Hi Paul, I'm about 4 years older than you. When I was your age, I restored a few bikes and loved doing it. Its a waist of money at times, and always a worry about beating them up off road etc. Now with a few health issues and bit of depression I hate going in my shed to do any kind of work. My advice is to people, enjoy your machines anyway you can before it's to late. It seems like my problems just happened overnight. Ps Paul, love your cat. Safe and happy riding people. 👍😎
Just got a CG125 running for a young lady. Bike stopped working six-ish years ago; lived outside. Three years ago she gave it to a mechanic to sort out. He never touched it. Came to me as a rusty lump. I said I’ll work on it mechanically, get it running. You get it MOTd, then worry about whether you want to replace the rims, shocks etc. She’s just collected a now running bike and she is over the moon. It gave me a period of shed time, made me very happy and she covered the parts used.
Quite correct. Ride and enjoy. Discretion is the better part of valour. There are too many project bikes for sale that should never have been dismantled.
Your comments on motorbikes are well taken...I often paraphrase a line from a Clint Eastwood movie..."A man's got to know his own limitations". But, that nice fly press in the background DEFINITELY deserves a little love and attention. And then a cozy spot inside your shop, safe from the elements of weather and the ravages of mother nature. Best regards...
70 is coming sooner for me, just a couple more years. I don’t “restore” anything anymore. What I have done several times, is carry out vigorous service programs on a few machines. This week I’ll shine up the wheels, two weeks ago, it was the electrics, three weeks ago, put a clutch in. What I’ve found is, that after a year of this kind of incremental work, well, the thing is coming along pretty smart. Some of the guys I ride with accuse me of “restoring” the bike, but I’ve really just done various maintenance work that had been left undone in the past. This philosophy extends to both the mechanical and cosmetic aspects of the machine. So it’s a gradual process that leads, over time, to a handsome and reliable machine in all respects.
Well said Paul. I saw a bsa v twin, j12? It was parked up, near the local shops. middle of winter bit mucky, few oil leaks but lovely. Talked to the owner and he said it was original paint and it did look it. He used it every day to and from work, his only transport. Shows how good they are. the guy he got it from was aiming to restore it so it had spent many years in his workshop
Brilliant advice Paul wish I had watched this years ago. Now older and wiser I hope, I prefer to ride them and maintain them mechanically and make the most of the good weather when it’s available. Short cold and slippery winter days fairly knocks the riding on the head. Thks
I'm with you, Paul. I bought my A50 with a buggered engine due to gross neglect. PO had partially done the cosmetics, but frame and fittings are ratty. Bugger it, I just want to ride it, and I have. Now I've been given an all-complete 1955 s/arm B33. Unrestored, and that's the way it will stay after repairing the engine bottom end and gearbox. It won't ride any better after throwing big dollars at it. I'm 72, and suffering the usual wear and tear plus a bit more, so I hope I can get it done before too long! Riding it is everything, pretty paint isn't. Though it might be nice...
Hello Paul, a thoughtful one today. I wonder how many old vehicles lie partly dismantled around the country? I've restored things and although I have been pleased with the outcome, not gone on to use them. I have grown to admire the "oily rag" machines around. So I now have a working compromise. I keep my bike on the road period. But each year I look to improve it a little. This counters it going south condition wise but builds a better machine in a sympathetic manner. Also the patina seems to remain broadly speaking. A gentler and moderate way of keeping biking, avoiding large off the road periods and allowing a satisfaction in knowing my bike intimately, which nowadays can be lacking sometimes with more modern machines. By the way that little Triumph Cub lots fine to me. Cheers Kevin.
Great analysis, Paul. Keeping the bike a bit shabby helps eliminate thievery. I had a sweet running Vespa that looked knackered. Once I finished a paint restoration, it was stolen from my garage and wound up in bits spread about in a park.
I agree completely. The naivety of youth -my earles fork Panther 2T developed a crack in the top shock absorber mount. At age 17 that didn't stop me from riding it.
