02-04-2016, 09:14 PM
Thanks again everyone for the kind words.
I agree that British bikes had their problems; some of it deserved and some not.
In 1957 at age 19 I rode a BSA 650cc Golden Flash from my home in Nova Scotia to Boston and back with not the slightest problem.
I did that again in 1999, but this time it was an a modern Honda Hawk NT650.
When I restored these bikes and their engines I took great pains ($$$
to get them right so they don't leak by using modern components, gaskets and sealants.
Neither bike has ever let me down and in the last 20 years since I've had them I've never had a failure or a problem. Both have an electronic ignition system. I feed them lots of fresh oil and they have been completely reliable and will start with one kick.
I belong to a vintage bike club and we ride every second weekend - sometimes as much as 200 miles in a day ride at an average speed of 50-55 mph on our winding coastal roads.
I raised the gearing on both bikes to keep the revs and vibration down so I can cruise all day and not feel beat up at the end of the day.
We don't thrash the beejeebers out of them or abuse them. We save that for our modern bikes.
Bikes like these are a hobby and a lark - and they certainly aren't a CB1100 - just lots of fun
I agree that British bikes had their problems; some of it deserved and some not.
In 1957 at age 19 I rode a BSA 650cc Golden Flash from my home in Nova Scotia to Boston and back with not the slightest problem.
I did that again in 1999, but this time it was an a modern Honda Hawk NT650.
When I restored these bikes and their engines I took great pains ($$$
to get them right so they don't leak by using modern components, gaskets and sealants.Neither bike has ever let me down and in the last 20 years since I've had them I've never had a failure or a problem. Both have an electronic ignition system. I feed them lots of fresh oil and they have been completely reliable and will start with one kick.
I belong to a vintage bike club and we ride every second weekend - sometimes as much as 200 miles in a day ride at an average speed of 50-55 mph on our winding coastal roads.
I raised the gearing on both bikes to keep the revs and vibration down so I can cruise all day and not feel beat up at the end of the day.
We don't thrash the beejeebers out of them or abuse them. We save that for our modern bikes.
Bikes like these are a hobby and a lark - and they certainly aren't a CB1100 - just lots of fun