Is it a good idea to learn to ride on a vintage bike?

Post Reply
Message
Author
User avatar
Grey Thumper
Legendary 1000
Legendary 1000
Posts: 1434
Joined: Wed Apr 25, 2007 11:21 pm
Real Name: Dino
Sex: Male
Years Riding: 9
My Motorcycle: 2004 BMW R1150Rockster, 2015 BMW R1200GS
Location: Manila, Philippines

Is it a good idea to learn to ride on a vintage bike?

#1 Unread post by Grey Thumper »

I've got a friend who plans to buy a 1956 BMW R26 as his first motorcycle (and learn on it; he's only owned scooters before).

I think it's a bad idea for all sorts of reasons. I'm wondering how to tell him, since I've only been riding for little more than a year and don't want to seem like a know-it-all.

Or am I overreacting? It's a 250cc, 160kg/350lb, 15 hp motorcycle after all.

PS, I've seen the bike, it's gorgeous, and I can't blame him for falling in love with it.
"If you ride like there's no tomorrow, there won't be."
Top
User avatar
Flesher
Legendary 300
Legendary 300
Posts: 319
Joined: Sat Apr 07, 2007 3:04 pm

#2 Unread post by Flesher »

IMO if all the safety parts are in good working order/good condition then I don't see a problem with it.
Top
User avatar
Thumper
Legendary 500
Legendary 500
Posts: 577
Joined: Wed May 10, 2006 5:40 pm
Real Name: K.A. Thompson
Sex: Female
Years Riding: 9
My Motorcycle: '14 BMW F700GS
Location: Dixon, CA

#3 Unread post by Thumper »

I think the only real drawback--presuming it's in terrific condition--would be the heartache if he dumped it...
Top
User avatar
KingRobb
Legendary 300
Legendary 300
Posts: 450
Joined: Thu Jun 22, 2006 2:28 am
Real Name: Robb
Sex: Male
Years Riding: 25
My Motorcycle: 2004 HD Road King
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

#4 Unread post by KingRobb »

Thumper wrote:I think the only real drawback--presuming it's in terrific condition--would be the heartache if he dumped it...
Dyin'? Boy, he can have this little life any time he wants to. Do ya hear that? Are ya hearin' it? Come on. You're welcome to it, ol' timer. Let me know you're up there. Come on. Love me, hate me, kill me, anything. Just let me know it.

-Cool Hand Luke
Top
TorontoBoy
Elite
Elite
Posts: 197
Joined: Sat Oct 09, 2004 2:35 pm
Sex: Male
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

#5 Unread post by TorontoBoy »

If it's safe, then it'd be a good beginner bike. Not too much engine power. Brakes are not too powerful. Though it's heavy for a 250, it's still not too heavy. He'll need new tires.

It'd be really fun to learn on a BMW 250. They're really nice looking and very unique.
Top
User avatar
NorthernPete
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 3485
Joined: Mon May 02, 2005 4:24 pm
Real Name: Pete
Sex: Male
Years Riding: 11
My Motorcycle: 1988 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500
Location: Northern Ontario, Canada

#6 Unread post by NorthernPete »

as was mentioned, as long as its in good shape. and your buddy doesnt mind wrenching occationally.
1988 VN1500
2009 GS500F
Top
User avatar
Grey Thumper
Legendary 1000
Legendary 1000
Posts: 1434
Joined: Wed Apr 25, 2007 11:21 pm
Real Name: Dino
Sex: Male
Years Riding: 9
My Motorcycle: 2004 BMW R1150Rockster, 2015 BMW R1200GS
Location: Manila, Philippines

#7 Unread post by Grey Thumper »

Thumper wrote:I think the only real drawback--presuming it's in terrific condition--would be the heartache if he dumped it...
If he really can't resist the Beemer, I'm planning to suggest that he also get something used, cheap, but fairly recent and reliable, like the usual Ninja 250 suggested on this site. That way, he could build up skills and learn to ride properly on something less painful to drop (and that has more reliable brakes, for instance), then sell the Ninja later on.
"If you ride like there's no tomorrow, there won't be."
Top
obfuscate
Veteran
Veteran
Posts: 63
Joined: Fri Apr 04, 2008 6:19 pm
Sex: Male
Location: Northern California

#8 Unread post by obfuscate »

Thumper wrote:I think the only real drawback--presuming it's in terrific condition--would be the heartache if he dumped it...
It's a real challenge to find parts for some older bikes. Ebay makes it easier, but realize it can take a while to find parts. Have him look around before he buys it. My mother had a '77 Guzzi for a while that she ended up selling because finding parts was such a pain.

If he's into wrenching this could be fun for him, (I have fond memories of helping fix that Guzzi) if not he may end up spending more money on the mechanic than he intends.

Let us know how it turns out
1993 XJ600 Seca II
Top
User avatar
Captain Pete
Rookie
Rookie
Posts: 22
Joined: Fri May 09, 2008 8:08 am
Sex: Male
Location: KC metro area, Missouri

#9 Unread post by Captain Pete »

He will have a hard time finding parts for an R series of that vintage, and they will not be cheap. If he has the time, the money, and the mechanical savvy, then it would be a good project bike to work on over the next couple of years. If your buddy likes vintage bikes, and is still pretty much a beginner, then the older Honda CB750's or the Suzuki GS bikes (the 550 or 750) would be great. However, one should never turn down an opportunity to own a vintage Beemer.
"I must break you."
Top
jimbeemer
Rookie
Rookie
Posts: 10
Joined: Mon Sep 19, 2011 8:38 am
Real Name: Jim
Sex: Male
Years Riding: 49
My Motorcycle: Motorcycle

Re: Is it a good idea to learn to ride on a vintage bike?

#10 Unread post by jimbeemer »

It should be character-building. I learnt to ride on all sorts of clapped-out old (classic, or just old?) bikes in the UK and sure learnt a lot about how bikes work (and don't). Nothing like riding home in a snowstorm with a throttle cable tied to your thumb to learn:laughing: bike control!
Top
Post Reply

Return to “All Season Rider”