I've always really liked the look of unrestored old bikes. Bikes that have been ridden far and wide, well maintained mechanically but with little regard for the cosmetics. Bikes with a well-worn patina that look as though they have a story to tell, one that might be worth listening to. I'm not knocking it but the whole restoration ethic just doesn't do it for me - nobody buys an antique piece of furniture and then spends time and money making it look brand new. So, post pictures if you've got them. I'll kick off with a photo I found the other day, 1951 Norton Big 4.
Blimey, that's my mate Bruces Big 4, he bought that for 2/6d (well maybe a little more) back in 1970 something, goes alll over the place on it.
Can I add a couple, because this is my kind of scene, I love old nails! here is my old girl, not as patina'd as Bruce's, but it is getting there and me old mate Shauns M33 combo, "the spruce goose" And of course Grahams "Daisey" man she has done some miles.. or how about a RE that has been owned by the same family from new Or even a 50's BSA Gold Flash that has never had the engine apart... Or my mate Mark's 1930's Ariel..
Great Idea for a thread! I dig bikes with patina too! Having imported a couple Chinese army bikes that are "restored" to look like civilian BMWs, I've been toying with the idea of importing another unrestored example of the same bike, with the original army paint scheme and well-worn patina. Here's the one I'm looking at. I only wish I could see it in person . . .
Excellent pictures... particularly like that Ariel England-Kev. I've posted it elsewhere before but here's my 1960 Greeves Scottish - it will not be restored in my lifetime!
Great bikes!! Here's my contribution. This is my great-uncles original 1929 Indian Chief And his 1920 Indian Scout