When does a bike become a "classic"?

[Biggles2000]

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]

And then one day when it doesn't start, it has Character
. . . but that's a whole new thread.

[vifferman]

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]

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]

When it's old enough for me to afford!

Honda Cub -- undoubtedly.

[Biggles2000]

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]

Classic bike.
Seen more pricks than a second hand dartboard.

[Mountlocal1]

Ewww.... Thats one bike I wouldnt test ride!

[vindy500]

my gpx 19 years without changing the design, thats gotta make it a classic, right....

[jonbuoy]

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]

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]

Well are mine i have two a 78 suzuki GS550 and a yamahaXS1100 both 30years old

[popelli]

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]

I once owned a Kawasaki GPZ 305.

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

[PeteJ]

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.