Happy days indeed for me. 2 more grandchildren with one on their way in October and the other having arrived 3 months ago. So now I have 3 sons with 4 granddaughters with a 50/50 of a grandson arriving October but Hey Ho don't give a shit as long as the new born is healthy. Absolutely buzzing and like a lot on here loving my ever growing family.
So now we are almost on to the bikes but please bear with me 🤗 My missis has spent a fuxxing fortune on our 3 boys families lately and is continuing to do so. I don't mean a few hundred quid here and there I'm talking thousands and is she continuing to do so! The thing is I love helping my boys out and have no problem with her doing this at all.
Then this evening I mention again that I still want to get a another classic bike, Norton, Suzuki or Triumph as an investment. In all honesty I just want one and don't give a rats arse about being an investment. Until now she has laughed her ass off and said no way blaming space, cost and COVID or anything else she can think of to stop me. But this evening she said and I quote "Oh you've wanted one for ages why haven't you got one before" 😳 Obviously she is feeling guilty about her spending spree or just so happy she doesn't give a shit what I do. Whatever happy days for me. 🤗
So Guy's I am a fortunate and incredibly lucky person to be able to decide between purchasing a Norton 850 Mk3, Triumph Trident T160 or a Suzuki GT750. They all have to be 1976 models with electric starts and front discs. The bike I want has to be pretty much mint or thereabouts with history and matching frame and engine numbers. I love 2 strokes as I was brought up on them but have latterly edged towards owning a British classic so probably edging towards the Norton or Triumph.
Which would you choose and does anyone on here know enough about any of these bikes to be able to help me by a genuine good one?
First up I'll declare my interests and bias. I haven't owned any of the three options and and never owned a British bike.
I started riding in the early 70s and my mates 1973 GT750 was my first up close experience to motorcycles. I rode pillion on country roads and I was hooked. Cruising at 80mph seemed effortless.
All the bikes I have owned have been a Japanese except for a Montesa King Scorpion 250 trail bike.
If the choice was mine I would be considering how I would be using the bike, local clubs with similar bikes and availability of spares services and other owners in my area. While it always good to meet others with the same or similar bike being different can also provide some pleasure as well.
Going with a model with electric start is a great idea. I'm definetly too old to kick start a large capacity machine. I remember seeing a guy with a beautiful 1960s Triumph at a country Rally exhaust himself trying to start his bike. He eventually gave up and loaded it back on his trailer.
The GT750 is definetly different from other large capacity bikes of the era being both water cooled and a two stroke.
Being in the UK you can't go wrong with any of the three as I'm sure there is a strong following for them all.
I hope you have ridden some older bikes recently. If not you may be in for a shock. 1970s machines don't go and stop like your 1400. A 45 year old bike is a different animal.
In the end go with your heart and enjoy the ride.
Phil, its a no brainer - GT750 every time. Owned one, ridden a couple of others. Lovely bikes. If you opt for one let me know - i can advise on what to look out for! :onya:
This is going to be an interesting thread!
@grog @Irish in Oz @Hooli @gsxbarmy Just bumping it for a few guys.
Out of interest how much are you looking to spend?
It really is a personal choice,
From a practicality and reliability point of view the Suzuki is the obvious choice.
It's also the boring choice. You already have a good and practical motorcycle - the 1400.
From an aesthetic point of view - pick teh one you prefer. For me:
Norton 850 Mk3 / Triumph Trident T160 (tied), then
Suzuki GT750.
bit it's not me, it's you.
Also instead of a T160 I'd go for a BSA Rocket 3. Sure it's the 'same' bike but.... :) better :onya:
(https://www.classic-british-motorcycles.com/images/69BSA-Rkt3-L.jpg)
Of course if you wanted the bike the Trident was actually trying to be, you'd get a Honda CB750.
(https://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/1975_honda_cb750_four_16239591577e4dd26IMG_9262.jpeg?fit=940%2C626)
BSA for mine :)
Phil, a good move to get a 70s. Often thought similar. Know nothing about Tridents except Mates used to burn valves. Better material now. Norton, well, have often written the worst ive owned. 1973 Commando, was just always breaking something. Hated that bike, i tried hard with it but it always bit me. 4 GT 750, amazing bikes. Far from boring. To buy today must be totally sure coolant has been always good, internal corrosion otherwise, thats not what you want.H2 Kawas or Z1 another choice. My choice for a 70s is either CB750, love those bikes, owned 2. XS or TX 650 Yam, owned 1975 TX, love them also. They both have limits but ride very nice.
