wierd_san

Well i have been thinking for a very long time bout getting myself a classic Brit Norton, BSA etc etc.



My question is
a. How difficult will it be to maintain[ cost no bar] just the time consumed.

b. how much will this cost me and where can i find a piece.

Seniors and the 'Gentlemen' please oblige.

Aryan

Topic Approved.

__________________
...in search of that perfect world - My Travel Blog :)

KwokFist

Just a question... Do you currently own any classics/vintage bikes Indian or Imports?

a: Difficulty depends on if you have a good mech to do the job and if you can source the parts required. And to what extent you wish to restore the bike.

b: Cost will vary from bike to bike and where to get one... will tell you if i find out a reliable source. My apologies because as of now i dont know of any good ones. Had couple of reliable contacts but ever since DRI probs they are totally unreachable.

Time consuming is relative to time spent in sourcing parts and getting someone to get the job done on the bike. Unless ofcourse your a D.I.Y person. Since cost is not the factor you'd probably have to worry about is getting a bike in the first place! If you have access to spares and know sources and your able to fly to US/UK to get the parts that you will need to restore then it shouldnt be very difficult. It will still be very challenging.

The bikes are rare and they go at a price which gives the current range of grey market SBKS a run for their money. Especially bikes like Norton Manx Cafe Racer. They cost a bomb and go at fancy prices. There was a Manx in mumbai which was bought by a Norton collector in Hyd for an Insane price. But lately I've heard of bikes like the Triumph 5TA Speed Twin 500cc from late 1950s being sold for 2.5-4L if in good condition. But my guess is fully restoring the bike even if bought at 2-3L can be another 3Lacs. It all depends. There arent many bikes and top dealers will generally have a fair idea of such things.

One of my acquaintances in TN who also owns Jawa amongst others found himself a Triumph speed twin. He stopped the project midway due to costs involved but there was a donor bike available so parts werent as much as a problem as it would've been sourcing from abroad. No idea what's happened to that anymore.

If you find out any dedicated dealer for these bikes, please let me know. I have a friend who owns a Busa and a Midnight Star and was looking for a brit classic for restoration but wasnt sure as his sources who were claiming to have good bikes with them werent very clear and therefore he didnt proceed any further.

I myself havnt found any reliable source since to help him.

But i dont keep much track of these bikes in India and their prices as i wont be able to afford these for a long time to come

And most of the time folks who talk about these bikes and prices are usually bulling around so its hard to find out the specifics. Given my current location.

Do you have any specific bikes that you have in mind and are looking forward to purchasing? That would narrow it down and you'll have to start looking for them.

For an example: Indian manufactured Jawas, especially fully restored bikes go over 30K easily touching 40K+ sometimes depending on their condition, year of manufacture and papers and ofcourse state where its being sold. I happen to own a 1973 Jawa 250 type B 353. It looks good and runs great and in its current state it will still fetch me atleast 3 times the money i paid for it but its for keeps and i will begin restoration asap. Since the parts are very difficult to source and restored ones are bloody expensive. Many dont sell these bikes any more nowadays. I've seen a lot of owners keeping these bikes even if its rusting away. I'm just starting out and wish to expand but the prices are sky rocketing. If the bike is a CZ, or rare models like the Scrambler, Yezdi 350cc twin etc... the prices touch the roof! Rule here is basic. If its older it will cost more and if its in great shape even more so... And a rare bike is always expensive. For collectors the bikes are priceless. I have come across quotations well over 75K a few times. Then i didnt realize if they were being crazy or just quoting insane prices until i bought my own "Jawa". If you are a collector and are keen on restoring and keeping the bike then no amount of problems will deter you in getting what you want. And especially if you are gonna ride it after restoring. I believe some things apply in general.

Anyway this thread aint about Indian classics...