Personally, i couldn't give a toss what other people think. As long as your're happy with it and it's safe & legal to ride - that's all that matters. 👍
Hi Paul its called patina . Don't retore just ride and take pleasure in that . To many bikes get restored and not to a good slandered If your restored the bike you would do a fantastic job but then you wouldn't want to ride out in the rain and mud. Great stream Thanks 👍👍👍
So very true,no use in boxes.i get more interest in my scruffy 250 royal enfield clipper than my middle of the road Huntmaster. Which I spent mega bucks on
Not only do I agree, but I would go a bit further. In the old car world, they use Boiled Linseed oil as a polish. The reason being that it soaks into the seams & surface rust. Thus preserves things & makes them look better. Take the tank on the Cub, a few mins work with a rag & some linseed & it will look very nice. Better still, you will not have dismantled anything. Just one word of warning about linseed oil & rags. Never pile them up as they can then self combust & cause a fire.
Buy some CRC rust converter for the important parts , might make it last a bit longer . My dads old GL1000 I have not done a strip down but done everything it mechanically needed to get it on the road , Timing belts carbs , fork seals etc etc , I just touch up the frame ? And i will paint the false tank and side panels and it will be as tidy as , I think it's difficult when work gets in the way , but like you say , if it carrys on till your 70, will you remember how to assemble or be able , i suppose thats why bikes end up in boxes for a long time , good points Paul . Cheers
Good on you my Enfield go to work transport 15 years now a joy 22 years old much use if I wanted something to polish I’d buy some horse brasses ride enjoy best wishes
Can't disagree with any of that. If you service them and do what you can to prevent deterioration, ride them, it's what they're for. At the moment, I'm struggling with my own reluctance to replace the exhaust on my AJS, although the silencer and downpipe look rough and sound a bit harsh, they still function so I'm not in a rush to replace them even though it might be an improvement (I expect I'll do the silencer one day).
There is a place for museum bikes that only get ridden to "bike meets" in the dry where they play 'top trumps queen of chrome'. Mostly they belong to 'owners'' rather than 'riders. A bike that is a bit scruffy can cost a great deal of time and money to bring it back to showroom condition. Time is a single use, non replaceable asset and it should never be wasted and no amount of money can buy it back. Love of a motorcyle is best expressed with lubrication and use.
Personally i hate show bikes that never get ridden Where is the point? Im also sick of the matching number brigade A restored bike would be wasted on me because i ride them
Were they made to ride or restore? I’m “restoring” mechanically/electrically a ‘66 Honda S90. I’m cleaning as I go BUT aesthetically it is not now perfect. Will I ever strip it down and aesthetically restore? Maybe…someday when I’ve put alot of miles on it….when I have no other projects waiting on me….
It’s nice to meet somebody else with the same idea. My idea of hell is a horrendously shiny bike. You’re frightened to do anything with I have restored to pretty good standardBruff superior bsa m24 which you’re up to reasonably good standard would I want to own them well I love the gold star pre-war a lot but they take on the public highway would be nerve racking I stick with my old A10 first bike I ever said I wanted when I was four years old modified but usable 58 AJs original apart from 12 V electrics I do you like to be able to see where I’m going these days I must be getting soft and a 1927 aerial motorcycle it’s been restored but it never has been as such. It’s just been got going again purchase that of a gentleman and it’s just nice it brings a biggest smile to my face. I can never have when I write it. There’s too many miserable faces with shiny bikes. Good on you mate. Keep going Michael.
Paul it's up to you. It does look like a shed, but it goes well. Who knows, it might start misfiring and leaking oil if you start to pamper it.. and if it'll spend 10 years in boxes where's the sense in that? On the other hand it could do with a lick of paint..
Ridden bikes wear and then need replacement bits n pieces. They help to keep the spares industry going. I fully agree, you can't see it when you're on it!! I had no qualms about utterly caning all my mechanically good, but not brilliantly presentable bikes. Embarrassed loads of folk!!
I’ve got a 500 TR5 sort of replica. It’s a trw with a 5t motor with Ali barrel and head,and not quite the right looking tank but rigid, no sprung hub, saddle and a 21” wheel. And I use it off road and it gets covered in mud, dropped or on its side occasionally, bent pegs, and not cleaned very often as I think it looks better when it’s clearly been where it was designed to be able to go. If I’d paid fifteen grand for a pukka 1951 restored genuine triumph TR5 maybe with square generator barrels and parallel port head, I wouldn’t be having any fun on it. It’s as simple as that.
How is the TRW frame without the sprung hub. I know they're very similar to the T100/5T frame but are they as strong? Those frames are so expensive now, I was thinking about making a "sort of" replica, as I can't cast malleable iron lol.
