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Apr 25, 2007 19:48:20 GMT
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Hi guys.
Opinions wanted please.
At what point does enough become enough in using your retro daily?
My bike hails from 1986 so not all that retro - 21yrs infact, but this last month it has been off the road three times with things going wrong. Not only that, but the condition of the bike, is at best "usable" (as those who have seen it will agree) - by that I mean its rusty. its starting on the corners of the front mudguard, looks to be away at the rear arch, and the sides panels have their fair share of grot.
it is however, my only mode of transport and I'm now faced with catching the bus tomorrow and not being able to get across to my girlfriends.
So, I'm wondering - Would it make more sense for me to get a more modern machine (say 94ish) and keep this one till I have the time and money to lavish it with some attention.
There are two problems with this plan.
1/ I'm tight and largely skint.
2/ I don't really like modern bikes.
My mileage should be understood too. My bike had done 13000 miles in 21yrs, and in the last 4 months has racked up nearly 3000 miles.
Or, should I toughen up, face the fact it breaks occasionally and just make sure I know the bus time table in case?
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Apr 25, 2007 19:57:52 GMT
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You do have a problem there young Norman
I would say it does sound like you have bonded.
What about finding a similar bike to replace the ailing one, thus keeping in the spirit of retroness??
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Apr 25, 2007 20:02:03 GMT
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 I reckon the best plan is to hurry up and pass your driving test so you can share the mileage between your retro bike and retro cars. 
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Darrel
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,167
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Apr 25, 2007 20:05:14 GMT
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What bike is it?
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Apr 25, 2007 20:10:10 GMT
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should I toughen up, face the fact it breaks occasionally and just make sure I know the bus time table in case? let's be honest - if it's old , it'll break occasionally welcome to the real world ;D if i was you (bearing in mind i've met your good lady...) i would learn the bus timetable... |
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stinkwheel
Posted a lot
Doctor Of Gonzo Journalism - One of gods own proptypes, never even considered for mass production.
Posts: 2,280
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Apr 25, 2007 20:13:32 GMT
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Mate, keep riding the bike, old stuff wears out, one of those things. Tell us what bike it is, some are easier then others to keep going  |
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1973 Citroen Dyane 6 1980 Citroen Acadiane
1992 Citroen AX 1990 Citroen BX
1997 Citroen XM 1993 Citroen BX
1997 Citroen Xantia 1977 Citroen Ami 8
1996 Ford Escort 1989 Citroen BX
1997 Suzuki RF900 1988 Yamaha TDR250
1979 Honda CB400.
'I need less vehicles'
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Apr 25, 2007 20:21:29 GMT
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Tell us what bike it is, some are easier then others to keep going i think it's an 'MZ' ?? could be wrong tho.. |
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Seth
South East
MorrisOxford TriumphMirald HillmanMinx BorgwardIsabellaCombi
Posts: 15,542
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Apr 25, 2007 20:30:01 GMT
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I've said before that I don't know bikes but I think my comments are applicable to anythign mechaincal. I doubt you would see a difference between running something 12 years old and something 21 years old. Both will need attention. Reliability is mostly about servicing and maintenance. If there are known weak areas on your current ride then sort them out so you know they're good. If a part is well known for wearing out or breaking keep the odd spare even if its a good second hand one rather than new. That way you don't have to wait for parts when it does give up, you can crack straight on with the jobn and get to your girlfriend's place just fine. |
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Follow your dreams or you might as well be a vegetable. |
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Apr 25, 2007 20:30:50 GMT
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yeah its an MZ 125 keep on riding it mate, it occasionally happens. and for the record, i had an uber-unreliable '92 suzy 125, biggest grin factor evAr but ended up walking home 13 miles on day when i should have walked the 3 remaining miles to tech old stuff breaks. tis the law. new stuff breaks too but. |
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stinkwheel
Posted a lot
Doctor Of Gonzo Journalism - One of gods own proptypes, never even considered for mass production.
Posts: 2,280
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Apr 25, 2007 20:33:37 GMT
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MZ, christ mate. Keep it.
Cheap as chips to fix. Can still buy whole bikes for less than 3 figures.
Easy to fix being 2 stroke, strip and rebuild top end in an hour. Whole engine out in 30 mins.
Keep it.
