Newbie questions: makes, dealers and motorbikes (1 Viewer)

[Banjoblue]

Hello all, a newbie here planning to move on from campervanning! I've downloaded the beginner guide and very useful it is too! Am planning to visit the Bath & West show in a couple of weeks and then the NEC show.

So, a few questions if you don't mind.

Makes: is there a hierarchy of quality builders? I know people can develop a brand loyalty but are some manufacturers associated with better build quality? Are Hymer to motorhomes what VW are to campervans? Are German or continental "better" than uk builders? Are there budget brands? Is there a top three? (or bottom three!)

We're based in Cardiff and though I wouldn't mind travelling to make an eventual purchase are there any recomended dealers with good stock levels in daily drive distance for me to go and tyre kick?

Motorbikes. We've had bikes for years on and off and are quite attracted to the idea of taking a bike with us to the continent or the Isle of Man). Is it practical to put a full size motorcycle in a MH garage (up to 200kg) or are they only suited for lightweight mopeds and such? I've seen the easy-lifter which might be a more flexible alternative but I can already see that that it's all going to massively impact on payload. How do other people manage with that?

Thanks

BB

 

[vwalan]

if you want quality and good prices go to the japanese camper folk near bristol.
you will find them on ebay jcsswcampervans (268
they have a range of smaller ones buy talk with them others can be got .
far better quality than eu converters .
as for the motor bike ,i have been using a easyrider dax 90cc for 16 yrs . it carries two. not serious motor biking but ideal for local running .
have had lifan 125,s and 250cc lifan but sold them just use the dax . use it alot local at home . but do have a 1500cc drifter for serious ride outs and motorbike camping .

 

[Deleted member 29692]

After the abuse I got on the other thread for daring to have an opinion on this subject I think I'll just sit back and watch this one.

I just hope as a newbie you don't take the wrong advice (which you will certainly be offered) and end up with a pup.

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[Banjoblue]

Thanks vwalan but already got a bongo (which I'll probably keep) and looking for a motorhome. Yes, NickNic, that's also good advice

 

[hilldweller]

Is it practical to put a full size motorcycle in a MH garage (up to 200kg)


BB

Forestboy used to carry a Versys in his garage, now downgraded to a 300 scooter. I forget the make but it is a big tag axle.

The easy lifter hardly takes any of your payload.

 

[tacr2man]

Forestboy used to carry a Versys in his garage, now downgraded to a 300 scooter. I forget the make but it is a big tag axle.

The easy lifter hardly takes any of your payload.

If you mean the hydra trail yes , but the other version will

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[Riverbankannie]

There was a recommendation for Cross Hands Motorhomes on a recent thread by @Dafydd 2 who lives in Cardiff.

https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/advantages-of-buying-locally.159315/#post-2476252

 

[MC 55 FUN]

View attachment 182576
There was a recommendation for Cross Hands Motorhomes on a recent thread by @Dafydd 2 who lives in Cardiff.

https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/advantages-of-buying-locally.159315/#post-2476252

http://www.continentalcaravans.co.uk/

Despite the name they are Motorhome dealers & very good too in our considered opinion & experiences of two purchases within the last 18 months.

 

[bigtree]

I carry a KTM Duke in my garage although I'm 5t,depends if you have your C1.

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[Jands]

Spend time to do your research.
I am looking at putting a 125 in the garage.
Things too think about
Van payload
Weight of bike
Ease of getting it into the garage
Size of garage, height, width.
Travel insurance on using a bike over 125

Looked at all these and for me a 125 Will have to do.
Pity they don't do the range of small sizes like they used to, 100cc to 360cc.
I would love a 250 aircooled bike
Or even the old Yamaha 500 single.

 

[Banjoblue]

I'm looking at the herald classic 250.

https://www.heraldmotorcompany.com/our-bikes/classic-250-2/

 

[vwalan]

Thanks vwalan but already got a bongo (which I'll probably keep) and looking for a motorhome. Yes, NickNic, that's also good advice

but they do import larger m,homes at times . some based on trucks or what ever . but proper m,homes .
they do some nice 4x4 toyotas . i keep thinking shall i.

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[scotzsue]

I carry a KTM Duke in my garage although I'm 5t,depends if you have your C1.

So do we in a 4 tonner, watch out for that bigtree, you end up changing your bike and your motorhome. Lovin it Trev, thanks. We have the 690 bigtree has a choice.

 

[Riverbankannie]

http://www.continentalcaravans.co.uk/

Despite the name they are Motorhome dealers & very good too in our considered opinion & experiences of two purchases within the last 18 months.

Yes of course Continental Caravans who are at Cross Hands. That's the trouble with getting old cannot remember 5 seconds between looking it up and posting!

 

[Silver-Fox]

Might be worth deciding what layout you require then choose a maker

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[Banjoblue]

Might be worth deciding what layout you require then choose a maker

Very true! We went looking for VW camper and then realised how overpriced they are compared to a MH. Mrs BB was instantly taken by the extra space and facilities (all part of my cunning plan tbh) but when we looked at some of the MH's at the same dealer I was shocked at the quality of some of the fittings. One fold down washroom sink had all the structural integrity of the plastic in an Easter egg package. . I just wondered where different builders come on the quality scale. I'm not surprised nobody has jumped on the British v continental debate, I thought it might be a bit controversial

 

[hilldweller]

One fold down washroom sink had all the structural integrity of the plastic in an Easter egg package

Same with shower trays, countless threads on cracked shower trays in here.

Style and sales drive MHs now which is why some of the older ones, especially Hymer are much sort after.

And if it's not the plastic that gets you the increased technology will, many cases of duff FIAT dashboards recently with all manor of problems when they they are replaced.

 

[Northernraider]

Everyone will have differing opinions that's for sure.

If you want something big enough to take a larger bike then I'd advise a burstner, euromobil, frankia, or big hymer tag axle
Personally I'd not entertain a British built van again, autotrail maybe at a push buy I'd always go for a continental first ( my preference due to experience with various mh over the years and from what I've picked up on others experiences)
Get one with a 5 tonne chassis and you'll have a payload of around 1 tonne to 1250kg
My frankia is 5.2 tonnes with a tonne payload. The garage could easily take a big bike if needed, although I have full bike licence I only intend to carry a 125 in mine
Totally depends on your budget but you could pick up a burstner 747 argos on a 2002-4 chassis for between £20-25k, there's a nice frankia i800 just appeared on ebay at £26k and a 2005 euromobil at £37k currently all that would carry a big bike with ease

Don't know many British conversions with a garage big enough to carry a big bike
But as I tend to bypass them there may well be some out there

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[Riverbankannie]

Very true! We went looking for VW camper and then realised how overpriced they are compared to a MH. Mrs BB was instantly taken by the extra space and facilities (all part of my cunning plan tbh) but when we looked at some of the MH's at the same dealer I was shocked at the quality of some of the fittings. One fold down washroom sink had all the structural integrity of the plastic in an Easter egg package. . I just wondered where different builders come on the quality scale. I'm not surprised nobody has jumped on the British v continental debate, I thought it might be a bit controversial

The trouble is that all MH builders buy from the same limited pool of suppliers of bits to build from e.g Thetford washroom fittings and Dometic fridge and cooking and so on. Unfortunately the quality of these bits and pieces has been steadily declining in my opinion. Plastic stuff breaking is one of the MH owners biggest gripes.

 

[Jands]

I'm looking at the herald classic 250.

https://www.heraldmotorcompany.com/our-bikes/classic-250-2/

Looks good but a bit wary of Chinese bikes.
Would rather have something more proven.
Saying that might have a look at it in the dealership as it's well priced.

 

[Banjoblue]

Everyone will have differing opinions that's for sure.

If you want something big enough to take a larger bike then I'd advise a burstner, euromobil, frankia, or big hymer tag axle
Personally I'd not entertain a British built van again, autotrail maybe at a push buy I'd always go for a continental first ( my preference due to experience with various mh over the years and from what I've picked up on others experiences)
Get one with a 5 tonne chassis and you'll have a payload of around 1 tonne to 1250kg
My frankia is 5.2 tonnes with a tonne payload. The garage could easily take a big bike if needed, although I have full bike licence I only intend to carry a 125 in mine
Totally depends on your budget but you could pick up a burstner 747 argos on a 2002-4 chassis for between £20-25k, there's a nice frankia i800 just appeared on ebay at £26k and a 2005 euromobil at £37k currently all that would carry a big bike with ease

Don't know many British conversions with a garage big enough to carry a big bike
But as I tend to bypass them there may well be some out there

That's really helpful! That's the impression I was getting from my internet searches. That Frankia is huge! There's no way I'm showing Mrs BB that!

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[Banjoblue]

Looks good but a bit wary of Chinese bikes.
Would rather have something more proven.
Saying that might have a look at it in the dealership as it's well priced.

I think they have reasonable reviews. They are based on the suzuki engine and Herald upgrade some parts. A new bike for £2.5k

 

[Northernraider]

That's really helpful! That's the impression I was getting from my internet searches. That Frankia is huge! There's no way I'm showing Mrs BB that!

