The Revival of Triumph Motorcyles

A completely new Triumph Bonneville 790 was debuted in 2001 by the newly-formed Triumph Motorcycles Ltd,built in Hinckley, England.The new "Bonnie" strongly resembles the earlier models in style and basic configuration, but with entirely modern engineering. At the debut the new version was given a 790 cc parallel-twin engine.

Dave Burton
www.bargain-motors.com

Moto Guzzi California

After the financial crisis in the early 60's Moto Guzzi came up with the 700cc air-cooled 90° V-twin with the cylinder heads on either side of the bike,it also featured a standard seating position, footboards, heel-and-toe gearshift, and linked Brembo brakes.In 1971 it entered the American market in the form of a 1000c bike trimmed out for the california police department.

Dave Burton
www.bargain-motors.com

The Honda Goldwing

The Honda Gold Wing motorcycle debuted in 1975, and is one of the most popular motorcycles in history,becoming the first of the touring motorcycles.It started life as a 1000cc machine with some advanced features for the year,such as a water cooled engine,fuel pump and one of the first japanese bikes to have shaft drive transmission.

Dave Burton
www.bargain-motors.com

The Yamaha FS1-E

The Yamaha FS1-E,altho not a import classic,this was a UK classic tho'and was a must-have moped for 16 year olds in 1972 to the late 70s.The Yamaha FS1-E has a 49 cc single cylinder engine.The FS1-E was also badged SS,which stood for "Sixteener Special".Originally Gold in color ,in 1974 a second color was introduced, Popsicle Purple and the model name on the side panel was changed to the now infamous "FS1-E". The model was FS1 and the suffix "E" stood for England (differing from the models sold in other countries as the FS1-E had pedals). Yamaha changed the colours over the years (Baja Brown, Competition Yellow etc) and introduced various improvements such as a front disc brake (FS1-E DX.) and an autolube model with a 2-stroke oil tank and oil injection.
In total there were about 200,000+ produced for the UK market and it is estimated that only 1,000 to 2,000 still exist so finding one in a barn or old lock-up is becoming increasingly rare.

Dave Burton
www.bargain-motors.com

The Honda 400/4

Although the CB400F was aimed at the European market it sold better in America.
The 400/4 could buzz through twisty country lanes and was guaranteed to put a smile on its rider’s face.
The Honda CB400 Fours have always had a cult image simply because they are such fun to ride.
The baby of the 70s Honda range is at first glance exactly that, a big bike in miniature. The seat, tank and general demeanour is low and the whole machine looks like it can be hoisted under one arm and carried off. Unfortunately the all up weight doesn’t match the lithe looks but the 400/4 is still a superb performer.The move away from the design lead of the US market gave us low, almost flat handlebars making the bike appear even smaller that it actually is and with it a head-down stance from the moment one gets on the bike. The pillion seat doesn’t look big enough to seat an adult comfortably, because it isn’t, this bike was designed singularly to be a pure sports machine and such ‘extras’ are there almost for show.
Press the starter button once and nothing happens, hold it in and let the engine whirr over for a while and eventually things start to happen, no mighty roar or such like howl just a smooth and pussy-cat like purr is all the 400/4 puts out, on tickover at least.
On the move the 400/4 is a delight to be sat on, well balanced, lightweight, mechanically silent and superbly smooth,the feel of the engine differs little from tick over to flat out, with only a minor rise in vibes around the five grand mark, corresponding with a slight dip in power.
The bike is exceptionally agile and carries its extra weight well thanks to a great chassis design and layout. A 26-degree steering head angle coupled to a short and sharp 1344mm wheelbase, gives the machine great dexterity. With this sort of chassis set-up, changing line mid-corner doesn’t carry any of the wallowing found with Yamaha’s RD series, and there is simply no comparison with the Suzuki and Kawasaki middleweights in cornering.

Dave Burton
www.bargain-motors.com

The Triumph Bonneville

The Triumph Bonneville was manufactured between 1959 and 1983 at the Meriden works Coventry, it first came to light as a 650 cc model T120 ,then moving to a T140 750cc model in the early 70's , production ceased with the closure of Meriden in 1983, the new range of Bonnevilles being produced now at the newly created Hinkley works are
865cc models which will soon be all fuel injector serviced.

Dave Burton
www.bargain-motors.com

The Kawasaki Z1

The Z1 Kawasaki was a 4 stroke 750cc 4-cylinder sports motorcycle,this was quickly upgraded to a 903cc bike to "out do" its japanese rivals which had also launched 750cc bikes.
After its introduction it earned the nickname "The King". The combination of a 903cc engine, dual overhead cams and high power combined with integral styling of tank and body pieces to create a motorcycle for the masses that had never been seen before.
after the impact of this bike all other manufacturers had to change to keep pace with the Z1 sales.
These bike wars directly lead to the demise of the flagging British motorcycle industry.The American motorcycle industry (mainly Harley-Davidson) was also on its last legs and was only saved by radical restructuring and inventive financing

Dave Burton
www.bargain-motors.com