WHY ??????????????????????????????????????? :stir: :stir: :stir: :stir:
Norton or Trident for me, a GT750 is just an old Jap bike & will never be classic.
Didnt know he was talking classics. As to why Chris, guess thats the reason i only think about one,i never do it.Couple of Mates have them, never leave the shed. Ill just stick with 14, always come back to that conclusion. Nice ride home tonight, always seals the deal. :grin:
Great that you are in a position to buy a 70's classic as an "investment". If it was me I'd go for the BSA Rocket 3, Triumph Trident T160, Suzuki GT750 and ignore the Norton. I have owned a couple of Beesa's a triumph and a GT, the GT needed the least amount of spannering to keep it roadworthy but I suspect it will never reach true classic statue whereas the others will/have. Never owned a Norton, too many horror stories of poor build and rubbish handling back in the day, isoelastic suspension crap. Good luck with your deliberations. :onya:
I think a Kawasaki Z1 would be the best investment for the future though.
Heaps of guys have heaps of old relics. I don't poo poo it. It's just not my thing.
@grog As you say, never leaves the shed or if it does it breaks down :stir: :stir:
From personal experience i feel there's no point in filling your garage with similar bikes unless for financial gain. Only the best one will get ridden.ie. why jump on the Z1 when you have a far superior '14 as an option?
Only by buying something entirely different will make you WANT to ride it. And theres the obvious opportunity to get together with likeminded people.
Owning a 2T Triple would ultimately fit the bill, thats why, given the opportunity, a Red GT750M would be my choice. A real pleasure to ride, and listen to!! :stir:
Bevel drive Ducati
Quote from: Eric GSX1400K3 on Tuesday, 13 July 2021, 11:53 PM
Bevel drive Ducati
(https://pics.esmemes.com/i-dont-think-inside-the-box-i-dont-think-outside-11347956.png)
But yeah :)
Quote from: Eric GSX1400K3 on Tuesday, 13 July 2021, 11:53 PM
Bevel drive Ducati
Bevel Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9tfultyVkA
Desmodromic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocfIYUc5bpU
An interesting topic, I'd never seen Bevel in action. Have heard them heaps, as a teenager my neighbour had 900SS.
:hat:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXOhotubL9A Modern Quattro Valvo :onya:
Had my Bevel Darmah 15 yrs, awesome bike, did 80 th ks on it. Sure lots to learn with owning one but always reliable and perfect ride. I priced up last year, buy another and re build, out of my financial range. Crazy prices. DP, i found out of my 4 GT750, i liked the L the most. Just rode so nice. Others, K M &A were good but loved that blue L. With chambers on it did sound awesome.
Grog, The GT750L was a peach, the first of the very, very good ones - a mate had one, consequently I got to ride it regularly back in the `70`s. I couldn`t believe how it would pick the front end up `at will` in 1st, (no clutch). His was the sorta `burnt orange/black pinstripe` colour. Luvved it to ride. I owned a standard red `76 `A`, slightly different engine spec to the `L` (as you`ll know). The only reason why my favourite is the `M` is due to the tank shape, which I think suits the bike far better than the tank does on the later `A&B` models.
Cheers, Dave :onya:
I've had enough of old bikes.
Quote from: Irish in Oz on Thursday, 15 July 2021, 06:12 AM
I've had enough of old bikes.
Yeah sure :stir: :stir: :stir: :stir:
@Irish in Oz (no longer in OZ)
My first legal road bike was around 15 or 16 yrs old. Mates called it an old clunker. It was a bloody good old clunker. So now, my 14 is nearly 15, mates call it an old clunker. Funny how life doesnt change that much. BTW, its a bloody good old clunker. :)
Quote from: Irish in Oz on Thursday, 15 July 2021, 06:12 AM
I've had enough of old bikes.
They're over here and your're over there. "Irish in Oz"? You may need to revisit your Avatar. :stir: :stir:
Quote from: Johno on Thursday, 15 July 2021, 07:55 PM
Quote from: Irish in Oz on Thursday, 15 July 2021, 06:12 AM
I've had enough of old bikes.
