Honda CD185 Benly - First ride out along the coast

After a bit of tinkering the Honda CD185 Benly - bought for £900 as part of the Grand Challenge - is up and running and out for its maiden voyage. Even a bit of green laning at the end.
Nice bike. So light and nimble.

[@skotty1962]

I'm 60 years old and just bought myself a Royal Enfield Hunter 350. Re-capturing my youth. I love it. Already thinking it would make a cute little scrambler. Cheers mate.

[@mantarayal]

60 is nothing mate. 90 is pushing it maybe. But until then my friend, we ride and drive and enjoy. Bikes, scooters (try them because they rock) of any size or age, we owe no one. Good luck mate and safe trips and travels. Nice choice of bike btw!!

[@chrisb4504]

I’m 6’ do u think I’d fit the hunter I reckon so?

[@crispinleslie]

1983- I passed my test on a CG 125. Not too big, not too shiny, inexpensive… Reliable as an anvil. What’s not to love ? Don’t doubt yourself Nathan, you are leading the charge of common sense 👍.

[@peterbgoode4938]

Like a battery charger for the soul Nathan you are a joy ! Thank you

[@64fairlane305]

Bought me a 1981 Honda CM400T for exactly one grand a month ago. Shiny old 43 year old bike, runs like a new bike and has the looks and sounds hot

[@lipsee100]

Yeah great vid Nathan,,,my favorite road is Bluestone Heath rd on the Lincolnshire wolds....

[@johnwood4448]

Nathan You're absolutely spot on with your assessment of the area and a cheap bike,we've been holidaying in Croyde bay for 30 odd years,it's a most beautiful part on the country,the CD185 or similar would be a hoot for hareing around the area on! Keep them videos coming!😊😉

[@onanysundrymule3144]

Excellent Sir. Motorcycle - General Purpose - For the Use and Enjoyment of.

[@chrisb4504]

Absolutely fantastic viewing Nathan. I’m 49 passed my test a couple weeks ago obviously on a learner 650. I been so confused about what first bike I get. I don’t really have time to repair the older bikes but seeing what fun you had on that small cc bike has really made me think. Perhaps the RE Hunter would suit me although I’m 6 foot but this type of riding with small bikes should be done more especially with most people skint. Good luck with the rally. You live in a beautiful part of the uk 👏👍

[@jamespegram8843]

Blagged my brothers 185 benly to pass my test in 1980... happy days , since then I've owned 7 cars and 58 motorcycles. Two wheels good four wheels bad. 😎

[@petermorrall8337]

Hello Nathan, I owned one of these in when I lived in London in the early 1980s and loved it. It got through the traffic across the city day after day. Peter

[@Calvin_Wright]

Honda is sounding sweet 🤙😎

[@potskifilms]

Well Nathan; thanks for that and thanks may I say for talking a bit of common sense ... That brought back memories of my first bike a CB175 in 1974 ( we all had either the CB's or CD'd 175's) what a great little all round bike hey were!

[@robertmerry1693]

Brilliant, the Bentley bat bike strikes again, looks good on the green lines.

[@-old-school-motorcyclesltd]

Excellent stuff we’ll done on that 😊😊 I love riding the old machines as well as new

[@stevepage2541]

Great little engine,would steam along at close to max all day long,with it's mini-Brit exhaust note!

[@SAM-zt2uy]

The grand challenge is such a good idea partially because its given me the excuse to buy an old CG125 having had one as a teenager as a field bike. Last week i spent half a day just pottering around the Peak District down single track roads and a few lanes. Its also nice to have a bike where chain and sprockets are about £25 instead of £90 Im guessing its going to be 80+ mpg and old enough to be tax and mot exempt super cheap transport that is somehow more fun than my 600 Bandit and put my GSXR Turbo project on hold!

[@fizzy49cc]

GREAT VID. Keep an eye on oil changes & oil level. Should last forever

[@garynicholls6964]

You've hit the nail on the head. I've had loads of bikes all shapes and sizes. My favourite one the one I've had some great adventures on road and off ? My little 110cc monkey bike.

