21-06-2011, 12:28 PM
Thankyou, I feel very lucky to own them.
The Bantam was a a chance purchase from a local garage that was closing down. The owner had taken it in part ex many years before and never got around to selling it. I was wondering around there one day and saw this bike shaped sheet in the corner, had a peek to see what it was, the guy saw me and said "it's for sale if you're interested". Not being a particular fan of Bantams at the time I replied, mainly on impulse, "I could be, it depends on price?" So after some negotiation and me still not really that bothered whether I bought it or not, the deal was done ! My first inclination was to check it over, get it running and sell it on but as I worked on it and saw just how good the condition was and that it was totally untouched I became attached to it ! When it was up and running again and I took it for the first ride I was totally astonished how competent it was, the handling just shames Jap lightweights, it's torquey and economical. The only issue is the 3 speed gearbox, this causes a big gap between 2nd and top, so you have to rev the nuts off it to keep up with traffic flow. Once up to cruising speed though it's very determined at maintaining speed !
So, I'm very glad I took that chance opportunity !
Is that a D14 tank on yours ?
The Bantam was a a chance purchase from a local garage that was closing down. The owner had taken it in part ex many years before and never got around to selling it. I was wondering around there one day and saw this bike shaped sheet in the corner, had a peek to see what it was, the guy saw me and said "it's for sale if you're interested". Not being a particular fan of Bantams at the time I replied, mainly on impulse, "I could be, it depends on price?" So after some negotiation and me still not really that bothered whether I bought it or not, the deal was done ! My first inclination was to check it over, get it running and sell it on but as I worked on it and saw just how good the condition was and that it was totally untouched I became attached to it ! When it was up and running again and I took it for the first ride I was totally astonished how competent it was, the handling just shames Jap lightweights, it's torquey and economical. The only issue is the 3 speed gearbox, this causes a big gap between 2nd and top, so you have to rev the nuts off it to keep up with traffic flow. Once up to cruising speed though it's very determined at maintaining speed !
So, I'm very glad I took that chance opportunity !
Is that a D14 tank on yours ?