They're over here and your're over there. "Irish in Oz"? You may need to revisit your Avatar. :stir: :stir:
He could be "
Irish was in Oz" :happy1: - maybe I should adjust accordingly . . . :whistling: :stir:
For something very different on the day l could be tempted with a LC350 :drool:
Great bikes, but too small for my liking. Felt even smaller actually riding one!
But now i'm thinking RG500......oh, yes please! :drool: The ultimate stroker.
They all end up with oil dripping out of the pipes because all the old farts that think they are young again can't ride them quick enough.
Haha, you might have a point there Irish.
Very good Irish, never thought of that.
My Wife just found add locally for 1977 RD350 Yam, needs TLC, other words, complete but not good. $300. I thought that sounds ok. Rang him, its $3000, WTF.
Quote from: grog on Saturday, 17 July 2021, 05:32 PM
My Wife just found add locally for 1977 RD350 Yam, needs TLC, other words, complete but not good. $300. I thought that sounds ok. Rang him, its $3000, WTF.
Grog you can have my 76 RD400C for $5000, bargain considering they want about that in GBP over here.
Quote from: Kiwifruit on Friday, 16 July 2021, 05:07 PM
For something very different on the day l could be tempted with a LC350 :drool:
I was fond of the 350LC then I blew it to pieces.
Out for a ride today saw two RD350's and a GT500 all together making some good sounds and smoke, felt like I had been transported back to the 80's. :lol:
Some smokers out today in N.I. coast road.
Hows this for a mint example of a GT750 I saw last Wednesday at my local bike meet..
S.
That GT is the nicest bike there :onya:
Quote from: Irish in Oz on Saturday, 17 July 2021, 05:57 AM
They all end up with oil dripping out of the pipes because all the old farts that think they are young again can't ride them quick enough.
Same as their prostate exam results :stir: :stir: :stir: :stir:
@Irish in Oz :devil:
Chris, not sure i understand that one, i tried.
Quote from: GSXKING on Monday, 19 July 2021, 04:58 PM
Quote from: Irish in Oz on Saturday, 17 July 2021, 05:57 AM
They all end up with oil dripping out of the pipes because all the old farts that think they are young again can't ride them quick enough.
Same as their prostate exam results :stir: :stir: :stir: :stir: @Irish in Oz :devil:
You're not supposed to have your prostate checked every day Chris :facepalm:
Quote from: Kiwifruit on Tuesday, 20 July 2021, 08:38 AM
Quote from: GSXKING on Monday, 19 July 2021, 04:58 PM
Quote from: Irish in Oz on Saturday, 17 July 2021, 05:57 AM
They all end up with oil dripping out of the pipes because all the old farts that think they are young again can't ride them quick enough.
Same as their prostate exam results :stir: :stir: :stir: :stir: @Irish in Oz :devil:
You're not supposed to have your prostate checked every day Chris :facepalm:
You're getting off topic
@Kiwifruit :doh: :doh:
Speedy, truly beautiful. Amazing bikes. Only real fault, thet wore out generator brushes real quick, used to carry spares, 10 min fix.
Lovely shot of the Kawa Triples. OK, so the red 250 is a 'bitsa', and three of them are spoilt by inaccurate paint jobs, but they do all look great. :onya:
It always amazes me that people spend a fortune on resto's, then spoil them by getting the paint all wrong!
Ok, anorak off now......each to their own :hat:!
Agree DP. If i wanted original id search until my arse fell off. I guess others dont care. Same as 14 now, some want totally original, i just change to suit me. Doesnt matter in my world.
Me too Grog.
What winds me up more than anything is that ebay (eg) regularly has bikes being sold as `standard`, `original` etc. etc. when they clearly aren`t. Then some poor guy buys for a fortune, to find at a later date that his S1C 250 is actually a KH250, or his `new` S3 is the wrong green. The blame lies with the buyer to a degree for not doing his homework, but even so, being honest is always the right way to be in my book, far nicer than trying to con people. :onya:
I have no time for Anoraks, especially when it comes to colours as its not original anyway. The 250 belongs to a mate of mine, never asked him what bits are right or wrong but I do know it was very rough when he got it, so I think he has done very well.
