Well said Paul. Now 79 I wish I was 60 again, but after 63 years motorcycling on bikes from the 40’s through to 2024, the ones that give me the most pleasure are from the 1950’s. Nice to find one of your posts, you talk my language.

I'm with you there Paul, I learned to wring the neck of relatively small bikes when I was in my teens. I could quite emphatically leave many ostensibly faster bikes behind on the sort of rural roads you ride on. I never wanted or needed a bigger bike, and until I was disabled in a road rage incident, I repaired my type of bike for other people. My biggest mistake was swapping my beloved '62 T100SS for a '76 T140 which I swapped for a '61 B40 in a C15 frame because I wanted to get back to brilliant fuel consumption and affordable insurance. I has that little bitsa for 14 years. A newer modern bike has sweet FA to do with my youth, memories, preferences and riding style.

I agree about pre 80s and even more pre 60s and 50s motorcycles and cars. 👍 I’m envious to you Paul because I wish I was 60 again.

I'm with you on this. I have no interest in modern machinery. I'm happy with my 1978 T140V and 1980 Suzuki GS550 - simple and accessible to maintain, low running costs and fun to ride. At 69, I don't feel the need for excessive speed any more and just want to enjoy it.

The older machines are more “agricultural “ in their nature! Much easier to diagnose & service & they have character! 👍

Something to be said for riding an appliance at 81 yrs old. New right knee etc but still at it. Working on a 68 Lightning now for a friend. Many yrs in the trade

1950 through 1975 is my 25 year sweet spot for motorcycles. In the 80's the head lights and the instruments went from round to square, which I didn't like.

I also had a VTR1000 and used to scare myself how easy it was to go too fast but since retiring and no longer having to do a 40 mile a day commute I have sold all my modern bikes and just have an A50, B31 and D3 Bantam, my wife has 1972 Honda CB350. The one that gives me the most smiles is my BSA Bantam, 150cc, 35mph and grinning ear to ear!

Hi Paul , I'm 70 this year and have been riding for many years starting with BSA and Triumphs of the 60s and 70s with a few AJS and Matchless and I understand where you are coming from but I have to say the Triumph Thruxton I bought in 2006 has given me more pleasure than all the others put together. After changing the top triple clamp and fitting more comfortable bars this machine is fantastic. It was built in the UK not Thailand as the later ones were so it has that plus. It has all the feel and look of an old Triumph . It makes me smile every time I climb aboard .

I had a Ducati 620 Multistrada, brilliant bike, plenty fast enough and a blast to ride, but I sold it in the end because of the amount of work necessary to get to anything. I like ease of access!

I'm totally with you Paul on the pre 1980 bikes . They just felt , sounded and look mechanical in a sentimental way.

Hello Paul. I am a subscriber & enjoy your channel. Here is my take coming from a rider with 53 years of riding experience in the USA. I love the old bikes just as you do. Some of them are indeed works of art & immense fun to ride. However, they are now antiques. Even when new most of them were quirky & not completely reliable. Riding 1950's - 1970's Triumphs & BSA's was an adventure. The same can be said for all the old Harley's i've owned. One always needed to carry tools with him & be willing to use them. There was no promise of riding out on a 100 mile run and making it back without some sort of issue. They all leaked oil & had electrical issues. They vibrated parts right off the machine at times. Keeping them in a state of proper tune was not always easy. As we age we tend to romanticize the past. I do it all the time. At the ripe old age of 72 I still ride. I will continue to ride as long as I am able. What do I choose to ride now? A 2020 Royal Enfield red framed Trials Replica 500. I love it and it is quite reliable. Many thanks to you for the work you do and for the wonderful channel you have here. Cheers from Marty in Pennsylvania USA.

I worked at a main dealers in the 80s all japanese stuff of course, I still do a few now but always stay with what I know its just comfortable working on stuff from my era, my old man always had british and watching your videos has brought a lump to my throat several times as I remember helping him out as I grew up.Thank you for the time you spend putting them up.

