The demise of Classic Bikes

[Sgt.Pinback]

I had a short discussion yesterday with the manager in my local bike shop about the merits of classic bike ownership. As he put a different spin on things, I thought I would share it as a discussion point on the forum.

He is of the firm opinion that owning classic bikes such as ours is the worst financial investment for the future that anyone could make.

He points out that since I started on bikes in 1975 at the age of 16, that the bikes we have in our collections today, were back then aspirational. And let’s be honest, who in 1975 didn’t want a Z1. As my age group gets older and dies off, the younger generation will want the bikes that were aspirational to them such as Ducati 916 etc. Therefore there will be many of the bikes we think as classics for sale and the prices will plummet.

He also points out that very few youngsters are getting into motorbikes these days so there will be far fewer customers for our classics anyway. That’s a point that most of us can verify, the Isle of Man boat to the Classic TT is like a Saga Cruise. He thinks the reasons for this are many, but mainly due to legislation and the fact that teenagers are no longer around motorcycles to the extent that we were. Back then many people owned a bike for transport to work as cars were not yet affordable. He thinks that is why my age group still want Triumphs as that’s what our fathers and uncles rode, again aspirational.

He must believe what he says as this shop did have a few restored classics around that have now been sold off. On that point he thinks that most regular classics of the 60/70’s era have found their price ceiling and it is a good time to sell them off whilst there are still loads of customers around.

In my opinion he makes a few fair points, but as a major dealer he is probably only looking at the financial aspects. What price can you put on the enjoyment and interest they provide in the years up to our demise. Plus a lot of our collections wouldn’t be sold whatever, as we can’t stand to see them go. So who cares about the value after were gone?

What do you guys think?

The same people/generation that buy 70th classics buy new bikes.

That man has the wrong profession. He's selling what no one wants in a few years.
Either new or used.

Worst invest is buying a new bike.

[MrDavo]

I doubt many people alive had a Brough Superior when they were younger, but they do seem to be worth a boatload of money.

[sonsman]

Interesting discussion. I started riding in the mid 70's and like many others have been riding ever since. I had a few SOHCs in the early/mid-80's when they were dirt cheap. I have two seventies bikes now - a 750F2 and a KH400 which yes, I bought for nostalgic reasons but mainly because I enjoy riding. The CB and KH give me very different riding experiences. I also have a modern bike which is used for commuting, two up touring etc but the older bikes give me more involvement in lots of ways - riding, fettling, polishing.

If riders younger than me, and yes the numbers are reducing, enjoy different riding experiences then classics will survive.

[MCTID]

I commented on this thread a few days ago about the cost of a new Triumph Bonneville and how the numerous modifications that their Owners often do to make them more 'usable'......well from the TOMCC Forum today check out what this Owner of a 2012 model has modified on his bike to date.........and you can see why I think our sohc Hondas are a good investment for now and the future.

If a new Bonneville costing around £10K needs all these mods.....why would you buy one and what's a stock bike going to be worth a few years down the line - if you can sell it ?

2012 Bonneville - Recent mods:
tail tidy with smoked indicators.
extra 2 smoked red back repeater brake lights.
extra 2 clear flashing rear lights with red bulbs to ensure people hopefully don't rear-end me!
Matching front indicators.
2 spot running lights at front.
new speedo mount with new Tacho with all warning lights in instruments.
Relocated ignition switch to centre below instruments.
Gear indicator unit.
Heated handgrips.
Oil pressure electric gauge.
Oil temperature electrical gauge.
Auto chain oiler.
Hitec rear shocks.
Hitec full 2-2 stainless exhaust.
Triumph twin power tune 3.
Retrimmed brown seat.

[royhall]

He just likes tinkering Alan. I have a CB1300 with loads of bits on it, had nothing else to do at the time.

[royhall]

Well just as I said I don't know any young people into bikes, along comes a 22 year old and buys my 750F2 off me. And very excited about it is he. Maybe the classic scene is going to be the saviour of biking. Who knows.

[matthewmosse]

All the lads at my last job had bikes, mostly dirt bikes though a few had road bikes. I was in the oldest quater of the workforce at a decrepid 35.

[Trigger]

Well just as I said I don't know any young people into bikes, along comes a 22 year old and buys my 750F2 off me. And very excited about it is he. Maybe the classic scene is going to be the saviour of biking. Who knows.

See, you old boys worry too much

[royhall]

Well just as I said I don't know any young people into bikes, along comes a 22 year old and buys my 750F2 off me. And very excited about it is he. Maybe the classic scene is going to be the saviour of biking. Who knows.

See, you old boys worry too much

What do you mean old, just because I can remember when water was free and you had to pay for porn.

[paul G]

Well just as I said I don't know any young people into bikes, along comes a 22 year old and buys my 750F2 off me. And very excited about it is he. Maybe the classic scene is going to be the saviour of biking. Who knows.

See, you old boys worry too much

What do you mean old, just because I can remember when water was free and you had to pay for porn.

 

[MCTID]

What do you mean 'Pay for Porn' I don't ever remember paying for 'Porn'.

Hang on - my Missus just chipped in.......'Of course you did.....it's called Marriage'.

As usual the Good Lady is right...........

[mike the bike]

I remember when filling stations had free air.

[matthewmosse]

I remember when filling stations had free air.

They still do, just sit and wait til someone drives off whilst their air token is still live. Yes I am that cheap! Though normally I don't bother - I have a nice big compressor at home thats normally got a full tank as I like running the plasma cutter off it.

[mike the bike]

 +1 on the compressor.   Mine is in my woodwork shop at the end of the garden, a bit inaccessible for pumping up tyres so I made a reservoir out of a half-size Calor gas bottle.

[andy120t]

Sainsburys in Harlow has free air...and water.   Might be a long drive for some though!