So you can take a guess at the imports. There's no rule of thumb for valuation AFAIK. The price is decided between the buyer and the seller depending on how much the seller quotes and buyer is willing to pay and some cases also the desperation amongst the parties. Many argue on the condition but sellers either tell you take it or leave it. If your not sure of the bike you wish to buy you'd better be going in for a bike which is in immaculate condition or at least with a running engine and have some sort of background info regarding the bike, previous owner, actual or near-actual condition of the bike. Many times bikes come across mechs etc and you might be able to get some info off them. It'll save you a lot of trouble man. If your in Mumbai even better. Many bikes come through there. So i'm told. And if your looking at rusty old bikes about to hit scrap yard but are restorable, then i guess you have both-all the time and the money to do it. I'd say go ahead and get whatever you want! But keep us posted!

BSA, Nortons are expensive. Triumph should be relatively economical. Maybe you can get a AJS, Matchless, BMWs. but they should be pretty expensive too and out of production decades ago. But i think the price largely depends on the model and also the manufacturer like Norton... I'm still on the learning curve regarding these classics. I totally love them as much as i love the new age crotch rockets! There arent any American/British Classic/Vintage bikes in my city, only new age cruisers like boulevards amongst other sbks But I adore these old classics. They take you on a different 'trip' altogether.

I'm of course making a few assumptions above but some are actual statistics that i've come across. But i sincerely hope that this posts helps you in someway or the other!

Keep us posted on any developments. All the best!

Cheers!

wierd_san

^^Whoa thanks for the info dude seriously.

well for starts i stay in coimbatore and i own an RD HT and a bullet. so i guess i know what runnin around for spares means and the time it involves, but like u said somehow Old School charm and the 'trip' involved in owning and running these beauties is unparalleld.

well i have seen a Triumph and BSA here but was not able to catch em, i was on my bull but somehow they just seemed to have some hidden power. I am lookin for a Norton Manx[my dream classic] but somehow am scared bout the prices i have heard regardin this particular model. Other options like u said are triumphs, Bsa, Ariel, James or Matchless. The rarer ones i am terrified to even mention.

well as of now i am on a mission to see whats available in tamil nadu and a few people i know in mumbai. if u get any details do let me know and i shall keep u posted here bout my findings

KwokFist

^Hey yeah sure will let you know if i come across anything. I dare say but that Manx Cafe Racer is said to have been sold for a price much higher than 10L. But this is old news and that bike wont see another owner forever maybe.

I think you should just look for bikes now and see what is available and then select the best one amongst them. If your bent on a specific model its gonna be a major pain in restoring as parts are expensive and restored bikes are hard to find. Nortons are very very expensive. Though I'd personally like to own a Norton Dominator.

Anyway do a round up of all the bikes up for sale and pick the best of the lot. See how the restoration goes and then go for another. Dont choose the hardest bike of the lot. Go with your mind, just as much as your heart.

If you find anything for a very reasonable rate, see if there are any sources to get the parts from, only then go ahead. Else you'll be stuck with it! Also check for papers, if any hehe but make sure you buy a safe bike! And try to buy it of from the current owner as opposed to mechs etc. Inisit on meeting the owner if its through a middleagent. There are possibilities of trouble looming all over these bike deals. That's all i gotto say.

I'll let you know if i get any info of any bikes for sale. Triumphs are good. I like the speed twin very much. Keep us posted!

Cheers!

wierd_san

got a few leads lets see what happens fingrers-crossed

KwokFist

That's good... which ones? send a PM if u cant disclose here.

wierd_san

well he says he has has a norton and Bsa not sure bout exact models models. the dude restores classic bikes. I met by accident, my friend and i were takin his R1 out for a spin when this guy stopped us and spoke to us, will be checkin it out next week some time

sudharma

If it is of any interest to you, This gentleman from Delhi claims to have a few foreign and Indian bikes ( vintage & Classic). Attached is a portion of his E-Mail.

" Hi every body i got bsa bb31 plunger 1952 model for sale bike is all complete and half kick start with soundless engine. interested may contact through email."

Any one interested can contact him at:-
"lambrettavespastockist" <lambrettavespastockist@yahoo.com

Regards,
Sathish

PS:-
May be a few Bhpians know this gentleman.

__________________

wierd_san

many thanks bro will sure check it out