THINKING OF BUYING

For as long as I can remember, the pesky little devil on my right shoulder has been telling me I need an AMC trials bike. Prices which have risen steadily during the past decade have stopped me making the financial stretch to secure one. We’ve all been here: my heart says ‘yes’ but the old head gets in the way, arguing it’s too much of an investment for a motorcycle which would get limited use by this owner.

Prices of genuine AMC competition kit vary enormously, but expect to pay anything from £6k-£10k depending on condition, specification, provenance and year of manufacture. 350 models are now as popular as their larger siblings. Bikes with provenance and original patina like Simon’s are becoming extremely scarce, and are naturally expensive. I would buy from a reputable dealer. There are lots of fakes out there, just as with any collectable classic, so buy with caution. Taking an AMC expert along to any viewing would be sound advice.

Both hubs are handsome alloy castings. The operating lever is neatly tucked away behind the fork slider to keep things tidy and away from passing vegetation

Up-swept silencer keeps the pipe clear of forded streams … but allows rainwater to enter. Jampot rear suspension is certainly sturdy, too