ya YOU, the Classic Bike owner

**Dirtybill** · 15-01-13, 07:35

If you were to buy a newer bike that instilled character like your current Classic bike, what would you buy?
I realize some if not most own a newer bike to get around on but if practicality didn't enter the equation or cost ( to a reasonable level) what would you get?

**Tomcat** · 15-01-13, 09:06

Many people think character means a bike that doesn't start, is dog slow and rattles itself to bits. That's not character, that's a POS. And there are very few bikes that are a POS if put together right. Character is being able to get more out of a bike by doing something a particular way, knowing how it feels laid into a bend, knowing how to start it in one kick instead of 20, loving the sound that is mellow without being garish.

As such it's hard to get real character out of any new bike, because they are built to be equaly usable by riders of any ability and not need the touch of a spanner outside of a dealer workshop. And that's fine for most people, because most modern rideras don't want bikes they have to tinker with, they want consumer durables they can press the button and ride. Still, you can get a taste for the classic "feel" if you buy a classic "style" bike, which is probably why Triumph (despite making some excellent new bikes) still insists on hanging onto old names and flogging nostalgia in a format that was outdated in the 70s. A classic "style" bike to me is one with 2 cylinders or less, low-revving and not sports styled. I guess that's a starting point

**DefTrap** · 15-01-13, 10:15

I'd go for something with olde styling but more modern running gear, like the new Bonnie, but with tweaks to make it less factory.
Like this, a bit.

**wobley o down** · 15-01-13, 16:48

What,a bit like these ? Home page

**ink ink** · 15-01-13, 16:58

Originally Posted by Dirtybill

If you were to buy a newer bike that instilled character like your current Classic bike, what would you buy?

A 1958 bike, to replace the 1957 one? Don't really see the point.

**DefTrap** · 15-01-13, 17:24

Originally Posted by wobley o down

What,a bit like these ? Home page

Some of those are luverly.

**IanB** · 15-01-13, 17:46

Hmm.. my newer bike - a 1995 900 Ducati - could also be considered as a classic, but benefits from modern suspension, brakes & tyres.

It sounds good, looks good & rides good. Works for me

Track Day (Medium).jpg