@@750triton it had a hub when I bought it, as a tr5 type bike and running well. Put a normal wheel on and sold the sh before I shagged it out. No frame problems but I’m not jumping it or anything as I’m shit off road. However it’s low enough to give the confidence to have a go at al the lanes round me and some near biggin hill and I feel pretty confident on it but keep my speed low!
What's a good knock-about Brit bike, that's OK for some green-laning ... nothing too technical; just gentle stuff? Are there any good machines in the 250-350 range, that are not terribly heavy, but have the guts to make, say 55 on the road ... for which spares are available ... and which don't cost a King's Ransom?
A bit of 70:30 linseed oil and turpentine rubbed over the patina would be enough to pre long its life and improve its look without spending a fortune or taking it apart.
Patina ( Pat in a) Much better to give a wipe with an oily rag and have a machine that works nicely rather than one of the thousands that are pimped with sparkling bling that don't work.
G'day Paul, each to there own l say, all depends on what you like, I'm a bit anal l have my machines looking like new but I ride them all the time a don't worry about if the get dirty, scratched or dints,, being in a historical Motorcycle Club, bikes of all condition turn up l love them all, just fresh out of the barn nothing better, cheers mate, Neil 🤠.
I've heard a few old boys say they use spray on furniture polish when storing their bikes, I haven't, just wondered if anyone in the chat does. Cheers.
@@paulhenshaw4514 thanks for that Paul, keep up the good work, I’m 73, ride a Honda NC750X dct, and I love it, I’m old enough to remember the bikes of the 60’s and 70’s, and I love watching you working on them bikes. Cheers mate. 😎🏍😁👍
Thats doesnt need restoration. Good servicing along with perhaps at most is to look after the bits you dont see. That keeps em reliable. So new cables, a new loom if needed etc. Otherwise money best spent on decent tyres, chain n sprocket etc. Upgraded lights etc. All the timebits safe and reliable then its 100% better then shiney polished up turd. I have bought more than one bike over the years to find out that the advertised gleaming restored beast was mainly nice chrome, polished cases and paint. I like it as it is Paul. Only thing i would do is fit some side panels and tidy/cover up the exposed battery etc. NOT shiney new ones though 😂
Which I why I find motorcycle museums boring. Heretical, I know, but I’ll enjoy looking at a leaky panther which I’ve never seen before,leaning against a wall in town. It’s being ridden for fun, it’s a bit crusty here and there, with a homemade rack but it’s my kind of biking.
The garages and lock ups of this country are full of unfinished restoration projects, more so these days where everybody watches a RUclips video and becomes an expert overnight, the reality is if its mechanically sound ride it and enjoy it.
Hi Paul, I'm about 4 years older than you. When I was your age, I restored a few bikes and loved doing it. Its a waist of money at times, and always a worry about beating them up off road etc. Now with a few health issues and bit of depression I hate going in my shed to do any kind of work. My advice is to people, enjoy your machines anyway you can before it's to late. It seems like my problems just happened overnight. Ps Paul, love your cat. Safe and happy riding people. 👍😎
Just got a CG125 running for a young lady. Bike stopped working six-ish years ago; lived outside. Three years ago she gave it to a mechanic to sort out. He never touched it. Came to me as a rusty lump. I said I’ll work on it mechanically, get it running. You get it MOTd, then worry about whether you want to replace the rims, shocks etc. She’s just collected a now running bike and she is over the moon. It gave me a period of shed time, made me very happy and she covered the parts used.
Great advice Paul, best to keep them on the road and out of the shed.
Quite correct. Ride and enjoy. Discretion is the better part of valour. There are too many project bikes for sale that should never have been dismantled.
Your comments on motorbikes are well taken...I often paraphrase a line from a Clint Eastwood movie..."A man's got to know his own limitations". But, that nice fly press in the background DEFINITELY deserves a little love and attention. And then a cozy spot inside your shop, safe from the elements of weather and the ravages of mother nature. Best regards...
Back in 2005 in bought a CX650ED as a commuter for £375
Still got the bike but I’ve been doing both: ride and enjoy and gradually improving.
