Hitchcocks Forum

Hi all.

New to the forum and hoping for some good advice.

I am looking out for a classic Royal Enfield, circa around 1940's, a proper old school classic.

A lot are excellent runners in great condition, but for a motorcycle the same age as my dad, I bet no matter what, at least once a month I'll find myself at the side of the road tinkering to try and get it started again, or wheeling it home on foot...

Regarding amount of use- I would use her to visit friends or the odd trip here and there every week, but not a daily runner or long distance thing.

I am not exactly mechanically minded, but very practical, I can get the youtube videos and owners manuals up and get greasy no problem, but also see there are owners club reps where I live for advice etc in Edinburgh.

Are bikes this age and quality more of a museum piece for at most the very occasional Sunday drive to get the papers? Or could I get practical use out of her with a tune up every 3 - 6 months?

I would only buy a really nice excellent clean runner, for what that can indicate for a machine of this age. (1940's - 50's)

Thank you very much for any info.

Hello matey !!-------- I think a Model C or CO would fit the bill !! Have a look at this >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> http://www.cmvmag.co.uk/features/66-roy ... c-and-wdco -------------- There are others ( The Flying Flea is at the other end of the scale).................. You have a near neighbour SOFIASPIN over in the Glasgow area, plus a few others North of the Border to call on..............

As Alan says, a WD/CO (ohv 350 girder/rigid) would fit the bill. Properly rebuilt and maintained it would be an excellent choice. Fair performance for a 70 year old bike, good looking and with excellent spares back up from our Hosts (check the availability of parts via the Online Parts Book listings,) and plenty of enthusiasts for Military machines out there too. The CO is effectively the pre-War Bullet and lived on in the post war period as the Model G (I'm simplifying a bit here!) so good continuity of parts. A good example would be about £3k upwards, you might pay more for a Military one than a Civvy version believe it or not!
REgards, Mark

As owner of a 1953 Model G I will just second the idea of looking for a WD/CO. Apart from some minor details, the G is a WD/CO with a telescopic fork. The engines are identical. I have a complete, refurbished CO engine as "backup" for my G, but have never needed it.

If a bike of this type and age is properly maintained, there should be no need for "tinkering at the side of the road once a month". My G is unrestored, but I had it completely apart and "fixed all the mechanics ane electrics" in 2002. That is 11 years and approx. 8000 km ago. Since then all the problems I have had can be summarised like this:

> The magneto died some years ago and needed a complete refurbishment.
> The original charging regulator broke down and took the dynamo with it, so I had to get that one too refurbished 3 years ago. Fitted an electronic regulator after that. I am not very proud of that, but I have to admit it works a lot better than the original.

Apart from that: It's a very nice and enjoyable bike! Longest trip so far was 840 km in three days in 2011. Next year I plan a trip of 1200 km in four days. It's an organised veteran motorcycle rally, so I will not be alone, but still. No worries!

That said: If age is not of importance per se, you will probably enjoy a Model G up to 1954 just as much as an older CO.

Regards, Anders F. R.

I recently bought a 1959 model G. I’m new to Enfields being a BSA man for years but I really liked the look and build if the model G. I’ve checked the bike over and besides a few minor issues it’s a good solid bike.
Although it runs very well, I’ve just removed the mag to overhaul. I know it will let me down at some point so the armature is off to Dave Lindsley for a rewind and new condenser. With all old bikes spend the money on the mag not new chrome.
Once the armature is back the bike will be back on the road. I’ll use it over the winter to prove it, then it’ll be going to Europe somewhere next summer. Most years a few of us take a continental trip on the old bikes , most times trouble free. All old bikes will be reliable if money is spent on ignition, carburation, oil and general maintenance.
We all have modern bikes too but have more fun abroad on the old stuff. Life in the slow lane.
I did Begium and France on a Bantam a few years ago, now that was a laugh.
Buy a CO or a G. This web site will offer all the help you need and Hitchcocks supply most of the parts at a very reasonable price. I’ve had some very valuable help from this forum.
Ride em don’t hide em.
Phil

Frosty! I don't think you bought a 1959 Model G, as the postwar Model G only lasted from 1945 to 1954. Can it be a G2, i.e. a Bullet?

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-. The G has rigid frame and cast iron cylinder head. The G2 has sprung frame and alloy cylinder head. How about your bike? -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-. Regards, Anders F. R.

Sorry, a typo. It’s a 1950 model G.
Phil

Ah, that explains it all!

@Anders F.R.- Right! Apologies for doubting. Id just been told any bike of a certain age was more for someone with a garage. But I will take yours, Frosty and Alans advice to heart and not be diswaded.

Was indeed looking at the CO's and G. Think I prefer the 1940's CO's by the looks, been watching beauties like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/300982929437? ... 1423.l2649

I'll also be sure to keep Hitchcocks in my favorites for when the time comes around, will definitely like to do it right and keep the bike healthy for it's sake.

Thank you all very much.

Yes, that one looks good! You can se a picture of mine here (and me): ------ http://www.trondhjemsridtet.com/67076093 ------ That picture was taken after an 840 km trip in 3 days in 2011. Lots of gravel roads and rain on the way home. Don't worry about the oil stains under the gearbox. "They all do that, Sir!". It's been just like that for 12 years. I just top up the oil level now and then, and all is well. Taking a little care not to park it where I don't want oil stains, that's all. ----- Regards, Anders F. R.