Should I buy it or walk away rapidly?

[Rex]

Any old bike, even a so-called restored one, will have problems, and getting the frame checked and jigged (if need be) is something like £200 last time I checked.
If the price is low enough to factor that in and still be reasonable then buy it, and  if not then don't.
To me, it's an unnecessary fear largely brought on by daft advice in the likes of Classic Bike from years back. Worth being aware of but not a deal-breaker.

[Two Sheds]

Apologies for not having responded until now. I contrived to fall off a ladder at the weekend, so have been a little distracted. Many thanks for all of the advice, it makes me think I am indeed overthinking it, and after all (a) any 60 year old bike is likely to have a few issues, and (b) a bent frame is not insuperable. I had thought that the whole bike would need to be stripped down to the frame but that appears not to be the case.

The vendor is asking £4000, and I am tempted to make an offer.

Thanks again, all
Martin

[Greybeard]

Got any pix?

[Two Sheds]

Sadly, it has now been sold! I was just too hesitant.

But I will continue to look out for one, and am now armed with new knowledge, so thanks to all of you.

Martin

[Greybeard]

Hopefully you discovered what a useful forum this is, so will stick to your plan to get an 'A'. Good luck searching for one.

[Slymo]

My SR had sidecar gearing but didnt seem to have been recently attached to a chair. I have a friend with a 1950 Panther 600 which had done a lot of sidecar work and it realy flogged out the rear hub. It has all been repaired now but if I were given the choice I'd go for a solo bike first always.