Brit bike basics???

[philos1]

As I've only ever had Japanese bikes, I hardly know ANYTHING about British bikes. ??? ??? ??? Still I would like to find one for a project.

I'm thinking one of the following as they seem to be easier to find parts for, etc...

BSA - 650 (no idea about models, etc.)
Norton Comando 750
Triumph T-120/140, etc.


SO... what do I avoid?
What do I jump on?
What's all the fuss with "unit" motors versus "pre-unit"?

I'm confused


thanks in advance,
a humble Brit noob.

 

[Terry]

Ah, the siren song of brit bike addiction! Years ago, in another lifetime, I had Triumph 650 Tiger and ever so often I get the jitters for another one. But the Amal carbs were shit, it leaked oil like a sieve, and it was an absolute bitch to start, but when it was on the road it was glorious. I now have a '72 Yamaha 650 twin roadster that I've brit biked up a bit to almost give me that feeling again that I'm 20 years old and bullet proof. Unit construction refers to the engine and transmission being one unit or casting as most modern bikes are, in pre-unit the engine and trans are totally separate from each other. This type of engine construction started in the brit bikes around the early 60's or late 50's. Triumph's are long stroke engines, so they rev slower and produce their power lower in the rev range unlike BSA's which were short stroke engines so they revved quicker, power was higher in the rev range, and vibrated more. Earlier in the 60's BSA frames were welded construction, as opposed to Triumph's lug and brazed method, so they were stiffer and many considered them to be slightly better handling frames. This brought about the TriBsa aother specials such as the Triton and Norvin. If you're really interest in getting a brit bike there are tons of information on them on the internet, or join a brit bike forum, or I'm sure there are others on this forum that are far better informed than I am on this subject. It certainly is fascinating to explore this subject. Attached is a picture of one of my favorite bikes, this pre-unit 1957 BSA just looks right.

Terry
J'ville, Fl

 

[Terry]

Oh, here's another of one of my favorites.

Terry
J'ville, Fl.

 

[philos1]

Outstanding! I wiki searched some of the bikes, but I really only got more confused as that's really a model description for the most part.

I guess I can live with little leaks and idiosyncrasies as long as I can get to something sorta solid. Seems like there are lots of well built older British bikes around, so maybe with some newer technology and maintenance I could have a decent rider.
I've already heard about the crap Amals as well as Lucas electronics, so I would likely be modifying to newer/more reliable bits.

any more info from anyone would be greatly appreciated ;D

 

[convict]

I ride a triump - expect old guys to come over and chat endlessly for hours. everywhere i go . what is kinda cool thou is that everybody loves the triumph none of that HD vs the world crap. i rode thro a huge pack of hd riders and to my surprise many gave the thumbs up. sport riders see the bike as dinosaurs but all recognise that my bonnie really is just an early edition of what they are riding so most are cool.