Sanglas 500S motorcycle

[@jibjab351]

I bought a Sanglas 500 S2 V5 in the UK in 1983. It was a 1979 model which had sat in a bike shop window for 4 years, no-one bought it because it was expensive and nobody had heard of Sanglas motorcycles. I was offered it very cheaply so he could get rid of it. £1229 official price in 1979, I paid £695. It was still new with zero miles on it. It was a great bike, I did many miles including touring France and Spain. I sold it after 1 year for £400 as nobody wanted to buy it. Top speed 85mph and did 70 miles per gallon. I would like to still have it now.

[@poatemaine6200]

The V5 was the technical peak of Sanglas that made it to mass production and their final bid to break into export markets. Didn't really work out though.

[@jibjab351]

On a par with the Yamaha SR500, just a lot more expensive. @@poatemaine6200

[@poatemaine6200]

and that is why the japanese won. Same would have happened to HD or Enfield in an unprotected market.

[@EduardoGarcia-ie9gb]

Yes! I am the proud owner of one of old singles and I am really happy with it. Is really easy found parts here in Spain, brand new or used. Sanglas never will die! Enjoy your 500 S and if you need some help don’t hesitate to hesitate ask me!

[@poatemaine6200]

Thanks. To me Sanglas is in the same category with Harley & Royal Enfield. All very sturdy old tech "big" roadbikes, a shame that Sanglas was not helped to survive by some kind of protection, like HD and Royal. If it wasn't for government's intervention and protectionism in the home market, neither HD nor Royal would exist today. Also gear change with the heel is very interesting on Sanglas :) I can't change on it in the normal way

[@jibjab351]

gear change is just like any other bike, no changing with the heal.

[@poatemaine6200]

@@jibjab351 the travel of the pedal is very long therefore quite impractical, its an old & known issue.