You cannot compare older motorcycles to the modern ones ,If the major British manufacters i,e Bsa/Norton /Ajs/Matchless and of course Truimph had invested in new models instead of churning out the same old tired models year after year they would probably still be in business.
Per example just about the most succesful bike Bsa ever made was The Gold star either 350cc or 500cc,they were excellent bikes went like the wind .handled well and stopped exceptionally well and reliable.So what did Bsa do in 1962 stop production of that model,The U.S.A market told Bsa unless you continue making the Gold star we are not that interested in taking the other models ,Talk about shoot your self in the foot.
A good 500 Goldie would not disgrace its self even today with other modern 500cc singles ,and its for sure it would go round corners better than the Japanese bikes do .
if you are looking for a lightweight Charlie take a look for atruimph Tiger cub 200cc single nice little bike reliable and for its size goes well.or a 250cc Greeves with a Villiers engine once again a nice enough bike ,In my opnion i would steer clear of royal Enfield crusaders dreadful things ,Bsa c15 not bad and reliable.the Amc 250 singles Ajs/Matchless are ok .
Ariel Arrow is ok .
Of course this is just my opinion its not gospel,
i still have my Db 32 Gold Star heavily modified though inside the engine,God do i have a conversion Yippppppessssssssss heaven forbid
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