PDA

View Full Version : When does a bike become a "classic"?



aruhsv
1st June 2008, 08:28
hi all,when does a bike become a classic,have been told 25yrs,30 yrs and 40 yrs,i have a 1985 VF1000F2,near mint condition,someone in here must know,cheers.

wickle
1st June 2008, 08:47
hi all,when does a bike become a classic,have been told 25yrs,30 yrs and 40 yrs,i have a 1985 VF1000F2,near mint condition,someone in here must know,cheers.
Hawkes Bay Classic Motorcycle Club treats 1980 as classic.

Bonez
1st June 2008, 10:48
For rego purposes 40 years.

Otherwise it's subjective.

yod
1st June 2008, 11:51
For rego purposes 40 years.

Otherwise it's subjective.

trust you to know that one Bonezy :laugh:

Bonez
1st June 2008, 12:02
trust you to know that one Bonezy :laugh::angry2::calm:

popelli
2nd June 2008, 04:28
when middle aged men pay extortinate amounts of money for what they dreamed of and couldn't afford in their youth is the simple answer

imdying
2nd June 2008, 11:37
when middle aged men pay extortinate amounts of money for what they dreamed of and couldn't afford in their youth is the simple answer

Bingo... that sums it up well indeed.

toycollector10
2nd June 2008, 19:37
Yeah, popelli got it right for sure. Older guys like me want the rides they couldn't afford when they were in their twenties. I'm 54 and ride a 1969 CB750 Honda and a 1973 Kawasaki Z1. Apart from being groundbreaking bikes in a whole lot of ways (in their day), it's what evokes an emotional response is what will get older guys opening cheque books.

Who knows, maybe in the year 2060 a first generation Hyabusa will get someone fired up. That's the way it goes.

popelli
5th June 2008, 18:06
maybe thats why I have a 77 XLCR cafe racer, I was 17 when they came out and I thought it was the dogs bollox

Edbear
5th June 2008, 18:35
For rego purposes 40 years.

Otherwise it's subjective.

Yeah, I reckon mine's a classic...:niceone:



maybe thats why I have a 77 XLCR cafe racer, I was 17 when they came out and I thought it was the dogs bollox

Got pics? I also loved them!

Forest
5th June 2008, 19:28
I've always maintained that it isn't enough just to be old.

To become a classic, a design must also have been good.

HenryDorsetCase
5th June 2008, 20:20
a cynic might say "As soon as it gets over 10 years old and you want to sell it on tardme" ;)

HenryDorsetCase
5th June 2008, 20:23
Yeah, I reckon mine's a classic...:niceone:




Got pics? I also loved them!

You've seen the one for sale on tardme, right?


http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=158855598

I think he is, shall we say a tad optimistic at his $20k. Go check out the Cycle World (www.cycleworld.com) forums for a 12 page thread about them, sparked by the fact that Peter Egan wanted one. His column this month (June issue) is devoted to how he actually got one. Good thing he still likes it.

Zookey
5th June 2008, 21:13
Reckon I"M a classic at 71,but:Playnice:The fact is as it is around the globe 1980 is the cutoff,having said that some makers think everything they make is classic but if its a MV Augusta well yeah!ive a 78 RX7 done 36000ks but the car clubs want recognize rotor motors.:spanking:so cant join,wankers

MVnut
6th June 2008, 16:42
If it's old and was regarded as a great bike when new, it's a classic...if it's old and was a piece of crap when new, it's still a piece of crap.:bash:

popelli
6th June 2008, 18:22
Got pics? I also loved them!

see attached

sAsLEX
6th June 2008, 18:27
Think groundbreaking designs can become overnight "classics"


Desomdeci for example, the first GP bike for the street!

Skyryder
7th June 2008, 14:08
hi all,when does a bike become a classic,


When you can not afford anything better. :dodge::scooter:

Skyryder

Maha
7th June 2008, 14:19
Using DMNTD as a guide here....12-18 months!

Motu
7th June 2008, 17:25
When you can not afford anything better. :dodge::scooter:

Skyryder

I found it was when I could no longer afford the bike or the parts.I started riding bikes when the old British stuff was last decades flavour and unwanted.You could get a nice bike really cheap,and parts were everywhere,just a few bucks or swapsies for parts someone else wanted.I collected a mountain of stuff and had the time of my life.Then parts suddenly went through the roof - something that would be given away free was now worth serious money.I had to give up the British stuff and move onto the next cheap thing.