I'm sixty this year too and I can identify with all you say. If they don't like it, then lump it, I am toooo set in my ways to adapt to their ideas. 😉

Totally “get it Paul”, thanks for articulating much better than me for why I feel the same way. Ex. Pat Brit who thoroughly enjoys your content. My Dad was from Hereford and your voice reminds me of all my uncles near Wales. All the best from Putnam Valley NY

You and I have the exact same take on things related to motorcycles. When I ran my shop, 1980 was my cut-off date too. Never owned a new bike in my life. Now that I've hung a "retired" sign on my door, I still keep my fingers busy, but I only work on things I want to.

Great info Paul, love listening to your opinions, very entertaining. I will also be 60 next birthday. Sammy Millar is my inspiration as far as bike riding into old age goes so hopefully we both have a long way to go yet. I am not a great mechanic so am stuck firmly in the Royal Enfield camp at the moment. I have 9 examples in the garage here in Australia and i can fool myself i am back in 1960's Britain if i try hard. Dreams are what make the world go round. Keep up the great work mate.

There's a lot of Sportster talk here so : back in the late eighties went to a friend's backyard barbecue which turned out to be a bike show. On older fellow insisted I take his completely original 76 sportster only 7K miles I didn't even want too because i had a low opinion of them well I was completely wrong this bike was very good in all respects . The difference was this homely stock camel brown bike was stock and perfectly maintained all the others i rode were actually degraded by owners trying to personalize for a custom look at the same time letting all the important adjustments go neglected.

Hi Paul can only agree post 80s bikes just lost their way also the style got a bit weird, loved the early Yamaha 200s with round topped tank. Red Marley hill climb has a new slot for later bikes now...

I have a cut-off year too Paul. I don't want any vehicle that needs regular software updates on its Engine Computer. Anything past 2007 is about my limit. The reason i say this is because it was the last yr for the Suzuki GSX1400. The reason they stopped making them is because of emissions. With regards to my G2 Bullet the first thing i done was to upgrade the electrics. (Lucas Stator along with Boyer Ign & Powerbox). If we was talking about cars i only buy diesels so again my cut-off yr is 2008. I escaped one of those stupid DPF soot filters which are a royal pain in the butt. I met a bloke at a bike meet with one of those Aprilia's. Honest to God he couldn't do a thing with it until he connected his iPhone to it to start the Fkn thing. Absolutely ridiculous !!!!

Spot on Paul 100% about the 'Mahindra Bindi BSA 'Fakestar'

I completely agree with you Paul !!

Brilliant Paul, I also had a BSA Brigand trails bike. Those were the days 😅 it wasn’t a proper BSA but it was all that I was allowed to ride at the time. It was followed by a BSA C15 Star, which was then followed by a BSA A10 Golden Flash which I’ve had a couple of. Then came the Triumphs, T120 Bonnie & in 1989 I brought my TR7RV Tiger which I still own today; amongst a few other bikes. You can’t beat the old British bikes. Rock on & stay safe, greetings from Germany 🇩🇪

Totally with u on 1980-ish cut off mechanically and looks-wise. I just been doing up a couple of Yamaha SR 250s, both 1980, but stylistically, the little brother of the SR400 and 500s from the 70s. The thumper engine has the rounded fins + rounded tank. Go up to 18 inches on the back wheel to de-chopperize and live the steering. From 1980 a lot of the Yamaha’s went really ugly to me.😂

Well said.

Great Rant Paul! I’m on your team with anything past 1980 ish. Just not interested. Especially VTwins and specifically modern Harley Davidsons and they’re owners. Good day!

Hear, hear, well said! I feel EXACTLY like you.

Very true, feel the same as you Paul.

The story at 4:20 says it all. I been there. Laughed out loud to hear you say it, thank you.

Totally agree with your thoughts, my own passion is for small 1950’s / 60’s Italian, i have examples of Moto Morini, FB Mondial, Moto Parilla , all of these great names are “appearing” again but I have no interest in those.

With you all the way. I have a Honda Varadero, which has a detuned Firestorm engine. It is the most fantastic mile muncher and totally reliable but it lacks soul. My BSA Lightning on the other hand, always needs a bit of fettling or parts relpacing but it oozes character and repays the work.