Old boots are comfy. 81 and still riding
I'm 70 Paul and went to Morocco earlier this yerar on my 900 tiger. you're never too old chap
I did restore then was scared to ride. Total waste of money. Better off mechanically sound and ridden.
70 is coming sooner for me, just a couple more years. I don’t “restore” anything anymore. What I have done several times, is carry out vigorous service programs on a few machines. This week I’ll shine up the wheels, two weeks ago, it was the electrics, three weeks ago, put a clutch in. What I’ve found is, that after a year of this kind of incremental work, well, the thing is coming along pretty smart. Some of the guys I ride with accuse me of “restoring” the bike, but I’ve really just done various maintenance work that had been left undone in the past. This philosophy extends to both the mechanical and cosmetic aspects of the machine. So it’s a gradual process that leads, over time, to a handsome and reliable machine in all respects.
Well said Paul. I saw a bsa v twin, j12? It was parked up, near the local shops. middle of winter bit mucky, few oil leaks but lovely. Talked to the owner and he said it was original paint and it did look it. He used it every day to and from work, his only transport. Shows how good they are. the guy he got it from was aiming to restore it so it had spent many years in his workshop
Well said Paul
Enjoy it as it is, mate, it won't be long before we're all in boxes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It looks just fine to me
Good advice Paul! 👍
Brilliant advice Paul wish I had watched this years ago. Now older and wiser I hope, I prefer to ride them and maintain them mechanically and make the most of the good weather when it’s available. Short cold and slippery winter days fairly knocks the riding on the head. Thks
Good on yer Paul, my Wassell Bantam trials is in similar condition and I'm leaving it that way, it's only original once.
I'm with you, Paul. I bought my A50 with a buggered engine due to gross neglect. PO had partially done the cosmetics, but frame and fittings are ratty. Bugger it, I just want to ride it, and I have. Now I've been given an all-complete 1955 s/arm B33. Unrestored, and that's the way it will stay after repairing the engine bottom end and gearbox. It won't ride any better after throwing big dollars at it. I'm 72, and suffering the usual wear and tear plus a bit more, so I hope I can get it done before too long! Riding it is everything, pretty paint isn't. Though it might be nice...
Hello Paul, a thoughtful one today. I wonder how many old vehicles lie partly dismantled around the country?
I've restored things and although I have been pleased with the outcome, not gone on to use them.
I have grown to admire the "oily rag" machines around.
So I now have a working compromise. I keep my bike on the road period. But each year I look to improve it a little. This counters it going south condition wise but builds a better machine in a sympathetic manner. Also the patina seems to remain broadly speaking. A gentler and moderate way of keeping biking, avoiding large off the road periods and allowing a satisfaction in knowing my bike intimately, which nowadays can be lacking sometimes with more modern machines.
By the way that little Triumph Cub lots fine to me.
Cheers Kevin.
Always liked Brit bikes 50s-60s...my uncle took me out for rides around 1960 sat on the petrol tank of his Triumph tiger... Great vid takecare.
She’s an honest girl with a long well loved history,looks beautiful
Ride and enjoy + fix what needs fixing
Great analysis, Paul.
Keeping the bike a bit shabby helps eliminate thievery. I had a sweet running Vespa that looked knackered. Once I finished a paint restoration, it was stolen from my garage and wound up in bits spread about in a park.
Scabby bikes look better to my eye. They’re certainly more, relaxed, fun.
Thanks Paul.
I agree completely. The naivety of youth -my earles fork Panther 2T developed a crack in the top shock absorber mount. At age 17 that didn't stop me from riding it.
Personally, i couldn't give a toss what other people think. As long as your're happy with it and it's safe & legal to ride - that's all that matters. 👍
I like the saying authentic and un restored
Hi Paul its called patina . Don't retore just ride and take pleasure in that . To many bikes get restored and not to a good slandered If your restored the bike you would do a fantastic job but then you wouldn't want to ride out in the rain and mud. Great stream Thanks 👍👍👍
So very true,no use in boxes.i get more interest in my scruffy 250 royal enfield clipper than my middle of the road Huntmaster. Which I spent mega bucks on
Ride it, and enjoy it while you can, you never know what’s around the corner, I’m 73, and riding my Honda NC750X dct, and I love it. Cheers. 😎🏍😁👍
My Triumph T90 is a bit Tatty, but everything works and it goes very well, it's full of character and I am enjoying riding it
Not only do I agree, but I would go a bit further. In the old car world, they use Boiled Linseed oil as a polish. The reason being that it soaks into the seams & surface rust. Thus preserves things & makes them look better.
