What is the oldest bike that is modern day practical?

[oldbike54]

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. 

 

 I was simply responding to your statement that a Superhawk was the first reliable motorcycle . You are aware that RE Fulton rode a '29 model Douglass L Twin around the world , right ?

 Dusty

[Kiwi_Roy]

The first Rapides were built from 1936 until '39 , although not in any real quantities . With modern bushings in all pivot points , and modern brake linings , a guy could ride one in modern traffic . They are high effort for certain , and the suspension and brakes would feel dated .

 Dusty

They do have twin drums on the front although cable operated.
I hear you about the bushes the Comet I had all of those were sloppy although it was the pins corroded away, electrolysis I think.
One thing they have magnetto ignition, they don't have a key so easily stolen if you know how to kickstart a bike.
(this goes against Richard Thompsons song, I don't know what keys he handed her lol) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0kJdrfzjAg

[Matt Story]

I'm going to add a vote for the Honda CB bikes.  It was the first thing that came to mind when I finally looked into this old thread.  I've had a 350, 550 and 750.  All had the famous reliability.  The 350 and 550 would be a little light on top speed cruising for anything but the shortest commutes.  I am a bit biased and a bit less experienced (younger) than most here so I don't have first hand experience with any older bikes.  It does look as if someone took tally of all the responses, there would be a clear front runner.

[JukeboxGothic]

 Lots of reliable bikes pre Superhawk but you had to spend your weekends working on them. Im currently up to my elbows in the guts of a 1963 Honda Cb72. Its like a Swiss watch inside and though its been hammered mercilessly still shows next to no wear. I changed the "strange" centrifugal oil filter for a paper filter kit from a tuner in Italy who also does some pretty nice oil cooler kits and large pump conversions. I also threw away the ignition system and replaced it with an electronic system From Charlies place along with a pair of Dyna coils. Changed to a modern reg rec as well. Brakes are good commensurate with the light weight of the bike. Also converted to LED lights. Get a good one and they are lovely. Get a bad one and they can be a nightmare. But you can get most parts and there are plenty still to be unearthed. 

Ive owned 2 R90s's and when I was younger they were my only bikes. Used them as daily commuters and were totally reliable. Brakes are probably getting a bit marginal now. Back then though they were pretty cheap bikes. Um not so much now. Ive commuted on a Jota as well.

 http://www.cappellinimoto.it/?language=en

[oldbike54]

They do have twin drums on the front although cable operated.
I hear you about the bushes the Comet I had all of those were sloppy although it was the pins corroded away, electrolysis I think.

 That was a common problem , modern bushes and rebuilt pins can make a Brampton or Girdraulic fork work fairly well . In fact both of those designs are stiffer than early tube style forks . Vinnie brakes are better than a 4 leading shoe design , more progressive . Then there is that hammer of the gods engine .

 Dusty

[JoeKirby]

I did years on a 1978 Bonneville as a daily driver, year round.  I didn't know enough that it wasn't good.  Won't do that again - who thought chrome brake discs was a good idea?

[Moparnut72]

I bought the first R75/5 that came to Denver. I put down a deposit when it was first announced and waited months for it. I put almost 100,000 pretty much trouble free miles on it. It did have a few teething pains in the early days but overall it was a good bike. I up graded a number of years later to a R90/6 mainly for the disc brake and the 5 speed transmission. Also the first /5's were over geared  and had the short frame so the /6 was a vast improvement so that is why I suggested the /6. I have no experience with MGs from those days although a road tested a MG at the time I bought the /5. I am not sure what model it was but I remember that I liked it but the BMW was more sporty. I was young in those days. I think a lot of bikes from that era would fit the bill.
kk

[SmithSwede]

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...

I had a 1982 Suzuki GS1100E back in that day.  Holy Cow!  That bike easily satisfies my defined criteria.   Heck, I’d be tempted to buy another one.

Lots of folks say Honda CB750.   Fair point.    And I agree since I had a mid-70s CB-500F that would satisfy the criteria.   Brakes a bit soft, but if someone gave me a good one I’d commute on it for sure.