When l was working out in india in the mid 90s l bought a new royal enfield 500 bullet as a run around .lt was pure nostalgia thing harking back to my days of running a DBD 34 till l bought a 1971 trident. I still have the Enfield. Modern bikes and cars are a pain with all their electronics. I like nothing better than going for a run out on the enfield or my 1965 3.4 mk2 jaguar much more fun.😊

Well, we like what we like, my first bike on the road at 16 was a N reg Yamaha RD200, round tank, drum brakes looked lovely and went like stink. I've owned literally dozens of bikes, in later years, Italian V twins both modern and from the 70's and 80's, they have been brilliant too. Due to age and physical issues I sold all my bikes and bought a 2012 Hinckley T100 Bonneville, it has been a great little bike, very reliable, I can service it myself, there's no ABS or nonsense like that, all the sensors have been removed so beyond fuel injection it's very similar to bikes of the 70's. Cars had fuel injection and disc brakes many years before bikes, I don't regard them as particularly radical. I like to think it's the bike Triumph would have built had penny pinching and stubborn management not ruined the British Bike industry. The only British bike I had new was a 1979 T140 and it broke down 12 hours after I bought it (and many times after). It put me off British bikes altogether until I impulse bought a 2003 Triumph 955i speed triple (which was brilliant). It's horses for courses, I'd love a Panther M120 or a BSA A10 or any number of other bikes but I have limited riding years left and I just want to ride.

Well said Paul I feel the same and I'm only 31 😂 but it's true what us British created 50 years ago and longer is just glory and golden to work on and ride :)

I agree with you on all counts, except the Royal Enfield Classic 350 is the nearest new model to an old bike. It isn't fast, has lots of low down torque, it goes thump-thump, has an inlet and an exhaust valve, and in it's chrome variations looks quite like a 1960s bike. If you get the chance give one a go, I think you'll like it.

I'm with you bro ,if it's not got carburettors,I don't want it

I get this, but after decades of riding and wrenching on 60’s/70’s bikes including numerous T120 Bonnevilles and T140 Bonnevilles (bought a ‘79 Special brand new), T150 Trident, MkIIa Norton Commando, ‘69 Commando, numerous Yamaha RD350’s, bevel drive Ducatis, ‘77 Moto Guzzi Lemans, and others, I sold off the lot. Numerous reasons, but occasional moments of nostalgia notwithstanding, I don’t miss them. They gave me profound joy back in the day, but I’ve moved on. I’ve also owned many 90’s bikes including a pair of VFR’s, Ducati 900ss, 888, ST2, Moto Guzzi 1100 Sport, 1990 Lemans, and others. I sold this bikes, too. Today I still own the 1990 Moto Guzzi Lemans and will never sell it. It’s my vintage bike. It’s 65 hp is just enough to ride safely on the roads of today. To supplement that bike I also have a 2004 Suzuki 650 Vstrom and a newer DR650. That’s enough bikes for 62 yr old me. Owning a garage full of old Brit twins is a lovely thing if they are your hobby and main focus in life. Else-wise, they just become garage ornaments. Been there, done that. To each their own. Keeping my old Lemans in top form is more than enough wrenching for me. That said, this video did bring back some fond memories.

Great post. Love my 535GT. Loved them when I first saw them in 2013. Finally managed to snag one, amazing, found a new old stock in 2015, bought new in 2020. Get tons of looks and compliments. Still bone stock except for the silencer. I'm with you Paul love the look the sound. Don't want anything else.

I've been subscribed for a while but never commented before.but I have to after watching this video..Paul, I think youre a great man who cherishes the freedom of yesteryear

A great garage chat. If you only want to work on pre 80 machines, then that’s your prerogative . I had the pre-runner to the x5, the GT185, my first motorcycle larger than 50cc, bought in 1977. Had some great times on it. I understand where you are coming from with the current Interceptor, but I love mine.

It's called bike fever Paul, had it for years. Good video, like your style.

