My Yamaha Special was purchased from an enthusiast who was also selling a 1961 C15 BSA. Briefly torn between the two, I chose the Yam. £210 changed hands and the deal was done. W reg and 13000 miles, the bike looked and ran well.
Soon after, while on a jaunt, I thought I had been joined by a 500 Gold Star, such was the sudden increase in noise. A roadside check revealed the remains of a golden syrup tin Araldited over an enormous hole in the sub chamber of the exhaust. Situated, unprotected behind the rear wheel, it had been peppered with grit until a hole had been blasted in it. Groovy sound and lotsafun through small villages late at night. Yamaha replacement pipe £70 and a long wait.
After carrying a heavy friend the rear shocks blew out their oil, Girling gas shocks were worth every penny of their 44 notes. Thanks to the lack of nipples on the swinging arm, replacement bushes and spindle were needed at a cost of £25. These running costs are offset by the excellent economy. 85mpg average.
The SLS front brake is excellent and the original shoes lasted for 38000 miles. Tyres last for 20000 front and 10000 miles rear, although the 120/90x16 rear tyre is very difficult to find. If chains only last for ten grand the sprockets go for three times that amount.
The handling is ace up to 55mph and just about passable beyond that, although bend swinging is limited by ground clearance and long distance work by the riding position. But, then, I rarely take it much beyond 60mph (6000rpm in top), which helps both reliability and longevity. Maintenance is pretty minimal, tappets and the like needing infrequent adjustment. Thousand mile oil changes are the order of the day.
Lack of kickstart worried me at first but the starter motor has presented no problems, always succeeding first touch of the button. The original battery gave up the ghost after seven years when I left the bike for three weeks. The tank badges cracked and fell off - the holes were filled and painted rather than pay Yamaha's ridiculous prices.
If you can put your prejudice against factory customs aside, then the SR emerges as a reliable and usable bike, one that I intend to keep for as long as possible. Perhaps, the C15 of its day?
Steve Plastow