
Ccm Spitfire 686 Review
"A rare, rewarding machine for riders who value soul over convenience."
Used Buyer Review
The CCM Spitfire 686 is one of those bikes that demands you earn it. Built around a Husqvarna-sourced single-cylinder thumper in a hand-welded British chassis, it's genuinely special — but 'special' comes with caveats. These were built in tiny numbers in Bolton, England, so finding parts is an adventure. Budget for waiting. The finish quality varies noticeably between early and later examples, and the suspension setup skews hard toward trail work rather than road comfort. Expect vibration at motorway speeds — this is a thumper, not a tourer. Buy one that's been properly maintained, ideally with CCM service history. The engine itself is impressively robust when looked after, but neglected examples develop oil weeping around the head gasket. Check the frame welds carefully — not because they fail often, but because repairs are expensive. Avoid anything that's been dropped and not professionally repaired. When it's right, it rewards you with a riding experience that feels genuinely handcrafted and alive in a way that Japanese singles simply don't.
Pros
Cons
You need reliable daily transport or easy servicing
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