Now the next cheap thing has hit classic status.Yamaha XS650's are now getting to be worth something - I'm looking for a bit of a dunger for my next project,something around the $500 mark...but they have suddenly had a dramatic increase in price lately.I'll be lucky to find a bargain I think.

Bonez
7th June 2008, 17:57
Now the next cheap thing has hit classic status.Yamaha XS650's are now getting to be worth something - I'm looking for a bit of a dunger for my next project,something around the $500 mark...but they have suddenly had a dramatic increase in price lately.I'll be lucky to find a bargain I think.Didn't you get rid of an XS650 a while back?

Motu
7th June 2008, 18:49
Yeah,although it didn't look it,it was a near original XS1 and I didn't want to cut it up when it would be an easy restore for someone motivated.But I don't mind going in boots and all on some old Special with years of neglect.Trouble is now they think this piece of shit is worth something - and the bad news is some dick head is willing to pay 3 times what it's worth.Like those $1 reserve TradeMe auctions that are sitting on $3.50....and some clown comes in with a $51 bid!

Bonez
7th June 2008, 20:23
Yeah,although it didn't look it,it was a near original XS1 and I didn't want to cut it up when it would be an easy restore for someone motivated.But I don't mind going in boots and all on some old Special with years of neglect.Trouble is now they think this piece of shit is worth something - and the bad news is some dick head is willing to pay 3 times what it's worth.Like those $1 reserve TradeMe auctions that are sitting on $3.50....and some clown comes in with a $51 bid!Lol Yeah I hear what you're saying. Mind you a bargin does come up. Better if it gets given to you though.
Delivered/abandoned on your doorstep for free even.......

Once I get Connies craft room sorted I'm sure I'll be able get another 20-30 yo plus steed to clutter up what remaining shed space I have.

toycollector10
9th June 2008, 20:57
The CB175 belongs to my son Alex, aka Romeo, and the 1969 CB750 and 1973 Z1 are mine.

I'm restoring the Z1 using NOS parts where I can but it's not cheap, more a labour of love. She's a 12,000 mile survivor and all the numbers are correct. She's a beauty. It's taking some time, the bike has been landed ex Atlanta USA since October 2007. If you ain't got the pink slip it's a hard road ahead.

The CB750 collected an award for "Best Restored Pre 1970 Bike" at the VJMC Rally in Blenheim a few months ago. So I'm a bit proud but I'm hoping that pride doesn't come before a fall, in this case.

According to some of the guys I ride with in the Classic Japanese Motorcycle Group here in Christchurch. a classic Japper is pre 1980, as that was generally recognised as the "Golden Age". Having said that, we do have members who ride modern bikes but the general intent of the CJMG was for the bikes to be pre 1980. Who can't say that a first year GSXR isn't a classic?

<a href="http://s26.photobucket.com/albums/c130/toycollector10/Z1%20Before%20pics/?action=view&current=DSCF8719.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c130/toycollector10/Z1%20Before%20pics/DSCF8719.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

scumdog
9th June 2008, 21:05
I figure me XN85 is a classic - and Jantars RE5 and other similar bikes, even if they are post '80.

toycollector10
9th June 2008, 21:45
The RE5 does it for me as it's 1974-1976 and was ground breaking stuff, much like the way the Mazda Rotary cars were. The XN85, Mmmm, ?? no. I'm thinking classic motorcycles are:

Norton Interstate, or any Norton come to think of it.
Triumph Bonneville, and any Triumph pre 1980, as above.
Any number of BSA's
Aerial Square Four
Kawasaki Mach III
Kawasaki H2
Kawasaki Z1
Honda CB750K's but not F series, (sorry boys)
Suzuki T20 250 cc Hustler
Suzuki GT750 Waterbus, or Kettle, or whatever you want to call it
Suzuki Titan or Cobra 500cc two stroke

But everyone will have to agree that it's really what turned you on when you were a lad. I'm guessing that the 2015 "KTM Shagmaster Mark III" will be exciting some 50 year old in the year 2060

Motu
9th June 2008, 22:14
I figure me XN85 is a classic - other similar bikes,

When my brother had his XN85 in Canada it was officially classed as a Classic,there was a special registration for it.There was also an onus on him to keep it in classic ''condition''.Too many changes and it would lose it's classic status....so he had to make sure everything he did to it as original as possible.

toycollector10
9th June 2008, 23:07
O.K Motu, It's obviously a generational thing. Each to their own. Good luck with that.

jonbuoy
10th June 2008, 08:08
Classic doesn't mean old in my book, Ducati 916, TL1000, first fireblades, Early ZX10's, GSXR1000's, Early GSXR750's (which already are classics). Will all be future classics someday. Either slightly edgy peformance - ie "widdow maker" reputation or a leap in technology will make a classic.

imdying
10th June 2008, 08:19
Ducati 916Yep, even non bikers rate it.