I’m not seeing anything from the ‘30s or ‘40s.  Or really the ‘50s either.

Maybe the transition point really is late ‘60s.  And we are definitely in the zone by the mid-70s with Honda 4 cylinders, BMW airheads, Guzzis.

[MMRanch]

When ever we went from points to HEI is as far back as I would want to go.   

I had to look-up the Honda Cb72 from 1963 to see what it was .   I was 10 years old and my cousin had one of them , it was the first bike I remember ridding on that was in 1968 and it made a lifetime impression on me.
Seeing the picture of it made me want one of them , at the time his friend had a 305 so he had the hots for a 305 . 

My 1971 Yamaha 650 twin had points and was a very like-able bike !   My friend with a 750 Honda would have to down-shift when I rolled the throttle in 5th gear and pulled away from him.    He would fall behind on top end too when I'd lay down on the tank and let it run.  I don't run past a hundred much anymore though , and that's OK ! 



   

[chuck peterson]

Eye candy...

Just looking..

https://hartford.craigslist.org/mcy/d/goshen-honda-cb750-k1/7066184765.html

[SIR REAL ED]

When ever we went from points to HEI is as far back as I would want to go.   

I had to look-up the Honda Cb72 from 1963 to see what it was .   I was 10 years old and my cousin had one of them , it was the first bike I remember ridding on that was in 1968 and it made a lifetime impression on me.
Seeing the picture of it made me want one of them , at the time his friend had a 305 so he had the hots for a 305 . 

My 1971 Yamaha 650 twin had points and was a very like-able bike !   My friend with a 750 Honda would have to down-shift when I rolled the throttle in 5th gear and pulled away from him.    He would fall behind on top end too when I'd lay down on the tank and let it run.  I don't run past a hundred much anymore though , and that's OK ! 

If I look at your signature, the Suzuki Savage/Boulevard S40 also belongs on the list.  Very underrated bikes, just like the Suzuki DR 650.  Anyone who has not tried out either bike should do so.  Big old style air cooled thumper pushes the nostalgia button (at least a little for some) with modern brakes and electronics, but not yet to the era of EFI.

Just about any bike with electronic ignition, front disc brake, and 30 rear wheel horsepower would make my list.

[s1120]

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

OMG I loved the self cancelling turn singles!! Really why dont other bikes have as good a system so many years later??  Mine was geared a little steeper. I rode mostly mountan roads, and around town, so I needed a little more ommph from a stop to get my fat but moving!!  She was a fun ride, and I kinda wish I kept it stashed in a corner insted of selling it WAY too cheap 10 years ago!! 

[maquette]

1996 Honda ST1100. Twenty four years old is enough.

[Sheepdog]

I’m not seeing anything from the ‘30s or ‘40s.  Or really the ‘50s either.

Maybe the transition point really is late ‘60s.  And we are definitely in the zone by the mid-70s with Honda 4 cylinders, BMW airheads, Guzzis.

The BMW R69 entered production in 1955.

[oldbike54]

The BMW R69 entered production in 1955.

 I co-owned a '55 model R50 , a survivor motorbike purchased when it was about 40 years old . The 500 would cruise at a comfortable 60 MPH , a bit more if needed . The top speed was maybe 80 MPH , but with the worn out suspension getting near that speed became exciting 

 There were two friends who attended the MGNOC meetings that Shorty held here in Muskogee 20 years ago , one rode an Eldo , the other a '68 model R69S , we would see them together all over the area , maybe Shorty has some pictures , dunno .

 Dusty

[Lannis]

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

I've had a Beemer and I've had a Loopframe, and every once in a while (because they suit my riding style well), I have a desire to get a R50/2 or R60/2 or an R50/5 .... but when I get ready to pull the trigger, I always think "A V700 has just as much coolness and panache and character, but is a WAY better bike in every measurable way" and start thinking Guzzi again ....

Lannis

[Sheepdog]

I already did the classic BMW thing. It was really fun and the bike was remarkably competent, but I’m doubling down on the old Britbike thing now. Wouldn’t you know it, I get a call from a local pal about a mint 1976 R90/6. “How much,” I ask. “4,500 bucks,” Fred replies...



