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What is it about motorcycles

Posted by G3lcs <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=G3lcs' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 13, 2024, 11:30 am

Had motorcycles / been a motorcyclist for 70 years, been part of my life, including in the motorcycle trade for many years, while I still have a few bikes I find with balance issues it’s harder getting on and off, but OK when on, throughout my life motorcycles have kept me happy and interested.

Re: What is it about motorcycles

Posted by JERRY <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=JERRY' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 13, 2024, 11:51 am, in reply to "What is it about motorcycles"

I'm with you on that but in all my years motorcycling it's not just been the bikes but also the people that ride or are involved in them. I have met life long friends through my road riding and more so my racing.

The oldest rocker in town!

Re: What is it about motorcycles

Posted by Tonupdave <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Tonupdave' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 13, 2024, 11:51 am, in reply to "What is it about motorcycles"

Been on here before learned to ride on a pre war Frances Barnet around my back garden when very young passed my test on a 350 AJS mid sixties raced bikes in the late 60s - 70s then had numerous bikes until I took driving licence 72. Only one bike now that I can't ride and will never ride as unable need a stick for balance and eyesight not even possible to drive awaiting operation for that another wait for one on the ticker.. so just sit around all day don't even use the workshop..

Tonupdave..T.U.D.

Re: What is it about motorcycles

Posted by G3lcs <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=G3lcs' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 13, 2024, 12:13 pm, in reply to "Re: What is it about motorcycles"

Staring motorcycling was never easy, my mother said, if you get a motorcycle don’t bring it back here, so for 6 months I kept it at a friends house until she got over it, then got the same when I wanted a larger bike, then I just pushed it the last few yards back home, as for the people I used to ride with they are either no longer with us or have moved away from outer London, and who can blame them.

Re: What is it about motorcycles

Posted by A65Bill <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=A65Bill' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 13, 2024, 12:31 pm, in reply to "What is it about motorcycles"

Started at 13 on my big brother's NSU Quickly, still at it.
Mum & Dad both keen bike riders when younger, so no resistance from them. Their last one was a Plunger Flash with a BSA d/a sidecar, although Dad also had a motorised pushbike of some sort afterwards.

Re: What is it about motorcycles

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 December 13, 2024, 1:04 pm, in reply to "What is it about motorcycles"

I never hankered after a bike when I was growing up, it was only when I started riding a KH 250 I thought this is fun.

Still at it now and have no plans to give up until health or finance dictates.

Met some interesting folk along the way, and thanks to this board met many people "virtually.

Long may it continue.

Oh yes, and bikes keep me out from under the other halfs feet.........

Who needs a signature anyway......

Re: What is it about motorcycles

Posted by spriddler <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=spriddler' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 13, 2024, 1:07 pm, in reply to "Re: What is it about motorcycles"

My 72 year old Matchless is in better condition than me.

'There is a tide in the affairs of men
Which taken at at the flood.....'

Re: What is it about motorcycles

Posted by Brickboy <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Brickboy' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 13, 2024, 1:31 pm, in reply to "Re: What is it about motorcycles"

I've had a very miserable couple of weeks tbh, immersed in doom and gloom. I made myself take the Ajay out in the freezing cold the other day. Honestly, I'm transformed back to bouncy cheery me again.

I'm glad I never actually gave them up - despite the madness of trying!!

Now I want more, of course...

Re: What is it about motorcycles

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 December 13, 2024, 2:00 pm, in reply to "Re: What is it about motorcycles"

My parents had motorcycles so we were born to get hooked. I am intending to keep riding but a lot less than i was. Still like a bit of repair work so have 2 old ones and if i want to get their and back guaranteed, i take the modern bikes.
Of course, Jerry needed motorcycles to be able to squirrel search faster and also convert Mods

Re: What is it about motorcycles

Posted by JERRY <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=JERRY' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 13, 2024, 2:47 pm, in reply to "Re: What is it about motorcycles"

The oldest rocker in town!

Re: What is it about motorcycles

Posted by Tonupdave <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Tonupdave' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 13, 2024, 3:11 pm, in reply to "Re: What is it about motorcycles"

Sorry to say I was different they just a way of transport me and two schoolmates used to ride out at weekends then realised we were going to kill ourselves so did the racing thing never one for going to cafes or pubs not the clubby type more interested in machinery.. and in my last years of bikes just rides on my own other than rides for charity..

Tonupdave..T.U.D.

Re: What is it about motorcycles

Posted by JERRY <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=JERRY' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 13, 2024, 3:17 pm, in reply to "Re: What is it about motorcycles"

Dave your a little bit older than me so didn't you want to become a ton up boy because that's what started me into bikes. My dear old mum always said, well at least he will grow out of it. Sorry mum I didn't and I'm also sorry that many years later you came to see me race at Brands Hatch two year running and I came off both times. For an only child I sure put my mum through hell.

The oldest rocker in town!