G'day Paul, fully understand why you have stuck with Classic motorcycles even the average person can work on them and you don't have to be a technical genius too work them out, please never change your focus, it's hard these days finding a person you can trust repairing our classics, cheers mate, Neil 🤠.

As much as I enjoy the electric starter and fuel injection on my Yamaha I don’t get the same enjoyment as I had on my BSA or Triumph. Part of the may be nostalgic memories but part of that is in my opinion they are better looking bikes and easy to work on. As there are many people that don’t know how to do simple mechanics you are a needed craftsman.

beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Hi. I have ridden bikes for 40 years. Very difficult to bond with moden bikes. They are very capable, but lack soul. And I think that's where your coming from. Ttfn.

Old bikes to look at , new bikes to ride for me .

Cheers Paul. Round tank RD350. The first time I did the Ton in the mid 70^s Happy days.

I have a 2019 Enfield Interceptor. I like it enough. It’s a lot more complicated than I wish it was. Very reliable, so far. The funny thing is, when I go out to the shop and pick a bike for the day it’s more often the early Bonneville than the Interceptor. The Interceptor is a nice bike, but I built the Bonneville myself so I have an appreciation for everything that goes on as the road goes by. It also has the best handling and brakes of all my bikes, two of which are significantly newer than the Triumph.

I couldn't agrre more - though I gave up riding British bikes in 1988, the things I ride now are of a similar (but newer) type of bike and though most people think of them as tractors anyway they are really just bigger and tougher than the bikes I grew up on. 'Modern Classics" is a term I hear a lot about and I think it's more that people who grew up with things from post 1980 prefer to stick with the things they know and are familiar with - it'll be the same in 20 years or so with today's bikes and riders, especially with the cut-off date of internal combustion engines and the reliance on electric bikes and cars. If technology can overcome the range limitations and/or recharging times then I think that never bikes could be a great improvement as maintenance would be less but for anow it's not really an option especially with the production and recycling of the batteries being so much of a polution problem. Overall I think the days of motorcycling as we know them are on a downward slope along with most of what we know due to the changing world and it's over-population problem.

I have a couple of new Triumphs , they are well made bikes . Triumph is still a British company and I believe in supporting them . There are still a few old timers there from the Meriden factory, the pinstriper for instance. I prefer myTriumphs from the 60s and 70 s though ( but not the early OIF 😮 ) . The new RE and BSA are a bit ( but only a little bit ) of a muchness as far as I'm concerned . Some people try to convince themselves and others that they are riding the old original bikes. I can't get my head around that .

I agree on the degrees on the modern twins. Up and down together and a wasted spark I prefer. Must be a reason though as the new Honda 750 Hornet is also a 270 crank.

Well said Paul, I am from the same era and have owned pretty much the same bikes in the past. Wish I could have been able to forecast what they are worth now, I would have stashed them away.

I once worked with some blokes from former soviet union and as I got to know they told me about a 40 year old washing machine and they liked it because it was easy to fix and therefore basic over engineered. I often wonder if it's still going today. A lot to be said for keepitsimple.

Hi Paul I watched one of your older videos on the uce 500 bullet. The tip on using a stanley knife blade to separate the primary casing really worked, it saved me a lot of trouble. Thanks David

You like what you like & you are who you are & that’s alright mate 👍

Paul i totally agree with you on all the things you said and will not be persuaded by the use of names once famous in our youth.

The modern "retro" bikes remind me of the badge engineering days of the British car world. The current "BSA" has a repackaged engine design from Rotax used in the 1990's BMW 650s.

You're not alone in your likes, I'm 77and have had bikes from age 16. Bonnie's, gold stars ,sold the auperrocket as my knee won't, etc me start it! Have a c15 ss80,a 57 cub and and an Arrow ,not interested I newer bikes, no character!

I had a Firestorm from new in 2000, and traded it in for a new Guzzi V7 850 in 2021. Also, I have a Yamaha MT-09 and Beta Alp 200. If Bajaj starts selling those 400s under its own name, I may buy one, as I understand that they're pretty good. Pretending that they're British, complete with a Union flag on the tank: no thanks. Pride of ownership matters to me.

