Classic bikes - a worthwhile investment?

[Cato]

I should have rephrased that, it was road registered It never had a speedo, I took it down the road and wound it up to a rev that induced a brown trouser moment, took it back and my brother assured me I hadn't even taken it into its power band. The guys that rode these things flat out must have had a screw loose.

Bob

Even with his success whenever Kenny Roberts talks about the TZ he tends to agree with that opinion.

 

[Domdom]

As with anything, predicting future value is not easy. I really wish I had kept some of my old stuff both bikes and cars but we had no clue. Really rare stuff of any age always has a value, such as my mate's Vincent Black Shadow. Way too old to be anywhere approaching safe, but rare as hen's teeth.

What I do see is a ton of stuff at unsustainable prices right now. Just look at the old classics such as Austin 7 type things. The enthusiasts for pre 1950 ish stuff is a generation who are getting too old to look after them now. The generation behind them are into 1960's and later. Just look at what a Yam RD400 makes now. Time was you couldn't give them away. Same thing with my old CBX, sold for 500 quid cos it was too heavy. 20 grand now. Yam FS1E, same gig. 7 grand for a nice one now, and it's a crappy little 50 when all is said and done.

Just buy what you want with a view to enjoying it. if it makes money that's a bonus. Nostalgia seems to be driving prices at the moment, and that can be fickle.

 

[Arc Tourist]

I bought a fully restored vintage Bantam a couple of years ago, as an investment and also for occasional weekend rides on some quiet rural roads. Life changed with the covid situation and the ride's didn't really materialized, still has only one mile on the odometer, but the bike has increased somewhat in value. Now, I've been thinking selling it and getting a Honda NC750X which would be more practical for extended travel; which my Wife agrees with as the Bantam is not suitable for a pillion passenger.

 

[waddycall]

Thanks chaps you’re all echoing my own thoughts really. I do think it might be a different picture in a few years. Almost seems a bit volatile with the way prices are going up.
Just trying to justify that 900 super sport I’ve always wanted

 

[Screwdriver]

No idea if they're still out there, I bought up loads of cheapo "projects" years ago going for a song. Rd's were difficult even then but I snapped up a brace of XT500's and CR500's with a smattering of RS250's.

They're all still in the shed(s) along with my "prize" RG500. I think this year is the year that something needs to happen to them...

 

[julianthegypsy]

I've noticed loads of Brit bikes around here on marketplace for surprisingly small amounts and I'd have to agree that there are less and less people left to appreciate them. Same with 1930's-40's cars.

 

[Rannsachair]

I've noticed loads of Brit bikes around here on marketplace for surprisingly small amounts and I'd have to agree that there are less and less people left to appreciate them. Same with 1930's-40's cars.

Same here, sub £5k early BSA 350 Gold stars and Velocette MAC's

 

[Screwdriver]

What you discover is that they have not lost their charm, we have merely forgotten they didn't have any to start with.

There are very few really desirable motorcycles from the 70's/80's and those that were are now making their money. RD350LC, RGV250, XT500, CR500 are some of the very few that were desirable then and still desirable now. There are oddities like the CX500 (which I honestly do not pretend to understand, they were called "the slug" iirc) but do not assume ANY old bike from that vintage will automatically become valuable/collectible.

Same is true for old British iron which personally I have never lusted after (like, ever!).

Old motorcycles are like old women; they can't all be Joanna Lumley.

 

[dobbslc]

There are oddities like the CX500 (which I honestly do not pretend to understand, they were called "the slug" iirc)

Plastic maggot!

 

[dobbslc]

Some of them look really good though!

 

[roofman]

What you discover is that they have not lost their charm, we have merely forgotten they didn't have any to start with.

There are very few really desirable motorcycles from the 70's/80's and those that were are now making their money. RD350LC, RGV250, XT500, CR500 are some of the very few that were desirable then and still desirable now. There are oddities like the CX500 (which I honestly do not pretend to understand, they were called "the slug" iirc) but do not assume ANY old bike from that vintage will automatically become valuable/collectible.

Same is true for old British iron which personally I have never lusted after (like, ever!).

