What is the oldest bike that is modern day practical?

[Scud]

There were other good bikes before, but to live in the modern world, with the speeds, and bad drivers, the power, brakes, and not having to fiddle around with it, would make me chose the CB750.

This was my first thought as well. Then I thought about the CB500-Four. But they made so many CB 750s that parts (and donor bikes) are still easily sourced.

The R90s would be a good one too - but since it's kind of a collector bike, I would not personally want to make a daily driver (which would be my definition of modern-day practical).

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

This is a *very* subjective thing. For me.. no drum brake bike need apply. As Lannis mentioned, one hard stop and they're done..not to mention what they are like in the rain. Doesn't anyone else remember drum brakes in the rain? 
Japanese bikes with their "hinge in the middle" handling don't either, along with the "gummy cow" Beemers. I'm fully aware that I'm prejudiced, but 70s Guzzis, starting with the Disc Eldo would do it, although I prefer the Tontis.

Not only do I remember drum brakes in the rain, but get to experience it on a regular basis! The braking performance on my '69 V700 changes very little wet or dry, same thing with my '69 Ambassador over the past 23 years. The only time I ever had a problem was when in a huge traffic jam in Cumberland/LaVale, MD after a 100 car pile-up clogged I-68. That one time, the brakes became very grabby, but returned to normal after a few miles of dry running the next morning.

And one hard stop and they're done? I'd never ventures into the mountains of WV or any other place with twisty roads if that was the case.

Shoes relined with modern friction materials do make quite a difference.

A '67 V700 does just fine... 

[Lannis]

I do agree.  I daily rode a RD 400 for many years..  But it did have its shortcomings, ....

I rode a '76 RD400C for years myself, and unless the rose-tinting is really heavy, it didn't have very many shortcomings.

Nobody could fault the handling or braking even compared to a modern bike ... no maintenance to do except the chain, tires, and keep the injection oil topped up (at 1000 miles a quart, it "used" less oil than many four-strokes whose oil needs throwing away at changing time), no valves to adjust, no points to set or clean.

Cruised all day at 70 MPH at 5600 RPM or so, six speed so there's always a right gear, rubber mounted engine, no vibration, and the best self-cancelling turn signals I've ever used.   Light, easy to move around in the shop ....

I'm talking myself into another one here ....

Lannis

[JJ]

I owned and rode this 1978 Honda GL1000 for a few years...and it would easily be a reliable, practical daily driver.

[Sheepdog]

A BMW R69 or R69S (available from 1955-1969) is a great choice. Low vibration and sturdy construction preserve these machines very well. Maintenance is simple and must be performed often, but power and reliability is quite good. Parts and service talent are available. Brakes are full width alloy drums. Pagusa and Denfeld solo saddles that are available for these bikes are the most comfortable that I've used.


1967 BMW R69S with Sport tank, Pagusa saddle, bar-end indicators, and Enduro Side cases. 42 hp, 435 lbs dry. Note the hand air pump under the seat. Equipped with factory sidecar mounts and an Earles fork with trail adjustments.

Another choice are OHV Triumph and BSA twins from the sixties and seventies. They vibrate more than the Beemers, but have equal or better power and are very affordable to own. Parts are plentiful and components that hurt the reputation of the brands are now available in far better forms. Amal Premier or Mikuni carbs, electronic ignition, Hagon Shocks, o-ring chains, dynamically balanced cranks; all bring reliability and ease of maintenance. Go check out Big D Cycle in Dallas...they have lots of cool bikes to consider, a great service department, and parts. Brakes range from steel drum hubs to full width alloy drums to discs (in 1973).


1970 Triumph TR6R. Single carb, 650ccs, 42 hp, 385 lbs dry

Brough, Vincent's, and Nortons have become too expensive to use daily. Good luck, Prescott.

[LowRyter]

Yeah , try riding a 305 Honda at 75 MPH for 20 miles  I'll take the Vinnie or an R69S any day .

 Dusty

If you noticed, I mentioned Beemers.  So far as a Vincent, good luck starting it everyday and keeping it running.   It might be nice to live on a big hill to bump it?

I think the 305 will go 75 for 20 miles no problem, it might be better at 65 but it'll get there.  I think the Honda was the first bike that you know would start every day and not break down and had enough power to keep up with traffic. 

