Anyone else into vintage bikes?
Excellent Motorcycle. I restored a 1953 G80s, Love those old thumpers. Had a Gold Star, and a B40SS. Always wanted a Vellocette, but don't have deep enough pockets.. Only one real classic left in the garage right now, A 1964 Triumph Bonnieville T120C. One of the nice about living on the left coast of the US, most of the production in cars and motorcycles were sold here. I have had several cars, and motorcycles go to NZ, AUS, and back home to the UK.
I just got my 1935 Matchless back from the restorer. It belonged to my wife's grandfather and had been in the shed since 1952.
It goes great, sounds lovely and has lots of torque. Anyone else into vintage bikes?
Absolute beaut Ash. I have a 'classic' 1982 BMW R100RS
Of the 'vintage' variety my father has 2 BSA Bantams (1 in a tea chest) from the early 60's and an early 50's Velocette LE which the police used to use and are affectionately known as 'Noddy' bikes. All 3 soon to be mine.
A 1925 Indian Scout is a rare one. Indians and Harleys have a huge following. Funny thing is they were often exported especially the army models. Often easier to find overseas. The British and Italian bikes again were often exported to the US and there are most models here. CA being one of the better places to look. For the most part one can find a rust free example, the hard part is that most were "customized" finding all of the original little "bits" is the hard part. My Bonnie is basically an American model requested by Johnson motors the importer in the 50's and 60's. C stands for Competetion, from 1965 on they were known as the "TT Special" An American dirt track racing model.
There were actually two different models, a West coast racing bike, and a East Coast enduro style that was street legal. Mine is the West Coast model, straight pipes and no frills. Old saying about the TT specials, of the 7000 produced from 1964 to 1968 only 11,000 remain. Lots of clones, orphaned engine cases, or a frame and an other is born. They are rare if genuine. Love the BMW's, the one bike I regret selling was my 1974 R90S in smoke gray. Current rider is a '95 K75, son has a '87 K75. Another old saying, after the balloon goes up two things will be left moving, cockroaches and K75's.
Wow! Very nice, that '82 looks in fantastic condition. Sounds like you'll have your work cut-out when you get your hands on BSA's and Velocette.
You should send your before and after pics to Classic Bike, they do a monthly slot of a dozen or so and give a prize to the one the ed likes best.
