Why buy a British Classic?
Mar 29 '01 (Updated Apr 06 '01)
The Bottom Line Great styling, stunning looks, distinctive exhaust notes, thrills and sensations, that is what the British motorcycles of the past were all about and they still possess all those qualities today.
"Classic" British Motorcycles are all motorcycles built in the UK from the nineteen thirties up to the eighties. The motorcycles before that era are called "Vintage" Motorcycles
Classic British motorcycles benefit from a great following throughout the world as we speak. Why is it that so many people invest so much time and money in obsolete means of transport you will ask. Especially as they were and sometimes still are renowned for their oil leaks, their shoddy electrics and their vibrating engines.
To begin with Classic Brits ooze style, from the smallest of single cylinders to the late huge triples of the seventies they benefit from stunning looks and uncluttered styling. These qualities are still recognized today, where without any shame the reborn Triumph factory and even Kawasaki copy the looks of British Classics of the past on some of their latest offerings.
No Harley Davidson owner riding the latest and most expensive Electra Glide hog will dare to look down on you, when he crosses you because he knows that it takes someone with good taste, perseverance and often good mechanical skills to own and ride a British Classic today.
Classic Brits aren't the easiest of motorcycles because of the forementionned problems which take a firm hand and good knowledge to cure. Fortunately today's technology allows the owners still riding British Classics today to overcome problems of the past. New sealants have been developed since those days, some parts that were questionable back then are being remanufactured today, curing built-in flaws, modern carburators (e.g. Mikuni) can replace the older fussier ones (Amal), also dependable electronic ignition kits have been used on the classic brits for years now. Add-on cartridge filter sets can replace the basic gauze filters, better bearings, pistons and conrods have been developed. Classic Brits aren't too challenging to work on because, certain brands excepted, they aren't very complex, and there are workarounds to dispense with the need for special tools.
Unlike their Japanese Classic counterparts, British Classics can still be equipped with relatively easy to find new spare parts today, there is a choice of new stock (remanufactured) or new old stock (original parts never used). Batteries and Classic looking tires but with modern rubber can be bought today.
For the big British brands of the past BSA, (Meriden)Triumph, Norton, Velocette, Ariel, AJS, Vincent-HRD, etc. many parts are available in the shops of specialized dealers located throughout the world (US, Canada, Australia, UK) and often at affordable prices, or can be bought secondhand among the big worldwide circle of enthusiasts .Beware though: there are some remade parts for sale that are of very questionable quality (chromed ornaments, pistons, etc.), so better pay a bit more to have the best than to make false economies by buying the cheaper offerings. The internet era has also reached this class of people and there are now many sites out there either dealing in Classic Brit stuff or providing information about them.
Another advantage of investing in Classic Brits is that those motorcycles maintain their value, there has been an increase in prices during the nineteen nineties because Classic Motorcyles were experiencing a huge revival in interest worldwide but this trend seems to have flattened out a bit now. Some people invest in them just like they would in antiques or artwork, stocking them in well-furnished garages. But I don't really approve of those practices as these bikes were meant to be ridden and they should still be ridden today. Also a good Classic can be purchased for less than the price of a new motorcycle and for that price you buy instant charisma. Of course the main purpose is not to stand out from the crowd but it is a factor that can't be denied. And why buy a new copy (new Triumph Bonneville and Kawasaki W650) if you can have the real thing for less ?
One of the few drawbacks of the old Brits is the fact that they don't really comply with today's environmental requirements in exhaust gasses and noise. Being air cooled they have trouble adapting to today's emission standards and there isn't much that can be done about that except for making sure that their ignition and carburation is spot on.
Classic British Motorcycles are undeniably noisy by today's standards, but isn't it a lovely sound ?
Please don't spare me your comments, any input is more than welcome ! Cheers, ViK
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isvikthere
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About Me:
Amongst other things, a computer hardware enthusiast who writes only about things I know/own.
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