[@andrewonmyway8184]

It was a very popular despatch bike back in the day.

[@mattwilliams9758]

Many words of wisdom there Mr Millward, emanating from a bright yellow Shoei. Devon looks superb in this weather. Top vlogging!

[@freekolafdegroot2776]

Spot on. This is just the same as with photography. New gear and exotic places do not always make better pictures. I live in SE Asia and most of the roads I take are local fun roads haha . Most people around us just have 1 bike for everything.

[@SuperDavensuziyoutub]

Great video mate,I couldn't have put it better myself.👍 Cut the nonsense hi tech bells and whistles, two wheeled Chelsea Tractors and get back to fun, inexpensive, lightweight basics. All else will just happen.🏍️👍👌

[@davidbaldwin1538]

Having been an avid watcher of your channel for several years finally bitten the bullet and bought a 310gs. A real little fun bike. Although a dearth of trails in North Norfolk it’s great on the back roads, is excellent in the city and cruises effortlessly at 70 as well as working well 2 up. Seems to be my go to bike.

[@guyonacub4335]

Proper motorcycle Nathan When you actually got value for money

[@nathanthepostman]

Thanks Wrinklies. Yea now she's running good I think I got a bargain

[@martinpip8212]

My favourite ride is the back lanes through Deepcar, Strines valley, Castleton, Edale and up MamTorr and back around 60 miles, and it doesn't matter if I ride it on my c92 benley or my baby varadero, I still have a grin from ear to ear.

[@MarkDaleADV]

"Do you think they were admiring glances?" Hilarious! That bike is doing you good Nathan, like therapy!

[@trevorbrooks813]

Great fun. Goodness those Devon lanes are fantastic, I remember (sigh). If you fancy a little more 'off' road pick up an old Honda XL185 and marvel at what it can do for next to nought. There were times when riding my old 500 Bullet that I thought 'what more do I need', though I did solve that question very satisfactorily as a 'want' rather than 'need'... Very entertaining as always, Thanks again.

[@pete36524]

That little Honda really flies along. Sounds good too! I miss my DT175 now!

[@davidskogley3570]

Your enthusiasm is infectious Nathan, and you've discovered the secret to life!

[@oliverleifadams2003]

As usual spot-on bike (& life) philosophy, cheers Nathan. 👍🏼

[@aljo54]

Over here in France I've just bought a Mash 250 (single cylinder 4 stroke) cheap, simple and light. I'm loving it as a local runabout. As you say, it takes me back to what it used to feel like on my C15 etc.

[@max.fleming1045]

I've had quite a few bikes of various sizes and flavours over the years. Hands down my all time favourite was my old Yamaha DT 175. It was basic, sturdy, reliable & went virtually anywhere but the motorway. It's a shame no one makes bikes like that anymore. Everything now days are super sized and complicated.

[@ed.barker7069]

The Beta Alp 200 is probably the modern equivalent of the DT, although not as brisk. But due to the Suzuki DR 200 engine it is reliable,frugal and dependable. The Alp is a splendid little green lane bike. Light, nimble and quick steering but quite slow on the road. I too miss the lightweight two strokes of yore but also the 600cc thumpers that came later.

[@davewilson2277]

Crf250l ?

[@max.fleming1045]

@@davewilson2277 to be fair that is a great bike and the newer 300 L even better. Having said that they're both actually very large bikes , or should I rather say, tall bikes?. I was recently in a Honda dealer and saw a CRF 300 rally standing right next to an Africa twin and there's very little difference in physical size. My old DT 175 was tiny in comparison. Even the bike I sold my DT 175 for was smaller & that was a Yamaha XT 500. I miss that bike as well. Whilst it's by no means perfect or flawless the bike I've decided on & currently trying to buy is a Fantic caballero 500 rally. I've ridden a few and it reminds me of my XT 500 more than any other modern bike going. I just wish it wasn't quite so fat around the middle & the clock was a bit bigger to accommodate my 61 year old eyes lol.