Arrgg!

[Ncdan]

To be realistic, for me it would be any bike that one can get all the parts that is crucial for the bike to function as designed and the Ability to do any work necessary or in my case have access to that personal mechanic.

[MMRanch]

SIR REAL ED

Your right about the S-40/Savage from Suzuki .   Started in the USA in 1984 and is still in production.  I ride mine to South Texas from Tennessee every year .    Takes two days to get there for me , but its right at 1000 miles one way .    Last year day one was to the end of the Natchez Trace , day two Natchez to San Antonia .
Running 75 MPH is no problem but 85 is getting buzzy.   
My longest day on the S-40 was a 835 mile day but I wouldn't want two of them in a roll.   The fuel tank is too small but the bike/motor is plenty capable.   It only weighs 385 lbs , I've never lost a slow race while ridding it ! 
 
Yearly dose of the Twisted Sisters !   

[SmithSwede]

The BMW R69 entered production in 1955.

Stunning bike.   

[wirespokes]

A '76 R90 was my first BMW 30 years ago. Very dependable, and parts are everywhere. Guzzi parts (especially used parts) aren't anywhere near as accessible. And there are more places that know them and work on them, and definitely more dealers across the map. If you do your own work - and that's the thing with an older bike, you really need to be able to work on it yourself - then getting parts isn't a big deal since mail order is probably the best way to go. I have a dealer 15 miles away but I preferred mail order because the dealer never carried parts for the older machines so I'd still have to wait. And then I'd have to drive over to pick up the parts rather than pull them out of the mailbox.

A 90S is more valuable so I wouldn't tend to use as a commuter, partly my concern about being unattended in the weather all day. The only thing the 90S has over the 90/6 is the dual discs, but the /6 can be upgraded, and they do very well with good pads and the smaller 14mm master cylinder.

I'd think an older Guzzi would fit the criteria as well as the /5 or /6.

[bacongrease]

 It would be hard to beat a sohc Honda.  I have 3 750s, my fave is 71K.  Plenty of parts available when needed.  I stuck a cam in, it sounds knarley.

.

[siabeid]

It seems that the general consensus is that for modern traffic you need to be able to run at 75 or 80 mph, and you need disc brakes. I agree, though the 4ls brake on my Eldo works quite a bit better than you might expect. That pretty much puts us into the 70's. Since this is a Guzzi forum, what I don't understand is all of the love being shown to Beemers, Hondas, etc. and hardly a mention of Guzzis. There was one mention of a t3, but no replies.  You claim to like Guzzis and you want an old bike from the 70's that can function in modern traffic? Get a t3! I have had a t3 for 20 years. I ride it all over the PNW. For quite awhile it was my "main bike". If I didn't have a whole fleet, and had to go back to only one bike, it would be my " main bike" again. It has 3 Brembo disc brakes that still work quite well. Not as good as my Griso, but probably better than anything else from 1976. I put Wirth fork springs, FAC dampers,  a Tarrozi fork brace and SP handlebars on the front and Hagon shocks on the rear. I always run Avon Road Rider tires. It handles fantastic for a bike of that period.   About 18 or 19 years ago, I put on a Dyna ignition. It has NEVER left me stranded and has been as reliable as my Toyota, with very minimal work done to it. It is not going to win drag races, but get it going and it will run 75 or 80 mph all day long, day in and day out, getting 48 mpg.  Though I prefer riding back roads, I have ridden it the 350 miles or so to Seattle on I 90 on numerous occasions, and run it up I 5 the 80 miles or so to Bellingham.  That means running 80 miles an hour, in heavy, crazy traffic. Often in hard rain. It does it with no drama and no fuss. It is easy to work on and parts are readily available. I had a r75/6 for a bit. It was a very nice bike, and I can appreciate why people like them. Compared to the t3, though,  it was quite boring. The t3 is faster, handles better, stops way better, is more comfortable, and in my experience, easier to work on and more reliable. The /6 was lighter and more "flickable", but that was about the only place that I found the BMW to be superior to the Guzzi.

