJS only trouble I had was an inlet valve dropped on the M1 going to the IOM TT..Got it fixed in Northampton by a motorcycle dealer I found in a phone directory in a phone box (remember them) my mate took me in after removing the head beside tha motorway fixed and carried on no probs(I had cut the oil supply too mutch to the inlet)
I converted it to swinging arm later great bike..

Tonupdave..T.U.D.

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by Stuart <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Stuart' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2021, 11:13 am, in reply to "So what was your favourite bike?"

Hi Andy,

>For me it would be my T160

Me also, but no "back", I've never sold it.

The only bike I've ever sold and had any regrets was a Honda 250RS but, at the time, it'd buggered its big-end. In theory, it shouldn't have been too hard to fix, given its built-up crank and roller big-end are basically-similar to many Britbikes. However, Mate O'Mine who rebuilt it said Honda included a few things to make rebuilding extra-difficult ... nevertheless, he persevered and did fix it.

Regards,

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by G3lcs <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=G3lcs' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2021, 11:19 am, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

The early Honda cars took a good mechanic to overhaul the engines everything was colour coded.

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by Hampy <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Hampy' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2021, 11:28 am, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

i can just imagine a brown big end.

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by DBDBrian <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=DBDBrian' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2021, 12:16 pm, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

The first mechanical propelled vehicle I was in control of at about ten years old, was a Wrigley truck. Much like this one.

My first Goldie, a 1960 DB32 350 would have to be my choice, I rode it to work every day, and it took me to the TT in 1963, 64 and 65 covering about a thousand miles each trip, without trouble.
I sold it in 1969, as I then had a family to support, It stood in the shed and I reasoned it was only going to go down in value, how wrong can you be.
It's a long story, but it now belong to a mate, who lives about four miles away, and I can cock my leg over it when ever I wish.

Taken after we did a total rebuild about ten years ago.

Brian
Made In England

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by Andy C <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Andy+C' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2021, 12:23 pm, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

They still look good - is the picture of your old 350 or 500.

No doubt someone in the know could tell by looking at it.

Why do they look like they are going fast when they are stationary?

Who needs a signature anyway......

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by DBDBrian <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=DBDBrian' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2021, 1:11 pm, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

The picture is my first Goldie, as said it's a long story, but the short version is, my mate bought it, and it was in rather a bad state. I repaired the frame and overhauled the engine, and did a great job of the rebuild.

This is my present Goldie, a 500, bought forty plus years ago, most of it in cardboard boxes, for £100.

Brian
Made In England

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by DBDBrian <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=DBDBrian' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2021, 1:51 pm, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

The above should read, HE did a great job of the rebuild.

Brian
Made In England

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by JERRY <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=JERRY' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2021, 5:00 pm, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

I thought you were just showing off Brian

The oldest rocker in town!

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by DBDBrian <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=DBDBrian' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2021, 5:14 pm, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

Heaven forbid Jerry, I had to give my proof reader a good bol---ing.

Brian
Made In England

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by JERRY <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=JERRY' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 10, 2021, 10:47 am, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

The oldest rocker in town!

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by Andy C <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Andy+C' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2021, 12:27 pm, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

Stuart - never sold it, good choice!!

I sold my 160 after it became particularly petulant when I got it out folowing it's winter slumber.

Sticking valves, oil leaks for no reason - you name it. I just got to the end of my teather with it.

Sold it and replaced it with a 500 Daytona, a bike that I never got on with so never had it that long.

Who needs a signature anyway......

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by Hants Ian <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Hants+Ian' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2021, 12:44 pm, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

My 1955 B33 which I have had for about 45 years. It had a side car on it for years, good for the Dragon and Elephant Rallies. Has been solo for many years. Now fitted with an electric start and home made twin leading front brake.

The light at the end of the tunnel maybe an oncoming train

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by DBDBrian <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=DBDBrian' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2021, 4:28 pm, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

Up to present Ian, at 76 I am fortunate enough to still be able to fire my Goldie up on the kick starter, I have considerd an electric starter, but have also thought when I can't start it, perhaps it time to leave it on it's stand.

You mentioned your home made TLS brake, is it an 8" or 190.
I did a mod with two 8" drums, which works quite well.
tigerville's link below has an article on it
titled BSA Goldstar front brake conversion, if the link works.

<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20181005040021/http://www.realclassic.co.uk/profiles.html">http://web.archive.org/web/20181005040021/http://www.realclassic.co.uk/profiles.html</a>

Brian
Made In England

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by Hants Ian <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Hants+Ian' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2021, 6:02 pm, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

Hi Brian. I can start my B33 with out the electric start. but my knee is getting weak so the starter was the way to go. Once started it is still my lovely single to ride. I still have to kick start my rigid M33. The front brake is the 8 inch one. I did the same mod to the front brake on my Shooting Star.

The light at the end of the tunnel maybe an oncoming train

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by Nigel B <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Nigel+B' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2021, 12:45 pm, in reply to "So what was your favourite bike?"

If "favorite" is the one you most regret selling, that was my Moto Guzzi Mille GT, Bought new & sold when it was 3 years old when I received a small inheritance & convinced myself I "needed" something quicker.

I regretted the move as soon as I got home on the GSX1100F I p/xed if for. The deal was done at Carnells, who offered a 7 day "no questions asked" return if you didn't like the bike - they wanted a grand to give me my Guzzi back ! In the end I took a 2 year old XJ900F instead, though that lasted less than a year in the garage. Should have kept the Guzzi - which seems to have been exported according to the DVLA records. Probably been buggered up by a hipster now, as seems to be the sad fate of many Guzzis.

If "favorite" is the one I have owned the longest, that would be my MZ TS250/1, which appeared in the garage 30 years ago this week & will still be in the fleet when I pop my clogs.

Honourable mention to my Indian 350 Bullet (but not the 500 I bought a couple of years later) - sold to make space for a Ducati ST2. The Ducati had to go when I became physically unable to ride it any distance due to ongoing hand issues.

Contemplating getting another Bullet, as I miss the experience.

Nigel B.

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by JERRY <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=JERRY' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2021, 1:02 pm, in reply to "So what was your favourite bike?"

My 70's Honda CB500. It was the first four cylinder bike I rode and I have been hooked on them ever since. I have five bikes in my garage and they are all fours.

The oldest rocker in town!

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by wittsend <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=wittsend' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2021, 2:06 pm, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

Was and still is,my Suzuki 350cc Rebel.

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by Andy C <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Andy+C' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2021, 4:43 pm, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

Nevwer seen a Suzuki 350cc Rebel - just googled it like it !!

Who needs a signature anyway......

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by wittsend <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=wittsend' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2021, 6:02 pm, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

Basically a bored out hustler,,tons of torque,,can stick it in top gear at 30 mph and it will pull like a train up to the msgic ton no problem.

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by Andy C <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Andy+C' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2021, 6:31 pm, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

Hustlers had a good rep back in the day.

Who needs a signature anyway......

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by CrazyFrog <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=CrazyFrog' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2021, 5:50 pm, in reply to "So what was your favourite bike?"

Moroni 3 1/2 Strada for me. I'd have another at the drop of a hat if they didn't make such silly money these days ☹️

You don't have to be crazy to post here, but it helps....

Re: So what was your favourite bike?

Posted by Andy C <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Andy+C' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on January 9, 2021, 6:09 pm, in reply to "Re: So what was your favourite bike?"

The strada is the "touring" version - does ot have the clipons.

Have to admit to liking those bikes, never owned one but they seem to have a good rep.

You are right about prices !!

Who needs a signature anyway......

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