TL1000,Naw

first firebladesDefinitely

Early ZX10'sHmmm, more the 900s I would've picked.

GSXR1000'sA little too cookie cutter, would've rated the first R1 more likely to be a classic.

Early GSXR750's (which already are classics).Definitely, birth of an age.

Biggles2000
10th June 2008, 08:54
It can be a classic because of its design.
It can be a classic because of its age.
It can be a classic because some body loves it.

F5 Dave
10th June 2008, 12:25
And then one day when it doesn't start, it has Character
. . . but that's a whole new thread.

vifferman
10th June 2008, 12:36
Getting back to aruhsv's post, not only is the VF1000F2 not a classic now because it's post 1980, it's also not classic in the sense of being a ground-breaking or revolutionary design. The 'R' model with its gear-driven cams would be a better candidate, or even the VF750s that cleaned up production / superbike racing, especially in the USA.

Biggles2000
10th June 2008, 13:22
hi all,when does a bike become a classic,have been told 25yrs,30 yrs and 40 yrs,i have a 1985 VF1000F2,near mint condition,someone in here must know,cheers.

If you love it, its a classic.

xwhatsit
10th June 2008, 13:37
When it's old enough for me to afford!

Honda Cub -- undoubtedly.

Biggles2000
10th June 2008, 16:38
When it's old enough for me to afford!

Honda Cub -- undoubtedly.

I gave my Cub to my brother in the early 80s and he sold it, man I wish I still had that motorcycle.

tri boy
10th June 2008, 16:53
Classic bike.
Seen more pricks than a second hand dartboard.

Mountlocal1
10th June 2008, 16:58
Ewww.... Thats one bike I wouldnt test ride!

vindy500
10th June 2008, 17:04
my gpx :) 19 years without changing the design, thats gotta make it a classic, right....




:D

jonbuoy
10th June 2008, 17:58
Yep, even non bikers rate it.
Naw
Definitely
Hmmm, more the 900s I would've picked.
A little too cookie cutter, would've rated the first R1 more likely to be a classic.
Definitely, birth of an age.

Before the first 900 Blade' it was all about the 1100/750's. Agree on the R1 though.

Motu
10th June 2008, 18:30
O.K Motu, It's obviously a generational thing. Each to their own. Good luck with that.

Generational for you? Not for the Canadians.A lot is to do with how many were sold,and how many are left on the books.I think there were only around 25 XN85's sold in Canada,that is considered rare and classic...officially.

rat biker 08
10th June 2008, 19:27
Well are mine i have two a 78 suzuki GS550 and a yamahaXS1100 both 30years old:bleh:

popelli
12th June 2008, 09:40
Generational for you? Not for the Canadians.A lot is to do with how many were sold,and how many are left on the books.I think there were only around 25 XN85's sold in Canada,that is considered rare and classic...officially.

only 25 sold???, might be rare but that does not necessarily denote a classic or collectable

either denotes that none were available or nobody wanted or could afford them

Forest
12th June 2008, 13:26
I once owned a Kawasaki GPZ 305.

You would struggle to find one these days. Because they weren't any bloody good.

PeteJ
12th June 2008, 14:38
It's obvious enough that everyone has their own idea on what constitues "Classic".

That's why the classic m/c clubs have age-related criteria, just like the vintage car clubs.

Many in NZ are following the routine of a rolling 25 year machine age qualification

Others, particularly the racing clubs and MNZ (and AMA, PCRA etc) have specific cut-off dates so as to differentiate generations of technology.

PS Yep, the Honda Cub is a classic by any score: it changed the face of motorcycling worldwide, and of transport in Asia. But yet there are people who will argue against this proposition with all their hearts and both neurones of their feeble minds.

kram
16th June 2008, 20:20
my xj650 is a 1984 26yr old was told by lady @ aa that will have to wait four more yrs to be a classic :cool::Playnice::rockon:

bladerider97
17th June 2008, 11:40
I'm sure for Registration it is 40 Years, I have a 75 RE5 and are still paying full rego on it.

And for the record in my eyes it is a classic.

scumdog
17th June 2008, 11:59
I'm sure for Registration it is 40 Years, I have a 75 RE5 and are still paying full rego on it.