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1973 Citroen Dyane 6 1980 Citroen Acadiane
1992 Citroen AX 1990 Citroen BX
1997 Citroen XM 1993 Citroen BX
1997 Citroen Xantia 1977 Citroen Ami 8
1996 Ford Escort 1989 Citroen BX
1997 Suzuki RF900 1988 Yamaha TDR250
1979 Honda CB400.
'I need less vehicles'
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Apr 25, 2007 20:40:54 GMT
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I doubt you would see a difference between running something 12 years old and something 21 years old. Both will need attention. Reliability is mostly about servicing and maintenance. If there are known weak areas on your current ride then sort them out so you know they're good. amen |
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1941 Wolseley Not Rod - 1956 Humber Hawk - 1957 Daimler Conquest - 1966 Buick LeSabre - 1968 Plymouth Sport Fury - 1968 Ford Galaxie - 1969 Ford Country Squire - 1969 Mercury Marquis - 1970 Morris Minor - 1970 Buick Skylark - 1970 Ford Galaxie - 1971 Ford Galaxie - 1976 Continental Mark IV - 1976 Ford Capri - 1994 Ford Fiesta
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Apr 25, 2007 20:57:11 GMT
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And if necessary, go the rat bike route.
As bits break, find something stronger from something tougher and weld, bolt or tie that on instead. Oh and the still warm fleece from a recently deceased sheep is an obligatory seat cover.
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Rob M
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,915
Club RR Member Number: 41
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Daily Retro DilemmaRob M
@zeb
Club Retro Rides Member 41
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Apr 25, 2007 21:14:51 GMT
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Speaking as someone who is currently running a 96 Chavalier SRI and soon to be collected Scimitar I have to be honest and say that, generally, new cars are inherently more reliable than old. Ive owned brand new cars and have had no real gripes.
In saying all this my Chavalier was bought for £400, has done 136,000 miles, ive had to use it to commute some 4000 miles in a few months and she has done it all without drama.
I no bog all about bikes but is it possible to get an older bike in tip top condition that would be cheap due to their lack of popularity?
In car terms, to buy a 30,000 mile from new, one owner, always garaged MK1 Escort would cost thousands, the same condition Allegro would be lucky to make a grand.
Food for thought?
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Apr 25, 2007 21:19:01 GMT
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Aye. MZ TS125. I've looked at getting a 250 but insurance doubles so I didn't. Just renewed Third Party Only with Legal Cover : £220.  Seen there on Sunday in Great Ayton. Took the girlfriend down to North-Yorkshire. Not the best machine for two up traveling. Its probably worth noting that both rear shockers are blown and the front fork seals are gone too. Also, rear tyre probably won't last longer than a year (but thats probably got something to do with my riding ) You're right though. Unless you machine is a spanker then it's going to need attenion. I clean the plug occasionally, and grease the cables once in a while, but apart from that, there isn't a lot to do is there? Its stuff like the chain will need replacing soon, and the cables are all a bit tired. Thing is, right now, thats all money I don't have. Grr. Anyhoo, adviced listened to. MZ is staying. |
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Apr 25, 2007 21:20:17 GMT
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www.ratbike.org/always a good source of inspiration keep the bike, don't go modern, advertise in the yellow paper for more MZs to take away for scrap = free transport. An the TS is retro,IMO, its a 1986 example of a 1960's design (adapted from a 1930s design).
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To get a standard A40 this low, you'd have to dig a hole to put it in |
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Apr 25, 2007 21:22:45 GMT
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keep it buy a scooter for daily
pass your test i have a nice (retro) 600 you can buy (if i don't decide to keep it)
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2001 HONDA CT110 (NOT RCV)
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Apr 25, 2007 21:23:18 GMT
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yeah. I read all about MZs in a book recently. Great stuff. The ETZs are probably about as modern as I'd like to go with MZ. We do have a spares bike that we bought for £60 which has proved invaluable spares |
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Apr 25, 2007 21:27:01 GMT
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pass your test I have a nice (retro) 600 you can buy (if I don't decide to keep it) test is passed |
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Apr 25, 2007 21:28:11 GMT
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2001 HONDA CT110 (NOT RCV)
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Apr 25, 2007 21:34:04 GMT
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that Skorpion is horrible. Its ugly and doesn't even have an MZ engine. Doesn't do anything for me. This is the only modern bike I'd like:  I've been yearning after some mid 70s perforamce J stuff recently... |
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I reckon the best plan is to hurry up and pass your driving test so you can share the mileage between your retro bike and retro cars. 
