Classic bikes... Do you have an urge ?

[Count Steer]

If I wanted to have something that related to my yoof, that's maintainable, not exotic, useable-ish and could be fun to take to shows etc I'd go for a 650cc P&M Panther (assuming I could start one ). I think a Lambretta could be fun too - either a TV175 or 'go posh' and get an SX200 and, of course, a fishtail parka .

(Neither of those is going to happen ).

[Skub]

From this list : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category: ... ed_in_1973

I'd go for either the BMW R90S, or the Laverda 1000.

This was my one. I shudder to think what it would cost to buy now.

[Le_Fromage_Grande]

I'd make a few observations, in no particular order of merit:

1. Jap bikes from the '60s - yes. Brit bikes from the '60s, no. Just ask Mr Dazzle of this parish.

2. Old (Japanese or Italian) from the 70s and 80s can be 'improved' without changing the look of the bike. Suspension and brakes can be greatly improved and made (just about) safe and vaguely 'modern'.

3. If you're any older than mid to late 50s, don't even think about buying a bike from your year of birth. Just don't.

4. Before you commit, research spares availability and special interest forums. You will need plenty of both.

5. If buying a 'classic' Jap bike, buy a full set of JIS head screwdrivers and impact bits. Vessel are a good make.

That'll do for starters.

Spare availability is a very good point, for instance Z900/1000/1100s have very good spares availability, the smaller Kawasaki 4s aren't anywhere near as good, but quite a lot of mounting brackets are very difficult to find. Suzuki GS1000 and GSX1100 working gearboxes are very scarce and fetch a lot of money, don't buy a big Suzuki with gearbox problems.

[Mr. Dazzle]

The one thing that's nice about the Bonnie is that Triumph made that engine basically since the stone age and loads of people have 'em as classics, so spares have never been an issue for me.

"Classic Bikes from your Youth" from my point of view is a Ducati 916, an 'original' R1 or a Aprilia RSV. I've already owned one of them!

[Rockburner]

I am old enough to have owned some "classics" when they were unloved and cheap (and therefore mostly unreliable). From Btitish 125 two strokes to 500 singles and 650 twins, then onto Kawasaki and Suzuki triples. All were bought and sold for prices that sound ridiculous now.

I still have a 110cc Monet Goyon, which I bought for €200 at a flea market in France, on my way to the UK in a empty van. Thought it would be a nice addition to my garage, as it would take up hardly any room, as it is tiny, and would be simple to get up and running.

Still looks pretty much the same 10 years later, the engine was stripped, it just needed new rings and the carb was unltrasonically cleaned. Parts are easily available too.

It's not worth much, its not rare (just uncommon), and will never get more restoration than a wipe over with an oily rag. Pointless getting rid of nearly 80 years of patina with a coat of paint and shiny wheel rims

20190703_202258.jpg

Lovely thing.

Coincidentally I've been to the Monet et Goyon museum in Melle (where FLASH operates) - they're lovely things.

[Cousin Jack]

Not from my year of birth (shudder, 1940s bikes were not pretty) but I do fancy a mid 60s Thuxton Venom. Probably not be able to kick the damn thing, but it looks pretty.

[Whysub]

Lovely thing.

Coincidentally I've been to the Monet et Goyon museum in Melle (where FLASH operates) - they're lovely things.

Been to Flash's a few times, but this was always closed, only open a few months a year

When I bought the bike, I wrote to the museum, and they dated the bike for me, which the DVLA accepted as its proof of age.

Went to Flash's last September, and the museum was open. As you say, lovely little place, and some great bikes there

[Le_Fromage_Grande]

I think "from the year you started riding" (got two of those) or "from the year you passed your test" (got one of those) would be better than "from the year you were born" I really don't want a 1967 motorcycle.

[weeksy]

Using that logic I think I get a 2001

[Le_Fromage_Grande]

Using that logic I think I get a 2001

Gotta be better than some shitter from 1956

But as I said earlier, buy something you want, not something for some silly rule, and if you don't want one, that's fine as well.

[weeksy]

Using that logic I think I get a 2001

Gotta be better than some shitter from 1956

But as I said earlier, buy something you want, not something for some silly rule, and if you don't want one, that's fine as well.

I'm not buying anything mate, i've just bought



It was just a thread to generate some interest

[Noggin]

Ever since I saw some REALLY old classics/vintage bikes at my first Manx GP I've wanted to own one!!

[Bustaspoke]

I'm currently looking forward to a ride on my mates TZR250 when he gets it on the road,but I've no intention of buying it.
Classic bikes are all well & good if you just want to look at the bike & admire how it looks,but modern retro's are so much better,it's not as if Classic bikes are cheap to buy or rebuild .
I'd rather own a 865 Bonny, Guzzi V75 Classic,Z900 RS,R NINET Urban GS or something from the Enfield line up & I'd probably spend less than it would cost to buy a shonky 'Classic'.

[mangocrazy]

I'm currently looking forward to a ride on my mates TZR250 when he gets it on the road,but I've no intention of buying it.
Classic bikes are all well & good if you just want to look at the bike & admire how it looks,but modern retro's are so much better,it's not as if Classic bikes are cheap to buy or rebuild .
I'd rather own a 865 Bonny, Guzzi V75 Classic,Z900 RS,R NINET Urban GS or something from the Enfield line up & I'd probably spend less than it would cost to buy a shonky 'Classic'.

Very true. If I didn't by some fluke still own a bike I bought in 1980 I wouldn't be going out and buying one now. They're just too bloody expensive and there would be no emotional attachment to that actual bike. The only emotional attachment is to a memory.

[KungFooBob]

I just remembered, I do own a classic... Kinda.

[Yorick]

50 year old bikes to me are as important and relevant as a 50 year old telly or phone.
I love to walk round museums and appreciate what they were in their time.

But now I want modern technology. Why not?

[Le_Fromage_Grande]

I just remembered, I do own a classic... Kinda.

It's 30 years old, there's no kinda about it, you should take it to Cadwell for the Classic Bike Trackday, let me know if you do, I could do with a laugh.

[Mr. Dazzle]

Pfft, if it needs an MOT it isn't a classic!

[ZRX61]

I always fancied having either a BSA Rocket 3 or a Triumph Trident. However, having had a BSA A7 I know that the correct thing to do whenever I think about it is to have a lie down in a darkened room with a damp towel on my forehead.

I had a '75 T160V, as did my step dad. Several years ago I missed out on one for $700

[Bustaspoke]

Very true. If I didn't by some fluke still own a bike I bought in 1980 I wouldn't be going out and buying one now. They're just too bloody expensive and there would be no emotional attachment to that actual bike. The only emotional attachment is to a memory.

Same here,I've got two 1980's Yamaha's,XT600 & FZ750,had the FZ since 1991,some great memories with them back in the day & now I'm retired they're my crappy winter weather projects parked up in a corner of the man cave. They stand me at nothing,just whatever it costs to get them on the road again.If I get them sorted & back on the road I'll be tempted to chop them in & buy a modern retro with the proceeds.