I'm toying with the idea of a classic motorcycle (by which I mean 60's/70's perhaps early 80's). Not for screaming around on or for use in adverse weather, but a fair weather cruiser.

I'd quite like a single cylinder engine, between 350cc and 500cc ish., but I'm not after much in the way of power for a number of reasons. Does anyone know of any bikes from that era that are reasonably affordable (ideally

A 70s triumph bonneville might be worth a look , and the royal enfield hasn't changed in 50 years.

If you are after the classic look it might also be worth considering a kawasaki w650.

You'll get an early (late 90s) one for your budget and it'll be a lot less hassle

Yeah, that's the sort I'm after. But as they're more modern does it mean they're less spanners and wrenches to maintain and more electronics?

Yes and no.

The w650 has carbs rather than fuel injection though it does have an electronic ignition system. There's still plenty of spannering to do on them and it's all pretty accessible.

More importantly it has relatively modern suspension so it will handle in an acceptable fashion and you'll get spare parts in a matter of days rather than wasting the whole summer searching for something made of unobtanium as you would on a real classic

Try a Bandit, very home mechanioc friendly, I do all my own servicing/repairs and no electronic gizmo's to worry about!, for your budget you should be able to get a 2000 600.

W650 Would be easy to maintain and a relaxed ride.

W650 is looking a good bet now. Autotrader isn't turning much up in my price range though, are there any other good bets for sourcing bikes from? Been quoted £370 insurance on one which I think isn't bad for a first bike!!

It's not a definate yet, but I want to "test the water" as it were before I go full on into lessons etc.

A further question, might be obvious, but can panniers be fitted to the W650?

Hmmm , there's normally a fair few on ebay but just the one at the mo.

I'm considering a classic styled bike for my next one , quite possibly a Triumph Thruxton

Have a day out in Bakewell and go to the motorcycle museum.

You might get a few ideas and some helpful information.

It's only 40 mins from Mac.

A little random, but i know next to nothing about bikes,

A 1920's Indian Scout, simply becasue the one thats in the movie The worlds fastest Indian looks like a most interesting machine, though possibly not the most practical.

I would recommend watching it, only bout £6 on DVD and a cracking movie.

my dads got a 1958 bsa goldstar with loads of eddie dow stuff

I could only find a photo of when they took em all and parked em under concorde

that aint his but its in there somewhere

just had it revalued at 10k though so its a little more than you want to spend

nice classic though.