As an old fart [75] ,I owned assorted bsa,s even a goldie ,rocket ,triumphs ,ajs ,matchless ,but the best bike I owned ,and would buy again ,was a Yamaha R1 !!!!

I went down to my 1973 CD175. I missed a bit of oomph so recently got a 1992 Yamaha 600 Diversion. It’s a nice bike, but my reason for buying it actually related to one of your other videos; I’m not talking about head issues here! Sometimes I like alloy wheels for ease of cleaning. Regarding access, it used to take me 5.5 hours to do the tappets on my 650 Transalp! Weirdly, my first ride on the Diversion, I looked down and I was doing 45!! I’ve had big bikes before, but I wasn’t going as fast! But the power is nice for overtaking. I do prefer the simplicity of older bikes. But one of the biggest points I want to make….. if I want a faster older bike, I certainly couldn’t get it for the £1500 I paid for Jim, the Diversion.

Wise. I loved the Suzuki GT two strokes. My US Army buddy had a GT 380 and I had a GT 500 twin. I later had a 1980s Honda V4 and it was nice. But I couldn't imagine working on it myself and a valve adjustment at the dealer was very expensive. I'm riding a 1988 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Classic now. It doesn't meet your prior to 1980 criteria but other than the electronic ignition it is old school with a carburetor.

When you look at a bike from the 80’s or earlier you can see all the bits and they make sense. They needed to be accessible as they do require regular attention. Now the design is such that long periods between maintenance means the parts are hidden and when they do go wrong your knackered. Steam locomotives are incredibly popular as we all now how to make steam, they are familiar and reassuring. I’ve worked on Merlin and Griffon engines as well as RB199 engines hand on heart the Merlin and Griffon need a lot of attention but I still love a big piston engine and propeller.

Interesting comments. My cut off is carburettors.

Only been watching your videos about 2weeks ,brilliant I've built 5 Ariel Huntmasters over the last 6 years always fit recon mag and dynamo.also just starting a royal enfield clipper ,by the way I'm still riding at 75.but I'm not decrepid

It’s entirely up to you what you work on as a business and nobody else. 👍

I agree with you the bikes built after 1880 tended to lack some of the character & elegance of the older machines . They were also starting be more of a pain for home mechanics to get their spanner’s into ,with all the gubbins that needed removing . Things got even worse with all the crap added due to the Eurocrats & their megalomania & directives . 👍 PS Typo warning 1880 should read 1980 .

When I saw the power output of the new "Goldie" I came to the conclusion that's an old mans rose tinted specs bike. The original was built to race, even the touring cam version were no slouch. You could buy the parts needed to do scrambles, road racing, even trials. None of that is present or likely ever to be available for the new ones. Similar opinion about the RE twins. I think they've chosen the 270 crank to give it torque they couldn't achieve with 180 or 360. I like the carb version of the W800. Something about bevel drive cams. I sort of like the original W650 but it looks too much like an A7, whereas the 800 has earned it's own pedigree. I'm a year older than you. Started my bike life with a FB Falcon and a James captain. I worked weekends when I was 14, painting steelwork for barns and such. 50p per hour, 12 hour days at weekends. Those 2 cost me £20. First road bike at 16 was a Yamaha U50, which Mr. Difazio told me I wasn't legal to ride as it wasn't restricted and had a kickstart. I think That 2 Stroke BSA engine was the same they used in the DMW or was it DKW? I fancied the trail version I saw at our local agricultural show. Malaguti I think they were

