 |
11 Jul 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
|
|
Another vote for a single carb Triumph here if you really want a proper Brit bike.
I do wonder about what you can buy though, they all seem to have been over chromed, painted the sort of colours that never existed outside a hippys head and generally messed about with to become the super Bonneville Triumph never really made. I've seen terrible things done to electrics and engine innards by guys who's passion is chrome.
On this score, how about the technology and basic shape without having to fight collectors and polishers for bit:
Airhead BMW: Boring choice but works.
Moto Guzzi's: Like the Cagiva but older 
Enfields: The real technology but bits still in production.
Hinckley Bonneville: The bike Triumph would have made in the 80's if hadn't gone bust, just made in the 00's.
Kawasaki W650: The better/rarer version of the above.
1980's Japanese, XBR's etc: Classic style still occasionally at rat bike prices.
Maybe a compromise on the feel of the thing, but easier to live with?
Andy
|
12 Jul 2011
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: England
Posts: 437
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Threewheelbonnie
Another vote for a single carb Triumph here if you really want a proper Brit bike.
I do wonder about what you can buy though, they all seem to have been over chromed, painted the sort of colours that never existed outside a hippys head and generally messed about with to become the super Bonneville Triumph never really made. I've seen terrible things done to electrics and engine innards by guys who's passion is chrome.
On this score, how about the technology and basic shape without having to fight collectors and polishers for bit:
Airhead BMW: Boring choice but works.
Moto Guzzi's: Like the Cagiva but older
Enfields: The real technology but bits still in production.
Hinckley Bonneville: The bike Triumph would have made in the 80's if hadn't gone bust, just made in the 00's.
Kawasaki W650: The better/rarer version of the above.
1980's Japanese, XBR's etc: Classic style still occasionally at rat bike prices.
Maybe a compromise on the feel of the thing, but easier to live with?
Andy |
Mm well when I was a child my father had a 'few' old Brit bikes & I would say the Triumph TR7V Tiger almost same as T140 single Carb.
The White Helmets use these too, they are quite reliable, and the engine is easy to work on, as 90% of old Brit Irn is, or modern day Enfield.
__________________
We are the Pilgrims, Master, we shall go Always a little further: it may be beyond that last blue mountain barred with snow, Across that angry or that glimmering sea.
|
14 Jul 2011
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
|
|
|
Thanks again for the input folks.
Having had another good look at what classic bike options I might have I am now thinking that the way to have my cake (old Brit bike) and eat it (lots of trickier roads and off-road detours) would be to get a Rickman Metisse frame and build my own bike with a Triumph 650 Twin engine (unit construction).
Has anyone ever had a Rickman and what would be the best engine model to aim for in terms of a donor bike?
Cheers
Henry
Afraid another Italian is off the cards for now, so the 'guzzi will have to wait!
|
14 Jul 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
|
|
|
I am not sure if you are talking about hunting out off road because you enjoy it or the gravel you will encounter in the course of your travels but if it is the latter I would save your money and make do with a standard oil in frame Triumph. The suspension on a Rickman is pretty much the same, you can always fit better forks and a 21 inch front wheel to a Triumph frame if you want and you can use ths standard 4 gallon breadbin tank, the Rickman tank is minute.
Any single carb 650 or 750 engine will do there is not much in it in terms of reliability which depends more on the skill or the last person to rebuild it and how it has been subsequently treated, your choice will depend more on whether you prefer left or right hand gear change, disc or drum brakes.
|
15 Jul 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2008
Location: SW France
Posts: 304
|
|
|
The Rickman is a competition chassis. For an overland trip any weight benefits would soon be lost when even basic luggage would weigh ten times more that the weight saving - plus it's made of chrome moly tube which you can't just weld up in your average African back street garage
|
15 Jul 2011
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by mark manley
I am not sure if you are talking about hunting out off road because you enjoy it or the gravel you will encounter in the course of your travels but if it is the latter I would save your money and make do with a standard oil in frame Triumph.
|
It would be the former! For the money it looks like it will work out about the same getting a complete classic (Norton or Triumph) or building my own around a frame. I'd be using a larger tank than the 'standard' Rickman.
Magnon - afraid I'd have to disagree with the weight saving (plus the other benefits of the Rickman frame in terms of handling and ground clearance). The Bonny weighs 190 kg, the Norton about 200 kg. With the modified frame and larger tank a Rickman-frame based machine would come in at around 150kg. My luggage weighs about 15kg, so it's still well worth the saving IMO
|
16 Jul 2011
|
 |
Slacker supreme
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Sacramento, California
Posts: 410
|
|
|
Plus it's a bike you've built yourself! Smaller is better for me on trips like this. If I had bigger, I'd go faster. I might be building a BSA 650 twin next year, but my POS Ducati is going rtw even if I have to drag it behind the Beezer!
I meant to add, when I was looking around for a bike I was interested in a Panther or a BSA 350. I still don't know what I'll ride to South America after I do the horizontal lap. Maybe the BSA.
Last edited by Dave_Smith; 16 Jul 2011 at 10:53.
Reason: left crap out
|
16 Jul 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2008
Location: SW France
Posts: 304
|
|
|
I'm not trying to knock anyones aspirations. I think the idea of doing a rtw on and old Brit bike is excellent. The bike will almost certainly have to be hand built as anything in standard trim would'nt hold up - you would certainly need Excell rims with heavy duty spokes, rebuildable rear shocks, O ring chain and upgraded electrics with solid sate components. I still think using anything other than a mild steel frame would be asking for trouble.
15 kg of luggage for several years on the road is a bit optimistic - especially when you have to carry 50 kg of spares for the bike!
|
18 Jul 2011
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave_Smith
Plus it's a bike you've built yourself! Smaller is better for me on trips like this. If I had bigger, I'd go faster. I might be building a BSA 650 twin next year, but my POS Ducati is going rtw even if I have to drag it behind the Beezer!
I meant to add, when I was looking around for a bike I was interested in a Panther or a BSA 350. I still don't know what I'll ride to South America after I do the horizontal lap. Maybe the BSA.
|
Long time no hear Dave, what happened to the Ducati? If you're still in Saudi Arabia when I'm in that part of the world I might have to look you up!
|
17 Jul 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Nottingham UK
Posts: 227
|
|
|
If you're considering unit construction (engine and gearbox together), why not stick a british engine in a relatively modern japanese frame? You're going to have to run modernish jap suspension if you want to enjoy proper offroad anyway. It's then your call whether to stick with modern style plastic parts (mudguards, tank, headlamp etc), or go with heavier metal parts for a classic look which will really confuse anyone trying to work out exactly what your bike is. Maybe it's possible to track down early plastic parts but surely they would be expensive.
|
18 Jul 2011
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nath
If you're considering unit construction (engine and gearbox together), why not stick a british engine in a relatively modern japanese frame? You're going to have to run modernish jap suspension if you want to enjoy proper offroad anyway. It's then your call whether to stick with modern style plastic parts (mudguards, tank, headlamp etc), or go with heavier metal parts for a classic look which will really confuse anyone trying to work out exactly what your bike is. Maybe it's possible to track down early plastic parts but surely they would be expensive.
|
But then it wouldn't be a Brit bike would it? I'll be using an alloy tank as they dent rather than split and don't degrade, the other parts will be fibre glass to keep the weight down. They will probably end up as 'composite' panels (i.e. fibre glass and duct tape)
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)
Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Hybrid Mode
