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The demise of Classic Bikes

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royhall:
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?

Trigger:
Very interesting Roy, but I have restored and sold a lot of these bikes over the years and not one of those customers had that bike when they were younger. All my customers just like the look of the classic bike and answer me this, why are people going out and buying Harleys, when they never had them when they were younger ?
Do people go out and buy a 400 year old painting because they had one when they were younger  ;D

Nurse Julie:
Some very interesting points there Roy. I think the 'value' of these old bikes is far more than monetary. Its sometimes about reliving ones youth, or having something you didn't have but always wanted. Does it really matter if the price goes down in the future, who cares, you can't take a bike with you when you die, nor can you take the money in your bank account. That's why personally, a bike is something that should be used and enjoyed regardless of future monetary values, as enjoyment of something you really love is priceless.

Green1:
I was thinking about this awhile ago and he probably makes a good point.
It won't be long and you old guys  ;D will be finding the 750's to heavy and then probably be selling them on flooding the market.
The 80's bikes are already starting to rocket in value so there heading in the same direction.

I feel like I must be the last of an era that got to experience proper bike shops.There used to be one not far from me that was like going back in time small and cramped with boxes and bits everywhere with overflowing pigeon holes.No mater what you wanted he would have it or get it.The internet auction sites soon put an end to that.     

I have also noticed there is a lack of young bikers.They seem to go straight into cars and I believe this is playing a part in the lack of quality drivers out there.There is a lot to be said for starting out on two wheels it makes you appreciate road conditions and how the weather plays its part.

I must be old before my time going by the bikes I'v had and got but who cares I enjoy them and that's all that matters.  ;)


Mick

Johnwebley:

--- Quote from: Nurse Julie on January 06, 2017, 09:55:10 AM ---Some very interesting points there Roy. I think the 'value' of these old bikes is more far more than monetary. Its sometimes about reliving ones youth, or having something you didn't have but always wanted. Does it really matter if the price goes down in the future, who cares, you can't take a bike with you when you die, nor can you take the money in your bank account. That's why personally, a bike is something that should be used and enjoyed regardless of future monetary values, as enjoyment of something you really love is priceless.

--- End quote ---

 I agree with the nurse,always !!!

 but the "genre" of classic has become a popular style of bikes,large sports bikes are loosing sales,custom style and cruisers ,not to mention the "chelsey tractor" GS bikes seem to be increasing,
 some time ago Kawasaki did a retro Zepher,same as Honda CB1300 etc,a brand new "classic" looker,,
all our sohc are still very capable bikes,just require a little more looking after,with the advantage that most of the depreciation has gone,so should be appreciating,

there should be a market always,for good classic bikes,maybe not at Franks prices,but who here is holding out to sell a sohc for £25k
in 5 years time?
get out and enjoy it while your young and fit enough,lots of peeps falling of the perch in their 50's now !!

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