Take the tank on the Cub, a few mins work with a rag & some linseed & it will look very nice. Better still, you will not have dismantled anything.
Just one word of warning about linseed oil & rags. Never pile them up as they can then self combust & cause a fire.
Add a bit of turpentine and it will 'go off ' . Gives a good look.
Took 50-60 years to get that way. Only takes an hour to paint…leave it alone..
😂😂😂😂😂 Rough as a Badger's ass! I will keep that one for future use.
Buy some CRC rust converter for the important parts , might make it last a bit longer . My dads old GL1000 I have not done a strip down but done everything it mechanically needed to get it on the road , Timing belts carbs , fork seals etc etc , I just touch up the frame ? And i will paint the false tank and side panels and it will be as tidy as , I think it's difficult when work gets in the way , but like you say , if it carrys on till your 70, will you remember how to assemble or be able , i suppose thats why bikes end up in boxes for a long time , good points Paul . Cheers
Leave it as it is, please don't change anything, it's perfect!
Maybe a battery box?
Good on you my Enfield go to work transport 15 years now a joy 22 years old much use if I wanted something to polish I’d buy some horse brasses ride enjoy best wishes
Ride rather than restore anyday.
A running, properly functional bike (sound engine, running gear and electrics) is all you need to have a good ride.
Can't disagree with any of that. If you service them and do what you can to prevent deterioration, ride them, it's what they're for. At the moment, I'm struggling with my own reluctance to replace the exhaust on my AJS, although the silencer and downpipe look rough and sound a bit harsh, they still function so I'm not in a rush to replace them even though it might be an improvement (I expect I'll do the silencer one day).
There is a place for museum bikes that only get ridden to "bike meets" in the dry where they play 'top trumps queen of chrome'. Mostly they belong to 'owners'' rather than 'riders. A bike that is a bit scruffy can cost a great deal of time and money to bring it back to showroom condition. Time is a single use, non replaceable asset and it should never be wasted and no amount of money can buy it back. Love of a motorcyle is best expressed with lubrication and use.
If its safe, reliable and legal just ride them. Otherwise they are a money pit and you'll never recover the cost. Speaking from experience!!😊
Personally i hate show bikes that never get ridden
Where is the point?
Im also sick of the matching number brigade
A restored bike would be wasted on me because i ride them
I ay ride them because that's what they are intended. "A creaking gate never breaks".
Were they made to ride or restore? I’m “restoring” mechanically/electrically a ‘66 Honda S90. I’m cleaning as I go BUT aesthetically it is not now perfect. Will I ever strip it down and aesthetically restore? Maybe…someday when I’ve put alot of miles on it….when I have no other projects waiting on me….
A good dose of ACF-50 and leave well alone, is my thinking. A bike takes decades to achieve that patina.
It’s nice to meet somebody else with the same idea. My idea of hell is a horrendously shiny bike. You’re frightened to do anything with I have restored to pretty good standardBruff superior bsa m24 which you’re up to reasonably good standard would I want to own them well I love the gold star pre-war a lot but they take on the public highway would be nerve racking I stick with my old A10 first bike I ever said I wanted when I was four years old modified but usable 58 AJs original apart from 12 V electrics I do you like to be able to see where I’m going these days I must be getting soft and a 1927 aerial motorcycle it’s been restored but it never has been as such. It’s just been got going again purchase that of a gentleman and it’s just nice it brings a biggest smile to my face. I can never have when I write it. There’s too many miserable faces with shiny bikes. Good on you mate. Keep going Michael.
Paul it's up to you. It does look like a shed, but it goes well. Who knows, it might start misfiring and leaking oil if you start to pamper it.. and if it'll spend 10 years in boxes where's the sense in that? On the other hand it could do with a lick of paint..
Ridden bikes wear and then need replacement bits n pieces. They help to keep the spares industry going. I fully agree, you can't see it when you're on it!! I had no qualms about utterly caning all my mechanically good, but not brilliantly presentable bikes. Embarrassed loads of folk!!
food for thought. rattle cans at the ready.
Ride every time, I'd wait until I was unable to ride before I'd restore my bikes.
