Sometimes we do give away our age with posts like this … I started out with 125s … my fave was what I thought now was the BSA shaft drive … though I may be mistaken, it may have been chain … S7, S8 had shaft (?) … but the first I legally rode was the Triumph 350, with eyes on the Bonny 650. Thought 350 when Kawasaki arrived but then decided CB500 was my thang as an all rounder bike … city, some touring.
“S7, S8 had shaft”
The S7 & S8 were Sunbeams. I’m not aware that BSA ever made a shaft drive bike (unless anyone knows otherwise?).
Correct, Microdave, only Sunbeam: altghough I do seem to remember BMW with a shaft, but, perhaps, i’m going doolally in my old age.
I went from a 125 Bantam to a 350cc Douglas. It was very confortable to drive. I often went from London to Wells, Somersetshire (about 130 miles) non-stop.
You’re not going “doolally in your old age” – BMW’s did indeed have shaft drive. I should know as I owned one and so did my father. The Russian Ural (which appeared to be loosely based on the older Beemers) was another, and I’ve now remembered that the small Velocette’s had one also. This was the staple of Police patrols for many years, and gained the nick-name of “Noddy Bike”
I had a CB500. Was just the right height, width and looked great with four chrome exhausts. I had mine painted copper and it was gorgeous. Mine had double disks fitted at the front and it was used for years without issue until some dozy car driver decided it was too long and reduced its length by about 2 foot while I was still on it.
Our family transport through the late 1950s to late 60s was a Triumph Sunbeam scooter, 200cc I think. This had a sidecar with dad up front, big sister pillion, mum with me on her lap in side car, border collie by mums feet, we would be able to visit family or picnic in the Cilterns. One day, just before dad bought his first Reliant we approached the bottom of Scot Hill and the scooter refused to carry us up. We all disembarked and walked up. When dad caught up with us all the people behind let out a great cheer and honking of horns. We waved back at them, no road rage in those days.