[oldbike54]

If you noticed, I mentioned Beemers.  So far as a Vincent, good luck starting it everyday and keeping it running.   It might be nice to live on a big hill to bump it?

I think the 305 will go 75 for 20 miles no problem, it might be better at 65 but it'll get there.

 Meh , Vinnies have huge support , they can be updated to pretty modern standards . Yeah , it takes some money and commitment , but seriously , try keeping a 1960's Honda running . We have a motorbike wizard here in Muskogee , he owns and rides everything from 1950's English bikes to fairly modern Japanese models . It is interesting to hear him talk about maintaining an early CB 750 as opposed to his Commando that has been updated . The Norton has one carburetor , the Honda has four , and he hates dealing with those four carburetors .

 Dusty

[tazio]

1970 Yamaha XS-1 650.
Nice simple two cylinder 4 stroke. Nice to look at too.
Maybe change sprocket teeth to accommodate higher freeway running.

[bobrebos]

I owned and rode this 1978 Honda GL1000 for a few years...and it would easily be a reliable, practical daily driver.

Nice bike!   

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

1970 Yamaha XS-1 650.
Nice simple two cylinder 4 stroke. Nice to look at too.
Maybe change sprocket teeth to accommodate higher freeway running.

I had two XS-2s. Vibration was an issue, even if geared taller it would still be at 70+.

[keuka4884]

If money is no object, just dreaming, I'd ride a 1939 big tank Crocker. Lousy brakes, I know, but it's a Crocker! And I ride comfortably so the Crocker fits the bill. The Crocker is as nice looking as any Vincent or Brough. Nice T shirts on the Crocker web site too.

[Moparnut72]

The R90S has been mentioned a couple of times. I would suggest an R90/6 instead. A more practical bike. Easily maintained and a very reliable bike. The only change I would make would be a better seat, the seats on my /5 and /6 were terrible. My /2 not so much. The over engineered throttle control on the handle bar also sucked. I would come up with something better for that, I didn't on mine but I would have liked the bike more if I had.
kk

[cliffrod]

My very nice R69S was fine or better at speed and stopping, but risking (funny, autocorrect just changed my "riding" to "risking" which is very appropriate) one in vigorous stop & go traffic makes it a huge fail.  Even in great tune, basic acceleration is inadequate.  Watch your mirror when the light turns green and you'll see nearly every new vehicle behind you have a quick-jerk OMG moment when they realize they're about to run over you because you can't get out of their way.

My 1974 FLH Shovelhead has f&r disc brakes with a post mounted seat and, in terms of unexpected mechanical issues needing parts, can be ridden with greater impunity than my drum 4 shoe V7 Sport.  I've deliberately kept both because I think they at the transition between old & cool and reliable & modern enough to actually use.   The Guzzi is much more sophisticated.  The shovel is a good basic machine.  Even if I had unlimited funds, I'd be more likely to keep them (and my 68 CT90) than replace any of them with something different.  They're perfect enough for me.

[Roebling3]

I used to have bmw's. I've had a number of Guzzi's in the last 20 years. They are more reliable - as are their owners. Thank you.
 
I've had some 2 strokes: RD350 x 2, Aprilia RS250, RG500 Gamma, 350 Bridgestone, 200/300cc Bultaco Metralla. LM1, LM 1000, VFR 800, V250 Suzuki, SV650S x 3.

Current: V7 III, Aprilia RS125, Daytona, Honda GB500TT, CX125 Gilera, RD400, Suzuki T500, V65 Lario, V50 III.
 
If you want arrive at your destination - on time - every time - with clean clothing and clean hands ride Japanese.
For serious cross country or everyday fun? I've had 3 SV650S's. In my view excellent mechanical & electrical systems & decent brakes. I always upgrade suspension frt. & rear and exhaust. IOW: Great sounds w/lower upkeep than a Ducati. R3~

[LowRyter]

Meh , Vinnies have huge support , they can be updated to pretty modern standards . Yeah , it takes some money and commitment , but seriously , try keeping a 1960's Honda running . We have a motorbike wizard here in Muskogee , he owns and rides everything from 1950's English bikes to fairly modern Japanese models . It is interesting to hear him talk about maintaining an early CB 750 as opposed to his Commando that has been updated . The Norton has one carburetor , the Honda has four , and he hates dealing with those four carburetors .

 Dusty

I thought we were talking old bikes, I didn't think it meant restomods.  Heck you could have an S&S knucklehead and make it a rider. 