Completely agree, people like what they like. 👍

I have a similar disposition but I do like SOME modern machines, despite their evil complexity, most of which is due to rediculous emissions regs. I've always had a passionate interest in old stuff, my second ever bike at 18 yo was a 69 Bonny which I was absolutely rinsed on due to my lack of detail knowledge at the time! Basically it was a worn out wreck which was missing alot of the original parts. So, I took it off the road and restored it to as close to factory spec as was possible, then I sold it to buy a Honda!!! A decision I've greatly regretted ever since. Fortunately I've been lucky enough to acquire a nice collection of bikes since then, which includes an Indian Enfield, the Pegasus edition, basically a C5 in military drag but a nice machine if a little gutless for a 500. V twins are a passion of mine, mostly Ducati but I've had two Harleys in the past, which were very underwhelming. Actually I'm looking at a Buell at the moment! My most modern machine is a 2005 MV Agusta Brutale, only the second in line four I've ever owned. I really like it but find it strange to ride because it doesn't really go until it has more than 7000 RPM on the clock! Also, it is a nightmare to work on, I'm just sorting out a camchain isue at the moment and it took half a day just to get to the cam cover! Last year I returned my Velo Viper to the road after it had been resting for 25 years, it rewarded me by seizing after only a hundred miles! Very easy to sort out though, under a days work when the weather warms up. This year I've decided to put my Ducati 450 SCR back on the road, it ran fine when I rode it just once, the day after I collected it 36 years ago! Ive been making a list of work and parts it needs, but I connected it up with a battery and tried the electrics and they all work!! I sprayed it with ACF50 and oiled the bore all those years ago and it has paid dividends! Condition wasn't mint back then but it hasn't deteriorated since and it is mostly original and is cleaning up well. I had originally intended to restore it to as new, but have now decided to leave it with it's patina but cleaned up and mechanically sound. So I do understand your preference for pre 80 machines and dislike of complexity, there is a certain appeal to the purity and simplicity of that era of machinery, and the way they ride. PS, let me know how I can give my Enfield more grunt without spending silly money?!

Yes, i find the oldies more interesting for some reason

Well said Paul. Thanks !

Love this video and of course the classics especially Norton as I'm a Big fan of my Atlas👍😁😀🏁🏍️🛺🐏🇵🇭🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

I totally get what you are saying. You are in a fortunate position regarding your work so why wouldn't you choose to work on bikes that you love. Keep up the good work.

I have the new bsa. I am fully aware its not the same company. I doubt there are many buyers that do. What i like is 650 single. General comfort and looks mimicking classics. Its a nice bike. I also have a 55 matchless. Love that. But the old names sell bikes. New 400 triumph people seem to be going mad for. If it said bajaj on tank would they create the interest they do. Be a good bike though. The bikes i.m not keen on are the ones with all the complex suspension electronics and adaptive cruise etc. Each to their own. I.ve been into bikes most of my life and i think there is more choice now than there ever was. And i love old plodders like the amc .s too.

Good video, I know how you feel do like my 2017 Bullet but love the BSA Royal Star 1967. Had a go in the new BSA badge enjoyed the spin but not my cup of tea same for the RE twins.

I'm quite a bit like you in having no interest in modern machines, but I do like V-twins, so my newest bike is a 1987 Harley I haven't ridden for quite a few years, then a 1980 Ducati, which I haven't ridden in 15 years, my usual rides are a ratty 1960 Norton Dominator with an Atlas 750 engine and a 1933 Brough Superior 11-50, I have several other bikes mostly from the 50s but not all are on the road and I can do almost all the work on them myself and enjoy it.

Just had another thought to what you said at the end. I wonder if Royal Enfield hadn’t carried on with the their bikes, maybe all new bikes would be variable height inlet track/slipper/assist/GPS/USB/fully plastic covered/impossible to work on/all look the same models. Yamaha has just introduced five new bikes. Different sizes, apparently aimed at different people, but all five look the same!

Somebody the same as me, I know exactly we’re you’re coming from Michael

most of the reasons i bought a new royal enfield gt650 2 years ago, i can service it, fix it, it looks like a real bike to me, it has all the performance i need

Just checked out cb250 east Hondas. Lots of bits and only about three bikes. C15? Lots of bits and tons of bikes. And the Ed was a cracking bike, way better than a dream imo

well done paul, i think you might enjoy a yamaha xs650 twin nice bike

In the past motorcycles were made to be repaired with a couple of spanners and a flat screwdriver . As a case in point have a look at a pre unit Triumph twin engine of the 50's and 60' Simple and brilliant . Notwithstanding the engineering today is fantastic but don't think that you can do much with them in your mothers kitchen !