[jas67]

While many earlier BMWs could be practical daily riders, I consider the pre 1970 BMW's to be too collectable to want to do that from a money stand point.

The 1970-1995 "Airhead" BMWs stand out as likely the most practical vintage bikes to use as a daily rider.     I would also add that pretty much any v-twin Guzzi (1968 and newer shaft drive, not talking about the 135-degree Bicilindrica racer from the 1930's) would also fit the bill.

In both cases, parts are readily available, both are simple and robust designs with shaft driven drivetrains.

While I know that drum brakes can be setup to work reasonably well, I'd want to go with discs up front.    It isn't hard to retrofit a pair modern four piston calipers  to either the BMW's or Guzzis when starting with a disc brake model.   There are even adapters available form the /6 "swinging" caliper front ends.

My Eldorado, R90S, and R75/5 are all running stock points setups, but, if I was using any of them as a daily drive, I'd surely go electronic ignition to reduce maintenance. 

[chuck peterson]

Still no consensus on anything before BMW /2 and Guzzi V700. I've had both and hands down the guzzi wins..I thought the question was for something earlier..Cannonball Run style

https://newhaven.craigslist.org/mcy/d/westport-1925-henderson-deluxe/7063890206.html

[Chuck in Indiana]

I had a r75/6 for a bit. It was a very nice bike, and I can appreciate why people like them. Compared to the t3, though,  it was quite boring. The t3 is faster, handles better, stops way better, is more comfortable, and in my experience, easier to work on and more reliable.

I've had a Beemer and I've had a Loopframe, and every once in a while (because they suit my riding style well), I have a desire to get a R50/2 or R60/2 or an R50/5 .... but when I get ready to pull the trigger, I always think "A V700 has just as much coolness and panache and character, but is a WAY better bike in every measurable way" and start thinking Guzzi again ....

That has been my experience with 70s bikes, too. I don't get all the love for the old Beemers. Sure, they are "pretty." Ride them back to back, though.. and the Guzzi wins every time. Gimme a Tonti, any Tonti. 
Of course, YMMV, and that's why they make all kinds.

[Big_Jim59]

My first bike, when I got back in to motorcycles was a 1973 Norton Commando. I rode that bike as my daily rider and my only bike for years. It was not unreliable but I could never trust it fully. A broken engine mounting bolt necessitated a call to my wife to bring the truck. A generous oil leak prompted the same. I kept up with the maintenance but it was difficult. I finally got a Honda VFR800 so I could ride more than wrench.

I saw an article in a national motorcycle magazine. One of the editors was a Velocette aficionado. His bike had been updated and upgraded and was as good as he could make it. On the way back from an event, at highway speeds,  the crankcase casting split. It dawned on me that while I might build a bike to a high standard ultimately you are fighting old manufacturing processes, metal fatigue and possibly substandard materials. I knew in my heart of hearts that I could never get my Norton to reliably perform like a modern Honda.

[Moparnut72]

I couldn't recommend a Guzzi because I don`t have any past experience with them.I felt I could only go with what I know and from the era that fits the bill there are only few that I know well enough. That includes three BMW's that I owned and a few bikes that friends have had. The Yamaha XS650 is a good bike which mostly measures up but the vibration eliminates for me.  An Evolution Sportster is good but I think it is probably too new. An Iron Head, not so much. There are some others but not even worth mentioning. I have always had a soft spot for Guzzis but have never owned one until this past July..
kk

[wicks]

Le Mans - fast, disk brakes, good handling, good looks

[jim_W]

  I guess I've owned and ridden nearly every major brand in the last 60 years.  I don't think anything older than the 83 Honda GL 650 would work for me today.  Even then I would hesitate to do some of the trips I do today.  As I age I find out I would rather be riding instead of working on my bikes. I wouldn't do extended road trips on anything older than an ST1100 today and they were made between  1993 and 2002. I guess that makes them old now too. The old bikes we recall with so many fond memories really where not that great. We were just younger then. I can't recall any that were really bad but none of the older bikes compare to what is out there today.  I love old bikes and old pickup trucks but I want something more modern for today's traffic.