From my memory, the Superhawk was the first bike that could be ridden all the time at 99% and not a care about it.  Oil, gas, tires, chain, points and valve adjustment.  Keep going.  That's the bike that put Honda on the map.  It was the first commuter bike in USA and more than able to keep up with traffic or leave a VW behind. 

The little 305 wasn't quite as fast as 650 Brit bike but it would get you there even if it was 10mph slower on the top end (and you can pass the Brit when he was broken down the road).  I don't see a problem with 75mph for 20 miles. Commute it, race it, scramble it, beat on it, it just kept going.

I think the Superhawk was the first bike to do it all.

[oldbike54]

I thought we were talking old bikes, I didn't think it meant restomods.  Heck you could have an S&S knucklehead and make it a rider. 

From my memory, the Superhawk was the first bike that could be ridden all the time at 99% and not a care about it.  Oil, gas, tires, chain, points and valve adjustment.  Keep going.  That's the bike that put Honda on the map.  It was the first commuter bike in USA and more than able to keep up with traffic or leave a VW behind. 

The little 305 wasn't quite as fast as 650 Brit bike but it would get you there even if it was 10mph slower on the top end (and you can pass the Brit when he was broken down the road).  I don't see a problem with 75mph for 20 miles. Commute it, race it, scramble it, beat on it, it just kept going.

I think the Superhawk was the first bike to do it all.

 The Superhawk would stay together at 75 , except the rider would have blurred vision from the vibration . A well set up 650 Brit bike was actually smoother at 65 than a Superhawk , with much better suspension . A neighbor in Nacogdoches who owned a Superhawk and a later CB 450 was always slightly surprised when we would swap bikes , he once said my TR6R was like a Cadillac compared to either of his Hondas . Hell , the '75 model XS 650 that a friend traded me out of shook like a paint shaker , I couldn't believe how badly it vibrated .

 Dusty

[Moparnut72]

My very nice R69S was fine or better at speed and stopping, but risking (funny, autocorrect just changed my "riding" to "risking" which is very appropriate) one in vigorous stop & go traffic makes it a huge fail.  Even in great tune, basic acceleration is inadequate.  Watch your mirror when the light turns green and you'll see nearly every new vehicle behind you have a quick-jerk OMG moment when they realize they're about to run over you because you can't get out of their way.

The power to weight ratio of a R90S is a lot better than a new FLH. It will run 0 to 60 4.8 seconds which is quick enough to stay well in front of most traffic except for muscle cars. I wouldn't use on for a daily driver though, too valuable. That is why I suggested an R90/6 just about the same except for the carburators. Actually the carburators on the R90's are too large as it is limiting low end torque and and the DelOrtos on the S are even larger.
kk

[Turin]

I'm going to go with a 1975 Guzzi 850 T-3. I used one as my daily driver/commuter/only vehicle for close to a decade. Mostly stock and somewhat neglected.
Other than crashes and a clutch that went out, it was stone reliable.

[acguzzi]

my issue with the 50s 60s 70s bikes was the lights, they had to be upgrade for freeway speed travel, and if you did that the generator struggled, nowadays you could fit modern lights with low consumption and power them with ease, so I would vote for an early disc brake bike with modern replacements for the incandescent bulbs.

[Ncdan]

upload images
I just got back from a 1200 mile trip on this 38 year old Honda CB1000, trouble free.

[BrotherJim]

A well sorted CB750KO, perhaps.

[tazio]

BMW R75/5
Mine dragged me to Mexico and back plus 600 miles a week to work and back for years.

[bodine99]

This is a very good all around going on 19 years of ownership.1976 R-75/6

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

my issue with the 50s 60s 70s bikes was the lights, they had to be upgrade for freeway speed travel, and if you did that the generator struggled, nowadays you could fit modern lights with low consumption and power them with ease, so I would vote for an early disc brake bike with modern replacements for the incandescent bulbs.

The 300 watt Marelli generator on a '67 V700 (or Bosch on later models) isn't going to "struggle" even with a 60/55 watt sealed beam. Back before LEDs were readily available, I ran a 60/55 halogen headlight and two 55 watt halogen driving lights on my Ambassadors without any charging system issues.

BMW R75/5
Mine dragged me to Mexico and back plus 600 miles a week to work and back for years.

If I hadn't ended up with Loopframe Guzzis, an R75/5 would have been my choice as well.

