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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?
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.
Quote from: royhall on February 07, 2017, 07:01:05 PMWell 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
Quote from: Trigger on February 08, 2017, 07:28:20 AMQuote from: royhall on February 07, 2017, 07:01:05 PMWell 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.
I remember when filling stations had free air.