modern bike, classic style

Orla K

I was driving my brother to the shop when I saw a motorbike, it looked good but too big for my tastes.

I've always wanted a bike and I love the older styled ones but not the huge Harleys. I was just looking around the internet for a picture the style of one I would like. I'm not going to be buying one anytime soon(can't afford it) but I am wondering does anybody make modern bikes in the classic style?

MikeC101

There are a good few of them around. The "retro classic" style seems to be becoming very popular with companies in the last few years.

Triumph have a range, including the Bonneville and Scrambler: http://www.triumph.co.uk/uk/Triumph%20Bonneville_7557.aspx fairly good prices too.

An older bike, the Kawasaki W650 is based on early Bonnevilles.

Then Moto Guzzi and Ducati have more modern interpretations of the classic look, Moto Guzzi V7 Classic and Ducati GT1000.

I like them because there aren't a massive amount of them around, but it's funny to see at shows, it's almost exclusively middle aged men hovering around / sitting on the Bonnevilles

af_thefragile

There's this one...
http://www.ducati.com/en/bikes/my2009/ModelPage.jhtml?family=SportClassic&model=SCSPORT1000S-09
looks really retro...

Orla K

MikeC101 wrote: »

There are a good few of them around. The "retro classic" style seems to be becoming very popular with companies in the last few years.

Triumph have a range, including the Bonneville and Scrambler: http://www.triumph.co.uk/uk/Triumph%20Bonneville_7557.aspx fairly good prices too.

An older bike, the Kawasaki W650 is based on early Bonnevilles.

Then Moto Guzzi and Ducati have more modern interpretations of the classic look, Moto Guzzi V7 Classic and Ducati GT1000.

I like them because there aren't a massive amount of them around, but it's funny to see at shows, it's almost exclusively middle aged men hovering around / sitting on the Bonnevilles

Thanks, can't decide which I like best, the triumph ones have more cc than my car(but that's not difficult). I guess I'm the wrong age and gender too, just thinking about it even the music I play are things like Leonard Cohen, Nick Cave, Lou Reed, Tom Petty, Rolling stones, Jimi Hendrex and the list gos on!(Luckily I do have some modern bands on the laptop, half of which were put there by my brother).

randomway

I would love to try one of these yokes one day:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJdT1UVTD88

Looks reasonably small and good for city traffic, too.

Quint

Cruisers are classic style.
The Virago 535 is learner legal:


So is the 250


And the Marauder 125 is popular too


But I'd go for the 250 version.
There's also the Dragstar 250:


Almost any bike can be restricted, but I remember when I was supposed to be on a restricted bike, the insurance company said they didn't recognise restrictions! So if I had a 70hp bike restricted down to 30, I'd be paying the insurance of the 70hp!

Idleater

If you want a real "modern" classic, have a look at the Royal Enfield Bullet.

It's like kawasaki's w650 or the Triumph Bonniville, but will more than likely break your heart.

Bless it, 1960's bike, engine, wheels, tyres and suspension. You can (like I did) get the modern 5 speed LHS gear change and 12 rather than 6 volt electrics.

Did my test on it, and sparked a nice conversation with the examiner about how they don't make em like that any more (thankfully).

Thinkingaboutit

I saw one of the Triumphs. It had what looked like fake carbs, which was stupid. The Royal Enfields are more conventional now, I think. What's good about them is the decompression button which makes kick starting quite easy compared to my KZ750.

Idleater

Thinkingaboutit wrote: »

What's good about them is the decompression button which makes kick starting quite easy compared to my KZ750.

I erm, "modified" the compression on mine so at the moment it'll kickstart without the decompression lever.

long story, but let's say that the enfield didn't like the performance free flow airfilter on a long drive to birmingham and back, 2 up, with luggage.

Engine rebuild is on the way when I sort out my shed.

Thinking of going for the 635cc upgrade kit. Ups the stock 24hp to a massive 35!

Orla K

nereid & Thinkingaboutit

I've a lot to learn before I start biking, I have no idea what your on about. It may be a good thing that I can't afford one now but at least now I know there are bikes out there that I would love. Still don't know which is my favourite, maybe the Triumph Scrambler the new one comes in matt green




If I had any of them I'd be happy.

Quint

The Triumph Scrambler is my favourite retro triumph.
I heard those "new" royal enfields are seriously badly made. The originals are better!

Idleater

Quint wrote: »

The Triumph Scrambler is my favourite retro triumph.
I heard those "new" royal enfields are seriously badly made. The originals are better!

IMO the originals are in no way better, I'd say at best they are the same.

galwaytt

OrlaK
I was looking at bikes for my SO last Friday. Thinking of a H-D 1200C. It's narrower/lower than the Triumph, so she likes it. If you're in Dublin, they have a nice big shop behind Moran's @ the Mad Cow, so you can sit and try a bunch of them. A lady in there on Friday was driving an 883, and she's only 4'9", so don't assume anything without trying.

We're forgetting of course, money. All those are €€.

The Jap bikes, including the W650 ( which I like) are far more reasonable, at least until you're sure about your riding capability.

shelly.m

i know where there is a mint hd sportster 1200 in mint condition black and chrome beautiful bike if that would be any good to ya?

Orla K

shelly.m wrote: »

i know where there is a mint hd sportster 1200 in mint condition black and chrome beautiful bike if that would be any good to ya?

Thanks but there is no way I could afford a bike at the moment, I'm really just looking for my dream bike that I'll hopefully get one day.

galwaytt

shelly.m - tell me more - pm sent

soundsgood

I have an enfield bullet 350, yes they are hard to start, leak oil, noisy, not very fast, breakdown, brakes are rubbish. But when they are running they are a joy to drive, you just can't help grinning all the time, this is a wonderful motorcycle and a real headturner. Spares are readily available and cheap, working on a enfield is easy. Handling is also excellent, Don't get one unless you are prepared to maintain regurlarly. I wouldnt swap for another bike.

Idleater

soundsgood wrote: »

I have an enfield bullet 350, ... I wouldnt swap for another bike.

I would.

Needs a "reliable backup" IMO.



Having said that, they are a great bike and you are right, it puts a smile on my face every time I go out on it.

KTRIC

I had a W650 for 2 years, great bike. Just didn't like corners :rolleyes:

LordSutch

You cant go far wrong with a three or four year old Bonnie (790cc) ............


Nice bike, 60s chic, very retro, low seat, low-ish insurance, nice

CianRyan

How about one of these?
I think they look great, ment to handle like a dog though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8cLtNgh3Ug

Probably a bit big too actually.

seanybiker

Cant get any more classic than these




And thats the 2009 model lol.

http://www.timelessmotorcompany.com/vintage/bikes.html

Nodster

How are ya seanybiker - how's the new Gixer??

Been biking for 30 years now and after many years riding jap bikes I finally bought the bike of my dreams in May 08 - a Triumph Bonneville and it's the biz!!

seanybiker

Nodster wrote: »

How are ya seanybiker - how's the new Gixer??

Been biking for 30 years now and after many years riding jap bikes I finally bought the bike of my dreams in May 08 - a Triumph Bonneville and it's the biz!!

How ya bud. Bike is going great. bloody mental yoke. Tis fun.


Likes the Bonnevilles meself. Gissa go :P