Mopeds, cyclemotors and small scooters are becoming increasingly popular. They’re ideal vintage bikes to start with if you’re just getting into the hobby because they are cheap, many are quite easy to ride, and they are easier to maintain. Also, they have pedals in case you break down…
Pictured above is my new-old-stock 1952 Selection moped with a le Poulain engine; it came from a French cycle shop that closed down, and had never been used. The 1968 Honda P50 (below) is newer than most of my bikes, and I don’t usually buy Japanese bikes; but I do like iconic styles.
Many enthusiasts do simple restorations on their bikes in the winter, and then take them with their families to local steam rallies and shows in the summer. It’s a great way to get your kids interested in a hobby, whether they help you with simple mechanical tasks, paintwork or just riding the bikes around the parade ground at a show. If they’re only ridden around a showground the bikes obviously do not need to be insured, MOT’d or even registered.
Some of my friends restore small machines for their wives or girlfriends to use. Let’s face it, convincing the ‘other half’ to go to a motorcycle event can sometimes be hard work; shows can be boring. But a group effort – and the promise of a picnic in the sun at a summer event – helps a lot.
Pictured below are a 1955 NSU Quickly (on the left) and a 1954 Cyclemaster (on the right). These are models you could find for around £500 in good running order.
I hope you now have an idea of various types of bikes available, on the road and running, with prices from £500 upwards.
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