I like something easy to work on .never rode a bike that wasn't scary at the ton mark

I acquired my sense of motorcycle aesthetics from my father

hi Paul I understand ya very well and a man with logic I think me and you would get on like a house on fire, and I'd learn a lot to boot anyway take care Paul.

I fully understand I have 3 bikes always seem to end up up going out on my 350 Enfield many thousands done

The old bikes are rebuidable for ever. Newer bike are built in the Japanese method where everything is spinning in bare aluminum. No bushes or bearings.All of my Hondas died from the cam chain breaking and destroying the engine. I have had my Sportster for 25 years and 400,000 miles on the original engine. It's outlasted all of my Honda's put together. Today's motorcycles are not rebuidable. When my Hondas failed it was catastrophic engine failure you couldn't fix it. All the old bikes are reliable and dependable transportation as well as rebuidlable forever. New bikes are not going to last 60-70 years. The SVM Stormbreaker is an exception because it's a copy of the EVO Sportster. Since it's a top of the line motorcycle the quality is much better than a cheap little 250. Parts and accessories for them are abundant and I hope that many people will be introduced to the pleasure of having a EVO Sportster. I have had my Sportster for 25 years and 400,000 miles on the original engine. I have had my Triumph Tr-6 with a hard tail and magneto for 40 years. Modern motorcycles don't have this kind of longevity. You can also service them easily not like today's motorcycles that you can not even change a spark plug w/o removeing tons of plastic panels. The new ones are all ugly as sin.

Good on ya. Wish more people were so honest. But i think you missed out by not buying the mk1 speed triple. I've put over 40000 miles on mine and not one breakdown. Got a 1952 350 competition Ajay as well that lets you know that your really riding a bike. 👍

Well put Paul.

I would imagine a gareli tiger would probably be quicker than a fizzy too.

... Now if they started to remake the 500cc DBD34 in India....

Great to see you looking and sounding so Chipper Paul :) You never seem to mention AJS or Matchless, am not sure how close as companies they werre, but they were lovely bikes. I am from that era and sometimes I'll stop off at Newlands corner just outside Guildford on the A25 and have a shufty at some of the lovelies there. You would like it, although I have been there since the fffking ULEZ BS started ! I always enjoy your videos on BSA's though Thanks :)

All my bikes are pre 1980. XT500, SR 500, TS185ER (all 1979) BSA Royal star 1970 & if you count my Heinkel Trojan 200 Bubblecar then that’s 1964.

I agree with just about all of that. I'm no speed freak, I don't remember ever riding above 70mph. 1980-ish would be my cut off date too. I struggle to recognise a lot of the newer models as motorcycles at all but I'm slightly more of a dinosaur than you.

I can give you a better? reason. I was at Honda back in the 1990s Service intervals 500km 1st service/ ( from memory so dont quote ! ) 5000 km odd for valve clearance check something like that THEN the cbr600 came out 1991 24 000 km valve clearance service MY job went out the window and I became a nothing more than a glorified oil changer technology has its place ...but TOO much technology is a pain in the arse Old "freddie dobbs " channel , brand new transalp 750 .. let battery voltage drop to 11? v bike wouldnt start .... My enfield the other day ..7 v and started just fine .... a while back the old amal carb FINALLY gave up the ghost ,,,so im running a 26mm Vm carb for a monkey bike 20 pound brand new , a touch of filing to get it to fit ,,and works a treat ,,until I refurbish the amal carb,, try that on ur transalp fuel injected nightmare !

Hi Why should you have to justify yourself to other people, what you like is your personal choice as is what you chose to do You carry on doing what makes you feel good and that is what matters

Like a fatty at weight-watchers 🎂 👀 I can't get enough Carbs 😮 Injection has the same appeal as 'Sugar Free' 😢 🥤🚫

Real motorcycles need mechanics, the new stuff has technicians!!!

Hi Paul Good vid How about showing us your Suzuki