1968 Bike

[dern]

Just thinking about an excuse to buy something interesting and have occasionally thought about buying a bike that was registered in the year I was born, 1968. If I was being picky the bike would ideally be a G-reg (suffix) as I was born in November. It would be cool to have something to go to shows I guess but also be useable although not as a daily. I'm not looking for anything particularly exotic and I'm most definitely not a 'money no object' kind of person. I'm definitely clued up on maintaining bikes but I'm not an engineer that can make stuff from scratch.

If you were to get something that filled that criteria, what would you go for?

[KungFooBob]

You're 10 years older than me. I'd like a 1978 MZ 250 Supa5, or if I felt like spending a bit more then a T140 (they had left foot gear change by 1978).

For a cheap 60's bike maybe a Noddy bike or a 200cc FB Falcon of some kind, bother easily had for under 2k, but I might be worried about keeping up with modern traffic.

[dern]

I would definitely prefer something with a bigger engine than that, small bikes don't really appeal that much. I was thinking something like a honda cb750 or maybe a bmw.

[Rockburner]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category: ... ed_in_1968

Those were "new" in that year.. maybe go back one or two years for more choices. (I believe that's NOT a definitive list..)

Personally I'd go for something like a BMW that fitted whatever criteria you had - spares are still in good supply and they're put together with sensible standardised bolts. (ie metric)

[KungFooBob]

There's not much on eBay, try Car and Classic...

https://www.carandclassic.com/car/C1564006

[Mr. Dazzle]

Don't buy a hacked about Triumph is my advice

If you do buy one though, spares are pretty easy to get IME.

[dern]

Maybe getting a bike registered in the year I was born is an unnecessary restriction. There are certainly a lot more big engined buses available in the 70s. I did think about getting a bike from the year I passed my test which was 96 but I already own bikes older than that

[Supermofo]

It's a cool idea, I've thought of doing the same at times. I'm 1977 so thought a CB400 would be cool, although they've about doubled in value since I first had the idea!

Not sure on bikes from the 60s presumably mainly British bikes?

[Taipan]

Panigale with a 1968 private plate on it! Or a 1968 Norton Commando.

[Yorick]

I bought one of these in 1977. Sounded awesome, specially when I fitted 3 Pipers

800px-Suzuki_GT750_triple_water_cooled_2_stroke_-_Flickr_-_mick_-_Lumix(1).jpg (159.28 KiB) Viewed 324 times

[Skub]

I would definitely prefer something with a bigger engine than that, small bikes don't really appeal that much. I was thinking something like a honda cb750 or maybe a bmw.

The Honda arrived in 1969,so you'd be a year out.

For 68 you'd have the choice of a lot of Brit stuff,or Jap strokers. The Kawasaki W650 is quite a pretty bike and there are a few of them about.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawasaki_W_series

[Yorick]

I would definitely prefer something with a bigger engine than that, small bikes don't really appeal that much. I was thinking something like a honda cb750 or maybe a bmw.

The Honda arrived in 1969,so you'd be a year out.

For 68 you'd have the choice of a lot of Brit stuff,or Jap strokers. The Kawasaki W650 is quite a pretty bike and there are a few of them about.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawasaki_W_series

Have you been drinking?

[dern]

https://www.carandclassic.com/l/C1661644

1968 Triumph Bonneville T120 - £9995



I like that a lot. I have no idea on the value of these things.

[Skub]

The Beemer R69S is a lovely bike too,but you'll pay for one.

[Bustaspoke]

It depends
Two stroke or four?
How many cylinders?
Japanese,European,Harley?
Roadster or Trail bike?
For me,I'd be looking for a Japanese twin cylinder roadster,either a Yamaha or Suzuki 250,or Honda CB450 Black bomber.I don't think the CB750 was imported as early as 1968.
No matter what bike I bought,spares availability would be a big priority

[KungFooBob]

https://www.carandclassic.com/l/C1661644

1968 Triumph Bonneville T120 - £9995



I like that a lot. I have no idea on the value of these things.

It's got a testicle remover and everything, get it bought.

[Le_Fromage_Grande]

If you really must get a Yamaha YDS5 or YR1, but the YDS7 / YR5 was a lot lot better as it's the bike that all the RD, RZ and TZ parallel twins are descended from.

If you're going to buy a big Japanese 4 cylinder bike get a KZ1000J based bike, they were made from 1981 to the late 90s, the engine and gearbox are strong and simple, parts are easy to get hold of, but they don't ride as nice as the big Suzukis, if you're masochistic get a CB900F, if you're mental get an XS1100.

[weeksy]

https://www.carandclassic.com/l/C1661644

1968 Triumph Bonneville T120 - £9995



I like that a lot. I have no idea on the value of these things.

Looks ace that. Get it done.

What difference does the value make? It's likely a slightly inflated price, but you're not selling it tomorrow

https://www.speedthrills.co.uk/used-tri ... on-5592739

[weeksy]

If course, but it's a dealer, it's priced on the high side of realistic but it won't be double the actual value as they'd never sell it.

So if it's £10k it's probably a decent £8500 most days privately

[dern]

What difference does the value make? It's likely a slightly inflated price, but you're not selling it tomorrow

I would if I hated it.