Where are all the Brit bikes?

What am I missing? Looks like a generally civil discussion related to the original post.
 
I really want to find a 68' BSA to restore with my old man. His was destroyed when a buddy of his was towing it on a trailer and fell asleep at the wheel. He flipped the trailer and My dads bike and his friends bike were completely totaled. Anyone know where would be the best area of the country to look for one in halfway decent shape?
 
68 is a coveted year (kind of like the XS). The best place to find them in the U.SM is in the upper Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Wisco). Try the swap meets in Woodstock
 
Well I'm not really sure. It must be a 650CC with 2 carburetors. My dad had a 66 as well and he always complained about it having a dry shut rectifier under the seat or something and he had to relocate it. he sold it and bought the 68 brand new. Something about the 68 had a different charging system and started easier and didn't eat batteries as bad. I'm not sure what he was talking about I've never messed around with Brit bikes and the bike was wrecked before I was born so idk. Do you guys know anything about that rectifier issue? I'm wanting to find one and surprise him with a winter project for his 68th birthday this fall just thought it would be cool to find a 68 BSA for his 68th birthday.
 
whataulooknat said:
Well I'm not really sure. It must be a 650CC with 2 carburetors. My dad had a 66 as well and he always complained about it having a dry shut rectifier under the seat or something and he had to relocate it. he sold it and bought the 68 brand new. Something about the 68 had a different charging system and started easier and didn't eat batteries as bad. I'm not sure what he was talking about I've never messed around with Brit bikes and the bike was wrecked before I was born so idk. Do you guys know anything about that rectifier issue? I'm wanting to find one and surprise him with a winter project for his 68th birthday this fall just thought it would be cool to find a 68 BSA for his 68th birthday.
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I used a Boyer power unit. Two wires out of my alternator, into the Boyer and two wires out of the Boyer into the fuse box. No problems, reliable, inexpensive. Can even run no battery if you wish (I don't recommend.)
 
Yeah, we generally redo electrics. One of the best ignitions now is Pazon. Cheaper and better than Boyer. Something 70 or earlier would do you, but those are the most collectible. Personally, the 72 and newer are better bilkes for reliability, but a bit different due to the frame design.
 
well the look and feel of the bike is the most important thing so i guess I'll just try to keep an eye out for any mid to late 60's model. I guess I didn't even think to realize that we have alternatives for the old ignition technology now a days.
 
My old man is pretty old school with bikes but I'm sure he'll like the new ignition systems way better once he see's how they run. Thanks for the advice everyone
 
whataulooknat said:
My old man is pretty old school with bikes but I'm sure he'll like the new ignition systems way better once he see's how they run. Thanks for the advice everyone
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Electronic ignition isn't really necessary. There are areas to improve and areas that putting new parts in old designs will improve it. I've run pint style ignitions on many old cars and I've never had issues with them despite everybody telling me I should convert to electronic ignition. I have seen the "ultra reliable" Boyer ignitions fail.
As far as ignition systems go I favour Hunt magnetos.
 
I noticed this weird fellow passing me on the road today (I was in my truck) and I thought "It's kinda weird to ride in a sweater vest". Thats when I heard the sound and knew it was something special. So after some fancy driving I managed to get beside him and lo and behold its a Royal Enfield! Not a Indian Enfield as I first thought cus they are sold at a dealership in Rockland. An honest to god royal enfield. It wss beautiful! I shouted "Thats a nice fucking bike" at the guy and he thanked me.

But why was he wearing a sweater vest?
 
I was thinking the same thing. He was also driving so slowly that he was impeding traffic. I literally had to pull over to get him to pass me. those bullets cant be that gutless!

But god what a sound!
 
There is an independent chopper shop down the road that is now selling RE's. This was the first time i had a chance to see the new unit singles close up. Very nice looking bikes and looks to be much better fit and finish compared to the last time they sold RE's in Canada in the mid 90's. The Military bike looks especially cool in it's flat olive green. That being said, I can not justify the $7000 price tag.
 
I hear ya, thats just way too much. If I had that much money for some new/old bike I would probably get a Ural for winter driving. Imagine ripping through snowbanks downtown in a snowstorm in a sidecar rig! Or I would get a more go fast classic brit bike.
 
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