[@ed.barker7069]

@@davewilson2277 Yes you're right. I realised after writing my comment that I had forgotten them and that the 250/300L's are probably closer in spirit to the DT175 than the Alp is. However the Alp is old school in that it has a carburettor and air cooling whereas the CRF's are obviously WC and EFI. The Alp is also 30kg's lighter than the Honda's and has a much lower seat height. The Honda's are better for service intervals though. Horses for courses.

[@ed.barker7069]

@@max.fleming1045 Have you considered the Mash 650 X-Ride Trail? Very similar in style to the XT.

[@richardbyrnes8398]

Shoulda parked it down on the beach next to all the other sheds. 😛 You're damn right about the roads down here though. A39 Porlock to Lynmouth being my fave. Just stunning scenery Exmoor one side and the coast on the other.

[@andyhoney7030]

Nathan you really do make a compelling case to get off these big, powerful bikes & back onto something smaller. Great vlog & fair play barrelling down that muddy lane on worn out tyres, superb skills. I'm North Somerset based & often head down your way, great riding. Took inspiration from you last year & did the SW500 route. Cracking riding.

[@yellownev]

Sold the RT For those points on money and image. Did realise a dream of taking it back to Germany in the Autobahns. Not quite ready for the grand challenge but have recently brought your two books ( kindle) I’m inspired to explore even more on the Himmy

[@SpiroZoren]

Great conversation. Some very valid points raised. Certainly inspired me to get the 'cheap' XJR. Nice to have something that I don't have to worry so much about that will still give me the same pleasure as my more expensive bike. Being honest, a CB500 would be more than enough for most people. My best adventures were had when I was 17-20 and riding 125's and 250's. Did some of Europe (slowly) on them and felt I saw and experienced more than I do now on faster bikes.

[@markrobertson5305]

That's a special bike. A great find. Love it.

[@trevorsmith8487]

Totally agree on the F750 'smaller bike' comment, it never ceases to amaze me how many, particular older' who pass their test just 'have' to go for something that many struggle to use. And it's not just blokes, some of the ladies are just as bad but I suppose willy waving is open to all genders these days. It's a genuine pity that most don't get to ride smaller/lower powered bikes until much, much later in their biking careers these days.

[@leslieaustin151]

Yup, completely agree with all you’ve said Nathan. Glad you’re having fun on it. My Innova is sitting sadly in the garage, waiting for me to get a CG125 front wheel to match the forks I’m putting on it! Hope to actually be DOING the Challenge soon, not just dreaming about it! Les

[@JKL246]

I have an F750 low sus and indeed wouldn’t take it on that road on purpose; that’s what the Himalayan is for haha. The 750 is my road “touring bike” (very good bike actually). I started riding 15 years ago on a Suzuki DR200, so I can somewhat relate to this video. It’s pure joy on the right road with a small bike, but I won’t go without ABS anymore. The KLX 230 S ABS and Trail 125 ABS are intriguing. Thanks for the ride along and fantastic view.

[@_zzpza]

That's fantastic, I couldn't agree more. I also now really want a CD185. I really should fix my '80 CG125 and get it on the road.

[@1990-t1j]

Lomo gloves: 15/16 quid. That's the way. Fully approve. My CD175 was a nippy bike. Lots of bikes in Thailand in the 150/200 class that you don't see in Europe. It's a good size. Have a look at Stallions, a Thai bike, as an example. An Australian at work once told me that we didn't know what beaches were. I said Cornwall and Devon, and while you're at it, have a look at northern France. Great video. Took me back to my late teens on my CD, even the sound when you opened up the throttle.

[@simonbealing]

Bike sounds great. And those views!

