Been Sportin' for many years now...

[Dave D]

As a collector of classic bikes (around 30 at present), I focus mostly on vintage British iron, with some BMWs thrown in. I also have a Road King and have owned many Sportsters, mostly older ironhead XLCH kickers. These bikes, with their magneto, kickstart only and right-side shift are the American equivalent of British bikes. While I can still kickstart a CH, I've settled on a super clean '77 XLH, with its electric leg on the 'bar. It's got the King Sportster tank which makes it more practical for rides, and I upgraded the front disc (although it's still shitty by modern comparisons). The vibes of a pre-rubber mount Sporty are familiar territory to me, having ridden old British thumpers all my life!

 

[Alan]

Hey @Dave D, glad you joined! Curious, which vintage British bike has been your favorite over the years?

 

[Dave D]

Hey @Dave D, glad you joined! Curious, which vintage British bike has been your favorite over the years?

Alan: It's hard to choose! I've got so many I enjoy for different reasons. I guess my favorite marque would be BSA. I have pre-war and post-war BSAs, including a Gold Star 500, 441 Victor, '69 Rocket 3 750, Lightning 650, 1938 1000cc V-twin G14, a first-year 1911 model that's the oldest known full BSA (both frame and engine), etc. My old school '77 Sporty ironhead fits right in, although the earlier bikes with drums brakes and right-side shift (like British bikes) are my favorite Harleys.

 

[Alan]

Wow, @Dave D, that’s seriously impressive! That 1911 BSA must be a real conversation starter. Do you ever take it out for a ride, or is it more of a garage treasure?