The Classic Motorcycle Video Thread

solomon said:
Having OIF Bonnevilles, can't agree with comments in this video, other than, yes, the aesthetics are off. Which is a big thing. Some of that was due to tighter legislation, sound and emissions. Although the early OIFs had a pretty conical rear wheel.

Oil-in-the frame dies work, nonsense to say otherwise. It's just one of those things people repeat on the internet. Less oil true, because indeed couldn't be fully filled due to frothing, but better cooling--OIFs do not overheat. Better brakes, discs coming in. So much power in the new 750 bore, factory had to detune them because they trashed main bearings (mistake not upgrading bearings obviously). I'm sceptical they sit 4" higher, although never ridden a 60s Triumph. Apart from the '71 model never heard this criticism before.

Five gears came with OIF.

I've heard from riders who've ridden 60s Triumphs and 70s OIFs, the latter are much more fun to ride.

Anyway, shouldn't say too much in praise of them, otherwise they might get as expensive as 60s models.
Click to expand...

Like Solomon, I own an OIF bike--the first year made, 1971. I bought it not as a compromise but because of the far stiffer frame compared to earlier bikes.

As for aesthetics and ergonomics, my suggestion is to change what you don't like. At least IMHO, the OIF bikes can be visually striking with just a few changes.

The pictured bike (roadworthy in a few weeks) has:
- DIY rear sets;
- DIY 11.5" front disc brake (with 4 lbs unsprung weight reduction);
- Borrani aluminum rims fitted with modern road tires (circumference of rear is very close to a Dunlop K70);
- the popular Boyer Bransden pointless ignition;
- a hand-hammered (Thailand) aluminum fairing;
- LED illumination front, back, and in gauges.

As for seat height, I'm happy to settle the familiar speculation if someone would kindly place a tape measure beside their 1970 Bonneville's seat at 6" back from front edge and snap a photo (bike held upright, not on side stand). I get 32".

For transparency's sake and to net a useful comparison, my bike: (i) has brand new foam in the seat; and (ii) is fitted with Hagon rear shocks, so not sure if they're the same length as OEM shocks. I believe they're very close.
 

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Old British Public Safety Motorcycle video. Still applies after almost 50 years, but it could stand to be updated.

 
Two things I don’t particularly care for, reality shows and choppers. LoL.
 
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