So do I Irish - and as I said previously, they all look great. A lot of these enthusiasts have more than one example of their favourite bike which gives them the opportunity to modify/personalise to their own satisfaction. Some are amazing machines. Some are not. All down to personal preference. :cheers:
Some of those purists, so called experts on a certain machine, just wankers. To be totally original, hasnt been used. Same tyres, chains, brake pads from that year mustnt have worn out, otherwise been replaced. Makes it not original. Not worth worrying about. Bloke up the roads 6 cyl Honda, totally original, 87 ks on speedo. Same oil still in motor. Good to look at but i wouldnt want to try to ride it. Those tyres would be dangerous, brakes crap and motor prob blow up. Museum piece only.
I hope those rivet counters import original Jap air to put in the tyres too.
Here`s a thought to ponder, and I offer it without bias - if a Classic is given a complete `nut & bolt restoration`, can it still claim to be a Classic, or does it effectively become a new bike? :confused1::stir:
Like grandpa's axe?
Classic is untouched, resto is resto.
So I guess that`s that then Phil!
Let us know how your next appraisal goes with your supervisor..... :rofl2:!!
For those on the wrong side of the planet here is a sketch of trigger and his broom.
56yN2zHtofM
Is that a BBC news clip, sounds serious.
Hi All,
Sorry I have not replied to all the posts but my head has been turned and I have been spending many hours on the Norton Owners Forum. I could not help myself when I saw this bike. I have always wanted a commando 850 Interstate (personal choice) as to me it's the best looking bike ever made in the cherry red colour. I've owned many Jap bikes and one Italian but never a Brit and it's always bothered me. The 850 commando MK3 was actually a very well sorted bike with many improvements over the original 750 or 500 if you go back to the original 1948 500cc Engine 🤣😂🤣
Anyway, I already own my gorgeous 14 and my very well sorted 750 SRAD but as stated earlier the Mrs said YES I could get another. Okay she was drugged but only a little more than I have added to her tea for the last 20 years so. You live with her and you would do the same 🤣🤗🤣So without further ado and little time before she changed her mind and/or recovered from her newly found pleasant persona, I found the most gorgeous, beautiful and without doubt bike of my dreams, a 1976 Norton Commando 850 Interstate and bought her. Her history is fantastic, she has been rebuilt and updated with no expense spared with all receipts. She has twin front discs, updated forks and so much more, so she stops, she is reliable and she handles like a modern bike. And YES she doesn't leak a drop of oil. Riding her is such a pleasure, you can't help but respect her and just enjoy a piece of brilliant British engineering from a bygone era. I love her and yes I could of bought a GT750 or Z900 but I didn't and I am so glad. This twin thumps and vibrates and is just so different from any other bike I have owned. Buy a classic bike you will not regret it. 😍😍😍😍😍😍
Great choice, enjoy.
Well done Phil :onya:
I`ve pressed the `like` button because I admire your determination to get what you wanted. She looks a well sorted bike with good history etc. etc. I sincerely hope that you enjoy every mile you spend riding it, and i`m sure you will.
The most important thing is that you`ve added a very different bike to your `collection`. Great stuff. Enjoy :cheers:
Dave.
Exactly Mate! What's the point of owning similar bikes! You will just always ride the one you like best. The Norton growls and vibrates but is Soo-ooo addictive. It genuinely handles as well as the 14 if not better, obviously the 14 will out accelerate, but it's so different, you sit very high on 19inch wheels, the torque is similar to the 14 and beyond that t the vibration keeps you energised and its still pretty rapid, nothing like the acceleration of the 14 but the sensation of the ride is incredible. It's so different to any Japanese bike I have ever ridden. It just seems to demand respect and adoration, I love it! Then again I love the 14 but for so many different reasons. The SRAD has to go though as I can't handle the racing stance and need room!
Best Regards
Phil
Good on ya Big Phil, great choice - because it was your dream. Gotta chase those dreams n make them come true. :onya: :clapping:
Very nice bike Phil, looks well sorted and from what I read, it's at a good home now.
Phil, a beautiful bike. Mine was Black with gold pinstripe Roadster, bought it because it looked good. My Mates back then, 750 Combat, he fitted Tom Druin supercharger. It sure could move, pick the wheel up first three gears. Enjoy yours. 👍
As I said in my Previous post the Norton would not be my choice I have to admit the bike looks furkin lurvley, enjoy it. :onya:
Thats very nice Phil. I can see why you'd like it. Enjoy. :cheers: