Kettering Classics

markbaldry · Post by **markbaldry** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 10:38 am

I'm new to the world of AJS & Matchless and have just joined the club and am looking to buy a bike.

I thought that by doing a bit of research and buying a bike through the club via Kettering Classics would be a sensible option so as i don't get sold a dud.

I just wondered what experiencences others have had with Kettering as iam finding them really hard work. I thought i would get the bike machine dated before going to view but the sales guy there was very dismissive and told me "the bikes we sell are not worth enough money to worry about a few number, surely your not going to let a few numbers decided on wether you bye a bike. condition is more important."

is he right am i being too fussy? i just thought i was being sensible. he reluctantly agreed to get the numbers and i am to ring back but i am a bit shocked as i thought the club would be a bit more professional than this and it's kind of putting me off buying an AJS altogether.

does kettering have a good reputation?

Merlin · Post by **Merlin** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 11:29 am

I cannot speak about Kettering but when I came back to biking I was more interested in riding and reliability than originality, price will reflect how original it is together with the condition , don't be put off by one persons opinion the club is very good lots of spares and info.
Regards
Merlin
ps
Welcome

CR · Post by CR » Fri Apr 04, 2008 11:35 am

Welcome Mark. I think overall KCM does have a very good reputation. Having said that it's a fact that you can't please all of the people all of the time, and not everybody will share the same opinion.

I think that in this case you're both right. Some of the best bikes that I've ever sold didn't have matching numbers. But the people who bought them from me have ridden them for years and always commented on what good machines they were.

Matching numbers don't make a bike go any better, but if that's what you want then that's what you should get. To check that the numbers are correct you need to use the services of the Club's Dating officer. He can look up the dispatch records for a given frame number and tell you when it left the factory and what the engine and gearbox numbers should be if they are original. He will also charge you for that service.

Bikes sold from Kettering have two major benefits over buying from a newspaper advert. The first is that the bike will have been checked over by people who know the marque inside out. The second is that if anything major is wrong, they'll take it back and refund your money.

If you got bad service on the first attempt, try again. Don't be intimidated by the sometimes impatient nature of anybody selling you a bike. You're the one with the money in your pocket...remind them of that fact loudly and you should get the response that you seek.

itma · Post by **itma** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 12:24 pm

why not go to Kettering if only assess what is there, what you like,are comfortable with,guage condition for a set price etc.
What ever you buy, and from whoever it'll be a money pit any way,
The one thing you can't put a price on is the grin on your face which should be there when you are riding it.
I havent been out on any of mine for 18 months now, which is one reason I am a gloomy old sod
get a bike, ride it.

GSAX1 · Post by **GSAX1** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 12:59 pm

Hi Mark.

No you are not too fussy. I myself think that numbers are important, since I am not only interested in the practical, but also in the historical aspects of our hobby. The numbers are part of the bike's history and immersion into the historical maze of British motorcycling gives me a great pleasure that enhances the whole experience way beyond the riding itself.

Some self-proclaimed "Real Riders" will claim that numbers are non-important, and that you, by being interested in this aspect of historical motorcycling, are not a "Real Rider". Ignore them, as they themselves seem to lack understanding and/or tolerance for other views of motorcycles and motorcycling.

And, as other posters have said, you have the money and you decide what you want.

I think that you will find that AMC bikes are within reach even without a fat wallet, that they are easily maintainable, and that they give as good, or better, grin-per-mile value as many other makes. You will also find that the club is one of the best mark clubs with a superb spares scheme, a great monthly magazine and a friendly web community.

Michael

snatchpiece · Post by **snatchpiece** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 2:14 pm

Mark,

I bought my G12 from Kettering Classics after paying them a visit, since then I've called in a few times for spare bits and/or advice. I really like it there, friendly atmosphere, sometimes get offered a coffee if the kettle's on, the guys there always take their time to explain everything clearly and if I don't cotton on straight away then they always display great patience whilst trying to enlighten me. You sometimes meet other customers there who are usually willing to chat and lend advice. Well worth a visit just to look at the bikes on sale and a must if you intend to purchase. Kettering Classics is an asset that many bike clubs do not have, long may they continue.

Did AMC bikes have matching numbers?

thomthom · Post by **thomthom** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 2:18 pm

As far as I read of Mark's first posting, he is not looking for matching numbers merely confirmation of the year of manufacture.

Machine provenance could be part of the service.

markbaldry · Post by **markbaldry** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 2:32 pm

quote:
Hi Mark.

No you are not too fussy. I myself think that numbers are important, since I am not only interested in the practical, but also in the historical aspects of our hobby. The numbers are part of the bike's history and immersion into the historical maze of British motorcycling gives me a great pleasure that enhances the whole experience way beyond the riding itself.

Some self-proclaimed "Real Riders" will claim that numbers are non-important, and that you, by being interested in this aspect of historical motorcycling, are not a "Real Rider". Ignore them, as they themselves seem to lack understanding and/or tolerance for other views of motorcycles and motorcycling.

And, as other posters have said, you have the money and you decide what you want.

I think that you will find that AMC bikes are within reach even without a fat wallet, that they are easily maintainable, and that they give as good, or better, grin-per-mile value as many other makes. You will also find that the club is one of the best mark clubs with a superb spares scheme, a great monthly magazine and a friendly web community.

Michael

Thanks Michael you've explained exactly what i'm trying to say.

i've ridden lots of modern super bikes but what i want now is to ride something more "fun" but has got that history. i guess what i'm really after a bike that is as close to the bike it was when it left the factory not because i want it as an investment but just to ride something that has been loved and enjoyed by 40-50 yrs worth of other people.

i accept things will have been repaired/ overhauled and rebuilt but if i buy a 1960 G12 i want a 1960 G12 not the engine of a 1657, frame of a 1962 , seat of a 1955 etc etc like some Frankenstein monster thats all.

you wouldn't buy a classic car with an escort front, cortina back and vauxhall viva engine?

GSAX1 · Post by **GSAX1** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 2:53 pm

I agree Mark.

It's like looking at an old painting. Some see only the motif, like it was a photograph. Others see way beyond the actual motif, and derive pleasure from the artistical values the artist tried to convey. It has something to do with imagination I guess.

MichaelEdited by - GSAX1 on 04 Apr 2008 1:55:24 PM

Merlin · Post by **Merlin** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 3:39 pm

Well that's me told then.You get what you pay for what is important is your choice.