Old motorcycles are like old women; they can't all be Joanna Lumley.

The CX500 kept London and every other city alive with motorcycle couriers in the late 70,s and 80,s...plus some of the most iconic bikes ever built where from the 70,s and 80,s and a lot of today's retro,s are based on this era. Late 80,s brought in the slabside GSXR,s and FZR,s which full sports style then dominated the 90,s. I think 70,s/80,s was the time to be alive with regards to Japanese bikes and i am glad i was right in it from 76 on a Suzuki AP50

 

[Morrisman]

If it’s an investment and a long term plan, you’d get more for your money investing in a modern classic and wait for it to mature?

Only thing is, it’s a bit of a gamble and I’ve no idea how to predict it. 80s/90s jap stuff is getting silly prices but maybe that’s a bubble waiting to burst?

The same happened in the late 80's, houses and classic vehicles were going for ever more silly money..... and then suddenly they weren't.

 

[Morrisman]

The CX500 kept London and every other city alive with motorcycle couriers in the late 70,s and 80,s...plus some of the most iconic bikes ever built where from the 70,s and 80,s and a lot of today's retro,s are based on this era. Late 80,s brought in the slabside GSXR,s and FZR,s which full sports style then dominated the 90,s. I think 70,s/80,s was the time to be alive with regards to Japanese bikes and i am glad i was right in it from 76 on a Suzuki AP50

I bought a CX500 in the 80's as a quick backup bike when my mighty z1300 died on me. I hated it to start with, the ugly little 'maggot', but after 3 trips to the south of France, at 80 mph all the way, and thousnds of miles around the U.K. I decided it was a very capable little bike.

 

[Domdom]

The CX500 kept London and every other city alive with motorcycle couriers in the late 70,s and 80,s..

And the Yamaha XJ900 Diversion. Brilliant machine if a tad heavy. Not sought after now they’re too old for courier work but they used to be the dispatch rider’s weapon of choice.

 

[roofman]

I bought a CX500 in the 80's as a quick backup bike when my mighty z1300 died on me. I hated it to start with, the ugly little 'maggot', but after 3 trips to the south of France, at 80 mph all the way, and thousnds of miles around the U.K. I decided it was a very capable little bike.

my mate had a new one when launched..remember them as a wonderful bike long distance

 

[daleyd]

Some bikes are also just “of the wrong time” - due to fashion or whatever reason they are not really sought after, but trends change and then they suddenly become desirable. Adventure type bikes were never really that popular back in the late 80’s/early 90’s (Yamaha Tenere, Honda Africa twin and bmw GS etc but they were never big sellers). Nowadays you can’t spit for hitting a jacked up trailie with panniers on!

 

[roofman]

Some bikes are also just “of the wrong time” - due to fashion or whatever reason they are not really sought after, but trends change and then they suddenly become desirable. Adventure type bikes were never really that popular back in the late 80’s/early 90’s (Yamaha Tenere, Honda Africa twin and bmw GS etc but they were never big sellers). Nowadays you can’t spit for hitting a jacked up trailie with panniers on!

yes exactly this Dale

 

[mtt.tr]

I won't be holding put much luck for my unrestored post offic puch mv50.

I hope my immaculate 2000 zx6r will have eventual value but thats a long haul

 

[Arc Tourist]

..................................
Just trying to justify that 900 super sport I’ve always wanted

Considering life in the past couple of years and the number of funerals my Wife and I have been to, I would say "Go For It" if you can , there are no pockets in shrouds. Personally, we're not getting any younger, and don't intend to leave everything we've toiled and sweated for behind for those who will inherit just to pizz it away; because I'm confident that would be the case. Enjoy life now, no guarantees for tomorrow.

 

[Screwdriver]

Plastic maggot!

Yeah, that rings a bell. ISTR they also went through camchains like they were made from chocolate. But yes, after that, they appeared to go on to cover interstellar mileages in the hands of couriers.

No doubt about it, there are some seriously nice CX500's out there now! When cleaned up and (lets be honest) tarted up, that engine does display elegant mechanical beauty, especially the clean lines due to the shaft drive. Probably happened when the world ran out of old BMW's...