Re: What is it about motorcycles

Posted by Tonupdave <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Tonupdave' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 13, 2024, 5:01 pm, in reply to "Re: What is it about motorcycles"

The only person who came to see me race was my Brother I did have a couple of girlfriends who also came.. but that was it..can't say I didn't have fun though I can honestly say I've been in the paddock with some of the top riders and had fun with them.

The Goons period

Tonupdave..T.U.D.

Re: What is it about motorcycles

Posted by JERRY <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=JERRY' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 13, 2024, 10:46 pm, in reply to "Re: What is it about motorcycles"

Very dapper

The oldest rocker in town!

Re: What is it about motorcycles

Posted by 6TDen <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=6TDen' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 14, 2024, 9:31 am, in reply to "Re: What is it about motorcycles"

I always wanted to be a "ton-up boy" until "cruising" along at 85 mph on a fine sunny day on my 59 Triumph Speed Twin l thought let's go for it. Wound the throttle back to the stop, got as low as I could and the b****rd didn't go one mile per hour faster!
Den

Re: What is it about motorcycles

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 December 14, 2024, 10:06 am, in reply to "Re: What is it about motorcycles"

Den, i found the 5TA with bathtub to easily do about 85mph 2 up but no more. Bit silly back in the 70s on old tyres and low quality oil.
I thought 85 was pretty good for a 500

Re: What is it about motorcycles

Posted by 6TDen <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=6TDen' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 14, 2024, 10:57 am, in reply to "Re: What is it about motorcycles"

Geoff, my error, the 5T was actually a 1957 Pre-unit and I can assure you it didn't go a mile above 85, and I tried. I currently have a 5TA, 1960, and although I haven't tried I suspect the limit is about the same.
Den

Re: What is it about motorcycles

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 December 14, 2024, 11:02 am, in reply to "Re: What is it about motorcycles"

Fast enough though for that bike. My 750 Triumph sounds too busy at those speeds for more than a few minutes. I liked the 5TA back then as a fairly smooth running bike. Having tried a 3TA and found it lacking useful power

Re: What is it about motorcycles

Posted by JERRY <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=JERRY' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 14, 2024, 11:26 am, in reply to "Re: What is it about motorcycles"

Geoff I had a 3TA once I lastest 4 weeks with it. Wouldn't, as my old grandad would say pull the skin of a rice pudding. So gutless.

The oldest rocker in town!

Re: What is it about motorcycles

Posted by MadMike <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=MadMike' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 14, 2024, 11:31 am, in reply to "Re: What is it about motorcycles"

The 5T and the 5TA were never sports machines, but were built as transport and touring machines. Indeed Edward turner introduced the bathtub rear end to make a weekly clean faster and easier.

I have a 5TA and would I expect it to reach the grand heights of the magic ton? Certainly not it does not have high lift cams or high compression pistons and it has a 375 Monobloc carb which is the small bore version of the carb. In fact I am not actually convinced that a stock specification Tiger 100 would genuinely hit 100mph.

Other opinions may be available but this one is always correct.

Re: What is it about motorcycles

Posted by 6TDen <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=6TDen' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 14, 2024, 1:09 pm, in reply to "Re: What is it about motorcycles"

I'm convinced that a lot, a large lot, of the ton up rockers never were. Remember Mike I was a "real" 17 year old totally unaware that my 5T wouldn't do the "ton", as for my 5TA I have no such allusions.
Den

Re: What is it about motorcycles

Posted by A65Bill <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=A65Bill' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 17, 2024, 8:52 am, in reply to "Re: What is it about motorcycles"

Just once, my Dad achieved an indicated 100mph (on the chronometric) with his plunger Flash with double adult sidecar, Mum on the back & 4 kids in the chair.
It was on a long, straight and very steep downhill run in North Wales, so the extra kinetic energy will have helped.
I have no idea what preparation he had done and what remedial work was needed afterwards, but I can still hear the whoops of both parents.
We stopped for a picnic afterwards - primus to make the tea to drink out of jam jars as usual & a bottle of Sterry with the crown cork carefully pressed in place for later.

Re: What is it about motorcycles

Posted by calidavid <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=calidavid' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 13, 2024, 4:30 pm, in reply to "What is it about motorcycles"

I first started at around fifteen years old when we found an old Flying Flea and I have been riding, on and off, since then. Riding has certainly helped me mentally in stressful times, including divorce. So getting cooped up in the house/office in the past few days of dreadful weather is beginning to get to me!

Re: What is it about motorcycles

Posted by jimmy <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=jimmy' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 13, 2024, 5:49 pm, in reply to "Re: What is it about motorcycles"

I started on bikes when I was 17 and as a relative (to this board) youngster at 60, I have only been without a bike for a few months over that period.
My enthusiasm has waned a bit over the last few years and occasionally thought of moving them on....BUT as soon as I go out a run, I am instantly reinvigorated and chide myself for having such thoughts

"A bike will see you better through times of no money ..."

Posted by Stuart <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Stuart' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on December 13, 2024, 5:19 pm, in reply to "What is it about motorcycles"

"... than money will see you through times of no bike."

Anon

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