How to fill the void ?

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Now that the 500 is about done bar a longer journey I have been doing worth while but pointless tasks like tidying up the garage that needs little or no tidying. If the forecast of a dry warm day tomorrow in Derby are true it will be a decent ride out on the 500 then for as many days that September will allow.

I think I'm suffering from some sort of empty nest syndrome or like when a pet dies but it's too soom to buy another. Fortunately I'm skint until probably January so for now as it's safe to look at what if any project I might embark on.
Stafford show next month -  any ideas of a Maico Letta project are firmly binned - parts are just too hard to source plus the ride will not meet my faded nostalgic memory. Great thing about the 400 & the 500 is they are neat to ride in their different ways.

Then there is the space issue where can I fit a third bike? It would mean the 400 would have to go. I like the idea of a nippy 250  or even a single cylinder small engined Honda with parts not as rare as Dodo Eggs.

I like the idea of free road tax and something lighter. I have hinted that the 500 would be my last project - I may have to eat my words.......any suggestions would only encourage me.

[Murf]

Yamaha XT 500

[Johnny4428]

The only thing I can say Ted is I spent a whole winter with nothing doing in the w/shop and no projects definately not doing that again. I have the next two winters sorted. You might just enjoy a little time to focus on other things before committing again! 😜

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Yamaha XT 500

I'm not a fan of the trial bike look but the street version SR500 looks neat as does the SR 400. What is the parts situation?

[K2-K6]

Just sold https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/326248771292 but a very different bike to the four cylinder types you've just completed.

Great to ride, feel like a bicycle in comparison to fours, narrow, light and very easy to manage when parking etc. Lovely torquey power delivery right from lowest rpm.

Extremely good value too.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

How is the Honda VT500e rated looks an interesting design?

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Just sold https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/326248771292 but a very different bike to the four cylinder types you've just completed.

Great to ride, feel like a bicycle in comparison to fours, narrow, light and very easy to manage when parking etc. Lovely torquey power delivery right from lowest rpm.

Extremely good value too.

I have never ridden an Italian Motorcycle but have sat on a few in bike showrooms.
It might not be true but I always felt they were designed for riders that are under 5'8" tall. I looked at buying a Monster several decades ago. I also liked the Suzuki Bandit back in the day.

[K2-K6]

How is the Honda VT500e rated looks an interesting design?

They seem quite good Ted, interesting to work with something different too.

Some engines here https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/365046131777 to get you going .... strip and explore ..... then find a bike to get something together later.

Good winter interest, probably make enough from sale of spares to pay for this consignment 

Wouldn't need to clear the 400 out initially and while having winter project interest.

[Laverda Dave]

Or go for a fully sorted VT500 as in the NTV650 although I would personally go for the 650Bros version but it would be an import as never available here. Same engine though as the NTV but a bit more exotic with the alloy beam frame. Plenty of Bros400 around as well, same basic water cooled V-Twin Sohc engine as the 650. The engines were bullet proof and not uncommon for 80,000+ miles. Lots of dispatch riders used them, the natural successor to the VT500 and the CX500 before it.
Or......if you want something smaller but still sohc and still fun to ride AND restore......a CB250RSD. Just make sure the starter motor is working because a lot of them failed!

[SteveW]

Hopefully my 550 will be finished by next spring. I already have the next project in the shed, my RD350LC.

[AshimotoK0]

A few 'Ashimoto' suggestions Ted:-

Fuji Rabbit from Motoclassics in Hampshire   (ask for David, mention my name if anyone interested). I don't know of another in the UK !

https://moto-classic.com/fuji-rabbit-90-13-212-klm-arrives-nov-2024/

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CD175A 'Sloper' from Oxford Classic Honda ... He's had this in stock for ages I think because the engine is rattly but engine parts not a problem on this bike BUT it has decent exhausts which are absolute hen's teeth items. So has potential. A very much loved model. The owner Charlie is probably the nicest dealer you would ever meet... a really honest, enthusiastic fella. He would probably come down a few quid too... he did on my C100 50cc Sport I got off him in 2022.

https://oxfordclassicmotorcycles.co.uk/bikedetail.aspx?bike=5354

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Honda S90 from David Silver. Would be a very easy resto. Possibly too easy. But who doesn't admire a tiddler?

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He's got quite a few bikes in, such as a nice C110 Honda 50 Sport and a C100 Step thru.

https://www.davidsilverspares.co.uk/USED-BIKES-FOR-SALE/


He has a CL160 too ... I am not a fan of the CB160 myself, been there in '75 and have the 'T' shirt. But I think the CL version is cool. Again an easy resto.

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[Laverda Dave]

Good suggestions there Ash👍.
Worth having a look at J H Pugh auction site as well Ted. There's a bike auction tomorrow with a CB160 in the line up.
The sloper CD175 at Oxford Classics as recommended by Ash does look good though if you can get it for the right money.

[AshimotoK0]

Or......if you want something smaller but still sohc and still fun to ride AND restore......a CB250RSD. Just make sure the starter motor is working because a lot of them failed!

RSD Dave ... thought you was an RSA man 

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Or go for a fully sorted VT500 as in the NTV650 although I would personally go for the 650Bros version but it would be an import as never available here. Same engine though as the NTV but a bit more exotic with the alloy beam frame. Plenty of Bros400 around as well, same basic water cooled V-Twin Sohc engine as the 650. The engines were bullet proof and not uncommon for 80,000+ miles. Lots of dispatch riders used them, the natural successor to the VT500 and the CX500 before it.
Or......if you want something smaller but still sohc and still fun to ride AND restore......a CB250RSD. Just make sure the starter motor is working because a lot of them failed!

I always liked the look of the Bros

[Athame57]

Sounds to me you should short list the CB250RS, I never did like the Deluxe model paint job, but hey, the best looking one I had was customised.