After using my Commando and a couple of other bikes for 15 years, I have decided it is time to add to the garage. I had decided on a 16h but after weeks of looking, I cant find anything quite right. A friend of mine then suggested a model 50. The mod 50 is obviously a smaller engine but is ohv rather than the side valve of a 16h.
Whether I went for a 50 or 16h, it would have to have girder forks so I am looking for 1930s to mid 1940s era.
There would be a fair bit of pillion work for the bike so I wonder if anyone could tell me how a model 50 would cope lugging a total of 23 stone of passengers round the country side compared to a 16h. It has been suggested the model 50 engine would be a bit buzzy rather than the lazy thump of the16h.
Your thoughts on how the 2 compare and their suitability would be appreciated.
I would always...
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Jim A good idea of yours to…
Jim
A good idea of yours to get a single to enjoy local runs. But, be aware that a girder fork bike is a hard ride for a couple of hours and it will be solid at the rear. With a pillion on the back the two of you will deserve a medal and a few days rest if you manage 100 miles (now all the tough people can reply to say how they can do it and only need four weetabix).
I have a 1923 16H and love the challenge of a 70 mile run. Note the word challenge. But it is not my choice for a 'day out' in the countryside with other club members (VMCC). My perfect bike for that is a 1950 ES2, tele forks and plunger rear.
If it will be for pillion riding then a 500 and full springing. A 350 will be enjoyable solo and a few more revs on minor back roads will add to the riding enjoyment.
Norm
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I have a 1937 Model 50
hi Jim
My 1937 model 50 has been great fun and has toured France, Ireland, including the Irish National Rally, lapped Brands Hatch and Montlhery and completed, with only a tappet adjustment required, a 1951 mile ride through all 31 towns in England containing the word 'mouth' eg Yarmouth etc, in 8 days. It is quite fast, yes, 'buzzy' and dies a bit on severe hills. I weigh just over 9 stones fully wet and I would not use it two up. Nevertheless, a great little reliable bike constrained particularly by the girder forks. I have a 1935 350 Inter which is a superb ride, considerably lighter and more nimble.
For 2 up riding, a 500 would be my choice and again, I have ridden to, and ridden 2 up, in the Irish Rally, about 1500 miles in all without trouble, on a 1949 plunger ES2. A superb bike and there are lots about. I just love the luxury of Roadholder forks, heaven. Not sure about the advantage of plungers over rigid, teles front and rigid rear would be my choice...a Model 18?.
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David, My hat off to you. I…
David,
My hat off to you. I do have 3 other 1960's / 70's for comfort, but have got a real urge for girder forks. The girlfriend would be on the back so,,,how can I put it,,,,she could wear more padding or I may fit a sprung seat.
I am leaning towards 500cc even if side valve, for hopefully a tiny bit of extra umphh. Unfortunately a Model 18 may be outside my price range. I thought I would easily get a sorted 16h in civvy trim for reasonable money but have been told I may struggle under £10,000. This sounds high to me. Your thoughts?
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Ian and Norman, Thank you…
Ian and Norman,
Thank you both for your replies. I hadn't really considered the "new" bike for 70+ mile runs, more like a 20-30 miler before a country pub stop. My concerns were whether a 350cc would be happy with me and pillion up a hill or if (being ohv) it would cope as well as a side valve 500 assuming both of the same era.
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What era...
... are you looking for? A post-war Model 18 should be available for £5 - 7K. an ES2 for probably £500 more. 16Hs seem to go for similar prices but I prefer the OHV models.
Pre-war you probably need to add at least £3K to those prices. I, like David Gibson, like the Roadholders rather than girders and find the plungers on my 1952 ES2 work well. The early Roadholders are pretty soft and the damping is light.
Many years ago when we were both young and fit(tish) my wife and I covered many thousands of miles on a Model 18 with a rigid frame but she would have appreciated rear suspension....
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Ian, as I am set on girder…
Ian, as I am set on girder forks my choice is limited to up to1947 for the 16h. there just dont seem to be any restored ones for sale at the moment. When I say restored, I mean mechanically rather than a concourse bike, though that would be nice.
Also, I am looking for a civilian/home one rather than Army, Navy, RAF so I admit to being a little picky.
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Seat suggestion
Previous owner of my civilized WD16H had fitted a springed seat, similar to a small Lycett. Can be recommended if you want wife with you.
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... go for a 500. I had a B31 many years ago when it was all I could get at short notice to replace a stolen Domi 99 and it was absolutely gutless. Fast forward a few decades and I was persuaded against my better judgment to go for a Velo Viper. It was OK but needed to be revved far too much for my liking. A Venom top end improved it immensely.
It does depend very much on your style of riding of course.