Are all classics bouncy around corners?

[dizzyblonde]

Originally Posted by Tim in Belgium

And an SRX600 is a new bike isn't it?

I want at least as old as me, if not older!

nope 1980 summat

Well I was born early 1980, so it may just be younger than me!

So anyone ridden a classic within the last couple of years and can compare it?

[fizzwheel]

My dads into his classic bikes. He's only got two, but he did have 5 at one point... he says the same thing everytime.

They dont handle very well, they are slow and they leak oil and break down alot. Also certain sought after models are overpriced. Its not as bad as it was now but if you want something usable its going to cost a couple of grand.

I can ask about specific models if you want, but I would have thought that anything from the late 50's onwards is going to be reasonable.

Are'nt some of the first Jap bikes also now considered "classic" that might be worth looking at as well, but I think you might find they handle worse than the british bikes do as it took the japanese a while to cotton on to making a bike go round corners...

Personally I'd work out how much money you have to spend and then try and find something that fits your budget.

[dizzyblonde]

Originally Posted by Tim in Belgium

Well I was born early 1980, so it may just be younger than me!

thought you were younger than that

What decade are you after Tim?

Triumph Thruxton. Beautiful things About SV quick too

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

Are'nt some of the first Jap bikes also now considered "classic" that might be worth looking at as well, but I think you might find they handle worse than the british bikes do as it took the japanese a while to cotton on to making a bike go round corners...

Yes, something like a CB750 might be quite nice. Surprisingly powerful motor, decent brakes (first mass produced bike to have disc brakes, IIRC), comfy as an armchair too.

[Biker Biggles]

Try a 70s Rickman framed bike with a Jap engine.As long as you have a good set of suspension units on it the handling is pretty good.Skinny tyres and relaxed geometry mean they dont turn like modern bikes,but they are solid and predictable.No bouncing.

Not all classic bikes are bouncy, try riding a Guzzi LeMans or a Ducati single. You can make an old bike handle well, fit decent suspension, modern tyres, upgrade the brakes. They require a different approach to riding, if youve never ridden a classic and try to ride it the way you would ride a modern bike then you'll probably scare yourself sh**less Especially if you try something with the original single leading shoe front brake, Avon "period" square section tyres and tired out original girling shock absorbers. As I mentioned anything can be uprated, a featherbed framed cafe racer can be made into a very good handling cafe racer. Skinny tyres don't always mean bad handling, my Aermacchi could get amazing angles of lean round corners, I wore the toes of two pairs of boots riding it, ok it wasnt really fast but it was great fun to ride. You could always try getting a Honda CB250 rs and put an XL 500 engine in it and have an interesting "classic" single