[@claretbuck1882]

Awesome bud Cheers 👍🏻

[@volt8684]

Seeing and hearing that honda engine note took me back all those years. Had an xl125 and 185 but preferred my dt175 the 2 strokes just had the acceleration. That honda sound though. Unburstable

[@sergentcolon1]

Honda sell the H’ness 350 single in India, given how well Enfield’s 350’s are selling in the U.K. I can’t understand why they won’t export them here.

[@nathanthepostman]

Yes that looks a nice bike that. Massive miss by Honda there not bringing it in.

[@andymcm6902]

Interesting video. On the subject of good value bikes I got a year 2000 BMW R1100R a couple of years ago, for £1650. Sails through the MOT and feels like it will last forever. I had an old Suzuki GS500 a few bikes ago and it was great. Really light and manageable and once the fork springs were changed it went really well. On balance that was probably a more fun bike overall.

[@Andy_ATB]

Yeah, lightweight and reasonably inexpensive is the way to go......A pity the main manufacturers aren't building them.

[@_zzpza]

12:38 That's Pickwell!

[@volt8684]

Nathan it struck me whilst you were eschewing virtues of this style of bike. Come on Honda respond to RE meteor. I had a honda cb360 twin which at the time I thought was the dogs. Around 30 hp I think, took girlfriend on back. Beautiful looking, must be a big market for this style of bike if RE are anything to go by but the little honda sings. Come on Honda give us a couple instead of RE. Meteor of cb350/60, honda every day for me twin chrome pipes, twin clocks. You got a real bargain with that one

[@ed.barker7069]

Honda currently sell the CB350 H'ness in India.( I think in Japan It's sold as the GB350).It is a lovely looking machine. In my opinion better looking than any of the 350 Enfields. I cannot understand Honda not making it Euro friendly when they can see so many sales going to Enfield.

[@pauloakes5718]

I’ve got one of the last 955i Daytonas on an 06.Mint but never got time to ride it🤫Going to get an old Himalayan and keep it outside the front door as I’ll ride it more. Your absolutely right sir!

[@markpavlowski7223]

"Old Himalayan"...Launched in U.K/Jan 2018...that's 'old'...???...🙄...'young people today...when i was a'lad...mutter...mutter'

[@pauloakes5718]

@@markpavlowski7223 see your point but I’m Sixty and had 27 japs three English and a Rusky. Watch your 👄. Great channel🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@pauloakes5718]

Very affordable bike for every day use don’t you think!

[@markpavlowski7223]

@@pauloakes5718 'sixty'...listen 'son'...when you get to seventy-six(hopefully this April…🙄) and still own a bike you bought new in 1975(Guzzi T3) you can call that old...😏...in the meantime I'm also 'luvving' my Intercept/Meteor(not using my Hima much) have a great day...perhaps see you on one of Nathans rides this coming season....

[@pauloakes5718]

I’m after my dream bike now other than the Himalayan.I’m looking for a good CB 900F early one. Never had one and still makes my eyeballs pop. Why would any one ride a bike linked to a cash machine with silicone chips and no curry🛶

[@MarkDaleADV]

Is it just me, or does that 185 bring out the hooligan in you?

[@nathanthepostman]

wait til it gets the knobblies fitted!

[@jontetanner]

Yo Nathan, just want to give a shout to you and thank you for your inspiration! Just picked up a yamaha rd 125 from 1980 for 9500sek, (yep under a grand sterling) going to be thrashing it through the Swedish countryside as my first "offroad" bike. Was so close to buying a gs and probably killing the dream in the process! Cheers dude! @brittalaswede xx

[@sagalout]

Loved this video! 100% agree on your sentiments too - far too many (expensive) niches now in biking. What happened to the 360 footage? 😅

[@nathanthepostman]

It was doing my head in to edit and it was just a close up of my bum

[@creakincrank2806]

@@nathanthepostman Lol, the more the video went on with no 360 footage, the more I thought "I wonder how/when he's going to lose that camera" 😂

[@InterceptorSC]

Enjoyed that thanks

[@SCALE_SLOTCARS]

You're a way more confident rider than me, at them speeds on a slippery road with blind corners. I was stressed just looking 😬 🤣 rode a cg125 and a 200 benly as a courier in Ireland in the 80s great bikes and the cg ran on the wiff of a bit of petrol 500 miles a week for 6 years also a dt mx 175 and a vespa px... Great days. I remember I swapped my Dt175 for a Honda 250 superdream. I thought it was huge🤔🤣 great memories!

