I have a scramblerized Enfield: I LOVE that bike, I really do. I love it so much I'd like a second one so my girlfriend can join me on me rides. I could do the exact same bike again, but I have a lot more budget available now compared to when I slapped together that Enfield. Say I'd like to build a proper scrambler. What would be the best bike to start with? I personally would prefer a 350 cc bike (much cheaper and much more readily available and thus less of a 'waste' to customize and still tunable). An AJS/Matchless would be a fine bike to start with. How tunable/durable are those engines? An Ariel NH would be an obvious choice for me (I already have an 53 Ariel NH whith perfect patina, I wouldn't customize that bike for all the money in the world). So I could buy a ~60 NH and try to make an Ariel HS3 replica: I read that the Ariel 350 can do some nice things with hotter cams. I know a few for sale that are mechanically sound, but otherwise completely rotten. The (too?) obvious choice would be a BSA B40: That bike is a complete unknown for me. I know nothing about the engine, durabilty, parts availability etc... etc... I don't want a Triumph or a Norton, they are stupidly expensive over here, neither do I want a 'modern' scrambler like a scramblerized BMW. Am I missing a bike in my list? Which bike would be the most desirable? Which bike would be the easiest to get longer forks for (I think that'll be the biggest challenge).
I Get the feeling you are a four stroke fan, so i wont mention two strokes but some nice two strokes in this style of bike the greeves 380 would be my choice. But in line with what you are after, I like the Matchless G3L 350s they are a good bike i had one as a 13 year lad as a scrambler had a lot of fun on that very tough bike. But if i were looking to build something a bit different i would look at building a velo viper of some kind, 350 as you know about the right size a little rare but you could perhaps turn one up. This is a 500 but same sort of thing only go the viper 350 Or my choice ok its a trials bike but i do like the looks of this viper.
You're right, I should have made that clear: No 2-strokes. I really dislike those A Velo would be fantastic, but you'll never see one for sale here :dog The G3L certainly is very high on my list.
That Matchless looks fantastic, great score! I prefer singles, the guzzi's are too big and cumbersome for the kind of trails I ride on. <iframe width="853" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/HY41Ng5xiX8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Did not think you liked two strokes . Keeping things local what about an FN M13 which is interesting, guessing they are rare but you probably have more chance than most of finding one there. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2py3j_CKAIc Or staying odd ball how about a Junak trials special they did a 350 again light again could be rare but over in Poland should be a few projects. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vegF36jVABM Not sure you want a rare bike project but being rare they have that exclusive edge to them i kind of like. Going with more comon bikes what about a striped Ducati 350/450, something like this, but along more basic clasic lines less austere and glitzy. more details http://way2speed.blogspot.com/2013/09/1967-ducati-scrambler-350.html
Lots of stuff out there for the beeza. Do a google for CCM ( reworked BSA ). Make sure you have plenty of beer handy.
If you want a pre unit, I'd go for a B31/33. Nothing fancy, but you can fancy pants them with Goldstar stuff easy...more BSA stuff out there than any other British single.
Actually, you can get a small block down to 325 to 350 lbs, and they are about the same size as the Matchless 500. The suspension travel is also the same (3"-4", the same as my '69 Harley 125 scrambler). The look would definitely be not traditional, though
I failed. Sorry guys. I failed miserably. I bought a horrible bike to turn into a scrambler, so I won't. I bought a '49 Matchless G3L (hardtail).