And for the record in my eyes it is a classic.

Yup, after 40 years it's half-price rego and no continous licencing!:banana::2thumbsup

PS: Were you on the inaugral Big River Biker ride??

bladerider97
17th June 2008, 13:12
8 Years to go

I did not get to go for a ride as I had to take my kid to the doctor, But I did manage to go down and see them leave. It was good to see so many turn out.
Do you ride your "Classic" Suzuki much, I have not seen it around town.

scumdog
17th June 2008, 13:16
I did not get to go for a ride as I had to take my kid to the doctor, But I did manage to go down and see them leave. It was good to see so many turn out.
Do you ride your "Classic" Suzuki much, I have not seen it around town.


I only rode it for a short while after getting it, the wast-gate on the turbo was stuck open a bit so I decided while getting that sorted I'd do a make-over on the bike.

It's at a mates place in Ch-ch, he's sourcing some parts and getting it road-ready. (hopefully by the coming summer)

Max Headroom
17th June 2008, 16:08
There seems to be a trend to describe anything old as a classic. Some old bikes are just...old. They were crap when they were new, and haven't improved with age. Some old bikes were ok when new, but for one reason or another developed faults later in life which make them less desirable now. Yet others slide under the radar because although they were solid honest machines when new they did nothing to distinguish themselves during their lifespan.

Some bikes now regarded as classics are bikes that were groundbreaking when new in terms of style (eg the first Katana) or engineering (eg RE5). Some are now classics due to their low production numbers (eg CB1100R). Many bikes regarded as classics had a successful racing pedigree (eg GSXR range). Add to that the bikes that had a high purchase cost when new (eg Vincent). Some combined all five (eg MV Agusta 750/Ducati 750SS roundcase). There are many others that had intangible qualities that made them desirable....

We often try to include bikes in the "classic" grouping for the wrong reasons, such as emotional connections ("my grandad/uncle/neighbour had one when i was a kid"), I had one as my first bike, I did a trip around Europe/USA/Asia on one of those, I had one for 20 years and rode it to work every day rain & shine etc. Some bikes have an awful reputation and they generally deserve it (eg Honda Superdream). Others got a bad rap due to early failures that were isolated yet widely publicised (eg Yamaha XZ550).

Wow, I must be bored........

One early sign that marks a bike as a classic is when a model is featured in classic bike magazines and described favourably. Also, when model-specific clubs are formed. Another sign is when a recognised authority writes a book on a particular model, and another sign is when a particular model starts appearing at Classic vehicle auctions. A further sign is rising values for both complete bikes and their parts. Yet another sign is when reproduction parts enter the market.

Forest
17th June 2008, 16:50
In case anyone missed it, there's a classic motorcycle auction coming up at Webbs on July 22. The auction is being run in association with AMPS.

http://www.webbs.co.nz/about/default.asp

No catalogue is available yet, but the website says:


Already consigned for the sale is an extremely rare 1915 Ariel VEE Twin (illustrated). This bike, featured in Maureen A. Bull's publication New Zealand's Motor Cycle Heritage, represents the height of Edwardian technology and the beginning of New Zealand's motorcycle history. Another highlight is a classic example of the famous 1963 Harley Davidson Sportser from the first year that renowned designer Willie G. Davidson led the design team. The sale also includes: an exquisite 1974 Ducati GT 750, a 1965 Vespa, 1952 AJS 350, 1969 BSA Bushman, 1967 Yamaha DS6 250, 1980 Yamaha XT500, 2000 Ducati MH900E and an extraordinary 1914 Clyno Vee Twin. Further quality entries are now invited.

Could be a good opportunity to pick up a classic, or to make some space in your garage.

avgas
17th June 2008, 17:07
I find that older than 15 is considered "Classic", but not in age but in the aspect of "Collectible".
Some bikes are born classic/collectables eg - GB400/500's, Z1, first VROD, 98 R1, Yoshi GSXR1100, First Busa, Triumph Thruxton, Guzzi Le Mans, Katana......aka "Cult Classic".

avgas
17th June 2008, 17:15
Desomdeci for example, the first GP bike for the street!
I beg your pardon, there were a few before it.......

bladerider97
18th June 2008, 09:02
I beg your pardon, there were a few before it.......

Yes my father in law just sold his 84 RG500, that was a GP bike at the time.

rok-the-boat
18th June 2008, 20:50
Hmm ... maybe I should keep the 78 Z650 I have for sale. Along with my 82 DR500. Hmm.