I’ve got a 500 TR5 sort of replica. It’s a trw with a 5t motor with Ali barrel and head,and not quite the right looking tank but rigid, no sprung hub, saddle and a 21” wheel. And I use it off road and it gets covered in mud, dropped or on its side occasionally, bent pegs, and not cleaned very often as I think it looks better when it’s clearly been where it was designed to be able to go. If I’d paid fifteen grand for a pukka 1951 restored genuine triumph TR5 maybe with square generator barrels and parallel port head, I wouldn’t be having any fun on it. It’s as simple as that.
How is the TRW frame without the sprung hub. I know they're very similar to the T100/5T frame but are they as strong? Those frames are so expensive now, I was thinking about making a "sort of" replica, as I can't cast malleable iron lol.
@@750triton it had a hub when I bought it, as a tr5 type bike and running well. Put a normal wheel on and sold the sh before I shagged it out. No frame problems but I’m not jumping it or anything as I’m shit off road. However it’s low enough to give the confidence to have a go at al the lanes round me and some near biggin hill and I feel pretty confident on it but keep my speed low!
What's a good knock-about Brit bike, that's OK for some green-laning ... nothing too technical; just gentle stuff? Are there any good machines in the 250-350 range, that are not terribly heavy, but have the guts to make, say 55 on the road ... for which spares are available ... and which don't cost a King's Ransom?
A BSA B40 might fit the bill?
@@paulhenshaw4514 Thanks. I'll investigate those.
A bit of 70:30 linseed oil and turpentine rubbed over the patina would be enough to pre long its life and improve its look without spending a fortune or taking it apart.
Patina ( Pat in a) Much better to give a wipe with an oily rag and have a machine that works nicely rather than one of the thousands that are pimped with sparkling bling that don't work.
as someone said to me a few years ago paint and chrome won't get you home
G'day Paul, each to there own l say, all depends on what you like, I'm a bit anal l have my machines looking like new but I ride them all the time a don't worry about if the get dirty, scratched or dints,, being in a historical Motorcycle Club, bikes of all condition turn up l love them all, just fresh out of the barn nothing better, cheers mate, Neil 🤠.
If I want to see a perfect bike, I'll go to a museum.
They are ment to be used.
I've heard a few old boys say they use spray on furniture polish when storing their bikes, I haven't, just wondered if anyone in the chat does. Cheers.
Hi Paul, what is the fastest triumph tiger cub for the road? Thanks. 😎🏍😁👍
My blue and white Sports Cub replica could get into the high seventies when I was younger and lighter!
@@paulhenshaw4514 thanks for that Paul, keep up the good work, I’m 73, ride a Honda NC750X dct, and I love it, I’m old enough to remember the bikes of the 60’s and 70’s, and I love watching you working on them bikes. Cheers mate. 😎🏍😁👍
Thats doesnt need restoration. Good servicing along with perhaps at most is to look after the bits you dont see. That keeps em reliable. So new cables, a new loom if needed etc. Otherwise money best spent on decent tyres, chain n sprocket etc. Upgraded lights etc. All the timebits safe and reliable then its 100% better then shiney polished up turd. I have bought more than one bike over the years to find out that the advertised gleaming restored beast was mainly nice chrome, polished cases and paint. I like it as it is Paul. Only thing i would do is fit some side panels and tidy/cover up the exposed battery etc. NOT shiney new ones though 😂
I like scabby bikes😊
Which I why I find motorcycle museums boring. Heretical, I know, but I’ll enjoy looking at a leaky panther which I’ve never seen before,leaning against a wall in town. It’s being ridden for fun, it’s a bit crusty here and there, with a homemade rack but it’s my kind of biking.
I'd rather look around the bikes parked at shows and jumbles, than the ones displayed in concourse.
The garages and lock ups of this country are full of unfinished restoration projects, more so these days where everybody watches a RUclips video and becomes an expert overnight, the reality is if its mechanically sound ride it and enjoy it.
Restoration...Spending £6000 on a bike thats only going to be worth £3000
Yep, I have just such a job in progress, so why am I as happy as a pig in s***?😅
@@PeterMcBrienBecause you throw away the receipts constantly 😏😊
I keep the receipts in a place that my wife will never find (I hope)
If it ain't broke don't fix it
if its not broke, don`t fix it