Its huge but trust me once you've driven it it shrinks think it's half a metre shorter than mine which I just picked up 10 days ago

 

[Spriddler]

I've had a Herald Classic 250 for year. I ride it regularly in U.K. and to Spain last year (1800 mls), and several extended tours in Europe. I've ridden and competed on old Brit bikes for 50+ years but now at 72 I need something lighter than my three heavyweight 1950's Matchlesses. I've rebadged the Herald as a 'Mutchless' as a joke to my pals as my reputation is of being a Matchless fanatic. It is fun to ride, quick, light to manoeuvre, good disc brakes and lights, excellent 5 speed gearbox, comfortable, looks like a 'proper' bike and has been 100% reliable.

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[Spriddler]

I'm not seeking accolades but just to give you an idea of how easy it is to ride I've had to ride for the past 7 years with only a useable left arm and hand so I've had it adapted with the front brake and clutch levers on the left of the 'bars. My right glove is Velcro'd to the 'bars to keep it under control.
I bought mine from, and it was adapted by Haywards of Cambridge, a terrific 'old school' dealer run now by the grandson of a WW2 despatch rider who started the business after being demobbed.

 

[hilldweller]

I'm not seeking accolades but

But well done anyway. The spooky thing is, last time I was at the Ponderosa I got chatting to a biker with no left hand. He'd cobbled the clutch ( Tiger 600 with normal bars ) on the RHS and had a proper big grin on him.

Nothing stops a biker !!

 

[John Stanton]

I've had a Herald Classic 250 for year. I ride it regularly in U.K. and to Spain last year (1800 mls), and several extended tours in Europe. I've ridden and competed on old Brit bikes for 50+ years but now at 72 I need something lighter than my three heavyweight 1950's Matchlesses. I've rebadged the Herald as a 'Mutchless' as a joke to my pals as my reputation is of being a Matchless fanatic. It is fun to ride, quick, light to manoeuvre, good disc brakes and lights, excellent 5 speed gearbox, comfortable, looks like a 'proper' bike and has been 100% reliable.

View attachment 182721

Sorry, no wish to send this thread off on a tangent but I was just admiring the Herald you have - never heard of them before but as a Triumph fan and owner it does look like a baby "Bonnie" to me if you half close your eyes . Having looked at the Herald web site I was then led onto another Chinese import web site "Sinnis" and saw this which I thought looked OK for £2,400, although in 125 form it might be a bit gutless ...

Anyway, clearly you enjoy your bikes - I am old enough to remember Matchless but never managed to scrounge a ride on one

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[Banjoblue]

I've had a Herald Classic 250 for year. I ride it regularly in U.K. and to Spain last year (1800 mls), and several extended tours in Europe.

That's cool! Great to here a review from someone who knows what they're talking about rather than some advertising puff-piece!

 

[Banjoblue]

Sorry, no wish to send this thread off on a tangent but I was just admiring the Herald you have - never heard of them before but as a Triumph fan and owner it does look like a baby "Bonnie" to me if you half close your eyes . Having looked at the Herald web site I was then led onto another Chinese import web site "Sinnis" and saw this which I thought looked OK for £2,400, although in 125 form it might be a bit gutless ...

Anyway, clearly you enjoy your bikes - I am old enough to remember Matchless but never managed to scrounge a ride on one

I think the Sinnis is basically the same but, from my reading on the web, different importers do different things to them before sale.

 

[Spriddler]

I think the Sinnis is basically the same but, from my reading on the web, different importers do different things to them before sale.

Yes, the Sinnis Retrostar 250 is basically the same but wasn't available in black (which I particularly wanted as it looks more 'classic' than a colour). Besides, the Herald is upgraded with branded chain, rear sprocket, brake pads, rear shocks, Avon tyres etc., which are the parts that have been typically poor quality when imported and have spoiled the reputation of many Chinese made bikes.
I recall when pretty awful Japanese bikes arrived on the scene back in the late 60's ('JapCrap' we called 'em). They learned fast and look how they quickly devastated the British bike industry.
There is a Sinnis dealer only 8 miles from me but they are in my opinion 'box shifters' and I was not at all impressed with their knowledge or service when I went there to view a Sinnis. I went instead to the proper traditional bike dealer, Haywards at Cambridge, even though they are 110 miles from my house. I haven't needed to go back there.
I would add that I served my apprenticeship on R/Royce and Bentley cars and have been restoring and riding 'old' cars and bikes for 50 years. Bikes are my passion and I write for a one-marque magazine and assist owners Europe-wide and on a couple of classic bike websites with their technical problems so I have a good feel for bikes. (Well, if I haven't learned a few things - much of it from others and my own shed and roadside repairs - after 50+ years I should have!).
Hope that helps.
If it's of interest this is my 1947 two owners AJS 500cc Model 18