Just because it looks nice...

grandpaul

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Saw this and liked it.

That's all.

Just because it looks nice...
 
Details? Looks like a VAX bike with a few changes for the street.
 
Thanks GP, much appreciated.

She's a 1960 VAX Interceptor, 692cc and a blast to ride.

Jefe

Here's her other side:

Just because it looks nice...
 
Very nice bike, Jefe.

One suggestion based on what I see in your photo: the operating lever on the front brake plate looks to be sub-optimally positioned. You'll find that your front brake will operate much better if you remove that lever and rotate it clockwise on its splines. A a general rule, with the brake applied fully, you want the angle between the inner brake cable and lever on the brake plate to be slightly less than 90 degrees.

If you don't have enough adjustment on your cable, you may need to shorten the outer sheath.

...gREgg
 
Everybody has an opinion, but MY opinion is that THIS bike is what a motorcycle SHOULD look like.

I feel the same about clean 60s Nortons, Triumphs, and BSA big twins.
 
We tend to think perfection was achieved at about the time we were 18 years old.
So bikes earlier or later look "not quite right".
 
Well, I was 18 in '75 and the only bikes I like from that time still looked like bikes, not rocket ships with their tails up in the air and garbage-can mufflers.

No, my idea of perfection comes from when I first got to ride on a bike, when my oldest brother and cousin had 'em - mid 60s.
 
I love the Enfield it is worth googling Carberry Enfield, no longer making them but brill

Andy

They also provide me with income as the chains supplied do not last long. I wont say name
on here but e-mail me and I will.
 
I agree about the beauty of the bike, and others like it. That's the look I grew up with too, and still forms my opinions on what a proper motorcycle should look like. On the other hand, riding it for very long is probably a totally different situation. Pretty much none of those older bikes in original condition have the handling, brakes, and ride comfort of a good modern bike. Clearly an enthusiast needs a good selection of both types to properly enjoy different riding scenarios. At least that's been my rationale for owning way too many different bikes over the years.

Ken
 
Can't say I'm not partial to a mk1, mk1a or a VAX. RE is definitely one of those companies that had a tough time making ugly bikes (with their run of the mill bigger stuff at least), and seemed to churn out beauties left right and center without even trying!
 
Well my Series 2 suits my taste!
The hand rail is a bit clunky but works much better than other brands, the "stone guard" weighs as much as the rest of the bike and
the oil cooler probably doesnt do all that much cooling but much less fragile than a Trident.
Great seat. Lovely but tiny tank. Good silencers. A great general purpose bike.
...only about 10 years too late! :-(
 
lcrken said:
Pretty much none of those older bikes in original condition have the handling, brakes, and ride comfort of a good modern bike. Clearly an enthusiast needs a good selection of both types to properly enjoy different riding scenarios.

Your first sentence doesn't nearly apply as much in my life any longer. When I'm on a classic, I have no need to operate anywhere over the speed limit or even near the limit to have more than enough fun for a middle-aged, average skill rider.

Thankfully, I enjoy the scenario you describe in your second sentence, for when the occasion arises to take a longer road trip and/or ride with a group of moderns in a more "spirited' fashion...
 
I don't ride street bikes these days for the simple reason that I like to keep my licence. With modern bikes our local speed limits are ridiculous. With a classic bike such as that Enfield, might be OK if you took a lot of tranquilisers first. How could you ride that without 'getting in the grip ' ? My car has got cruise control.
 
Which is why My Commando and Trident stay at home whilst I ride out on the Interceptor.
Speed limits now are just a stick to beat you with or to empty your wallet. It's dangerous because
few obey the limit and the cars are barely aware bikes exist.
 
gregg-k said:
Very nice bike, Jefe.

One suggestion based on what I see in your photo: the operating lever on the front brake plate looks to be sub-optimally positioned. You'll find that your front brake will operate much better if you remove that lever and rotate it clockwise on its splines. A a general rule, with the brake applied fully, you want the angle between the inner brake cable and lever on the brake plate to be slightly less than 90 degrees.

If you don't have enough adjustment on your cable, you may need to shorten the outer sheath.

...gREgg

You were quite right Gregg, and this has been adjusted. Much better now.
Thanks
Jefe
 
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