[LowRyter]

The Superhawk would stay together at 75 , except the rider would have blurred vision from the vibration . A well set up 650 Brit bike was actually smoother at 65 than a Superhawk , with much better suspension . A neighbor in Nacogdoches who owned a Superhawk and a later CB 450 was always slightly surprised when we would swap bikes , he once said my TR6R was like a Cadillac compared to either of his Hondas . Hell , the '75 model XS 650 that a friend traded me out of shook like a paint shaker , I couldn't believe how badly it vibrated .

 Dusty

The 450 was always a brute and known paint shaker. 

My point was the Superhawk was the first "modern bike".  The bike that put Honda on the map and got the average guy to commute on a motorcycle.  Buzz around town and take it on the highway.  It was first bike reliable enough that it could be the sole vehicle.  I can't think of an older bike than this one since it was the first modern bike.

[Two Checks]

Quote from: GeorgiaGuzzi on January 30, 2020, 11:18:37 PM

If I hadn’t run across my Quota I was looking at a 79-83 Suzuki GS1000/1100. Or a 76-78 goldwing. Any older and handling and brakes are too scary for what I like to do. Of course this is just my opinion, which I think smells like roses...

Why not a 75 Wing?

Lots of candidates. Old Panheads can do it though they have to be tinkered on a bit more.

Yeah the old Superhawks got a lot of folks on bikes but in 75-80 mph traffic the little Honda can't do it and stay together for long. The 60s Beemers and Guzzis fill the bill.

[cliffrod]

The power to weight ratio of a R90S is a lot better than a new FLH. It will run 0 to 60 4.8 seconds which is quick enough to stay well in front of most traffic except for muscle cars. I wouldn't use on for a daily driver though, too valuable. That is why I suggested an R90/6 just about the same except for the carburators. Actually the carburators on the R90's are too large as it is limiting low end torque and and the DelOrtos on the S are even larger.
kk

We had an excellent 1971(?) R75/5(?) at the shop that ping-ponged between the original owner (really good & anal mechanic at the shop at the time) and my best friend (owns the shop) for a few years.  During a weak moment, it was finally sold to an outsider and is now gone.  Great bike.  We still regularly regret that it got away.  It was an absolute night & day leap in technology over my R69S that I had at the same time- assumable just like BMW intended it to be.  I only rode it a few times so didn't have enough miles or other model experience to recommend it or any other BMW.  Never found an R90S deal that I had wanted for years to have one to ride & compare to both my R69S and V7 Sport.  Still, I would expect one of those /5 or /6 bikes could easily be a bike to fulfill this need.

My FLH is no drag race king, but it isn't as small & black invisible from the rear in traffic as a /2.  Being on a taller /5 or /6 would be another plus over a /2.

[oldbike54]

The 450 was always a brute and known paint shaker. 

My point was the Superhawk was the first "modern bike".  The bike that put Honda on the map and got the average guy to commute on a motorcycle.  Buzz around town and take it on the highway.  It was first bike reliable enough that it could be the sole vehicle.  I can't think of an older bike than this one since it was the first modern bike.

 BMW was building really reliable easy to service bikes by 1950 , the 4 cylinder Nimbus was known to be very practical , as were the boxer Zundaps.  The Superhawk might have been the first readily available motorbike that was practical , but it wasn't the first reliable motorbike . Heck , there were people in England in the 1920's who rode Scott Flying Squirrels as basic transportation .

 Dusty

[Furbo]

Eldo - first choice.  I take mine to work on I 14 regularly.

R90/6. Always liked these.

Late 70's Gold Wing - must be well sorted, but once there, it's good.

CB 750 - early 70s are a sweet bit of coin now....

 

[LowRyter]

BMW was building really reliable easy to service bikes by 1950 , the 4 cylinder Nimbus was known to be very practical , as were the boxer Zundaps.  The Superhawk might have been the first readily available motorbike that was practical , but it wasn't the first reliable motorbike . Heck , there were people in England in the 1920's who rode Scott Flying Squirrels as basic transportation .

 Dusty

OK,  now you're naming other bikes?   Keep a Nimbus running.  A Flying freaking Squirrel?  I'll stick with the first "modern motorcycle" as the oldest bike to be practical per the subject. 

The Superhawk. 

I think it will even cross the country.  Maybe someone should write a book about that.