[@SCALE_SLOTCARS]

@@christga100 😂 yes I seen that junction on the right, I can imagine an old granny and grandad driving that car, one of them looking at a paper map (what's a sat nav🤔🤠)ohh I think it's right here sweetie, 👵💥🏍️🤕

[@SCALE_SLOTCARS]

@@christga100 nah we're good 👍over thinking got me 48 years of riding bikes.... Ile stick with over thinking thank you😂 🙂

[@nathanthepostman]

@@christga100 That wasn't a junction that was a turning up to a private house. Slim chance they could have turned up there, granted, but I was confident they were just gawping at the view.

[@trevorsmith8487]

+1 for the Woolacombe road on a small bike

[@PaulUpton1]

That engine sounds like it has more grunt that my Himalayan....

[@randomtraveler3363]

Less is More, in bikes and life.

[@caroldave4037]

Fully agree 👏👏👏👏👏

[@MarkDaleADV]

The only bike I can honestly claim to have spent less than £1000 on is my 1982 Yamaha XV750 Virago! (£500 non runner)If I can get it together in the next few months I might join you, just for a laugh of course. I'd rather have something smaller, but I've got more bikes than cash at the mo!

[@BigPezza]

yeah the stock suspension of even a 15 year old bike can handle alot more then the new stuff

[@IanM18]

You're so right, Nathan. Manufacturers have got caught up in the 'Sports bike ' race and don't make anything like the commuter bikes of old. I've got 5 bikes, ranging from 500 to 1200cc and the newest is 30 years old. My favourite for the lanes is a 1977 CB500T, although, after spending a day with you on the Posties and stopping for a tea overlooking Woolacombe, I'm definitely looking at getting a 'tiddler'!

[@sergentcolon1]

They do make small bikes, just don’t export a lot of them to the U.K.

[@IanM18]

@@sergentcolon1 I know they make small bikes, just not the basic "commuter" models, like the CD175/185/200 etc.

[@sufirajon1917]

Brother can u told me about exhaust? Is it original exhaust or aftermarket exhaust? Is it Thailand made exhaust??

[@skaraborgcraft]

Crikey, break out a Fray Bentos.......had a squeaky butt moment, i think it shows your abilities, would not have caught me going that quick with that front tyre......perhaps it looks worse than it really is. Good one!

[@nathanthepostman]

Haha. She's a grippy little devil. Did some sloppier lane bashing today and she's quite alright in rough conditions. Frisky even

[@skaraborgcraft]

@@nathanthepostman They were a popular despatch bike back in the day for city rats. Hard pressed to ever get under 75mpg no matter how you rung its neck. Those with a drinking habit often exceeded 90mpg in order to support the habit. Strange daze.

[@donweaver1600]

What's this like compared to the cg I'm looking for a tax exempt bike

[@Bob-oo7sm]

Nice video Nathan.did you ever get to fit the tec cam on the Himalayan ? I've got a euro 5 one and thinking of fitting it when warranty runs out.I've just ordered a new transalp also

[@nathanthepostman]

It's on the to do list Bob! Next week I keep saying...

[@railinly610]

I hear you. Better to just crack on with it rather than getting all bogged down with peripheral associated bullshit. Life's too short.

[@SuperDavensuziyoutub]

Great video mate,I couldn't have put it better myself.👍 Cut the nonsense hi tech bells and whistles, two wheeled Chelsea Tractors and get back to fun, inexpensive, lightweight basics. All else will just happen.🏍️👍👌