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The demise of Classic Bikes

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Chris400F:

--- 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 ---
Julie has hit the nail on the head for me also. Owning my 400 is exactly about reliving my youth, I didn't have one then but always wanted one.
For me the bike is not an investment, but then I only have the one and not a shed full of them.
My children are not remotely interested in bikes so it is unlikely that it will be passed on to either of them.
As for young people riding bikes, I agree there seem to be far fewer than when I was a lad. But back then you could just buy a bike and ride it; nowadays there is a seemingly ever increasing amount of training you have to undergo before you can even turn a wheel on the road, so hardly an incentive.

royhall:

--- Quote from: Trigger on January 06, 2017, 09:53:21 AM ---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

--- End quote ---
Like the man said Trig, these were the aspirational bikes back in their youth that maybe they couldn't afford, or parents wouldn't allow? Plus how many young (under 25) people come and buy a 500/4. The point he makes is that although its a strong market right now, the customers are mainly aged people that wont remain long term. After that the classic scene (for motorcycles) is finished. This was his view not mine I should point out.

Seabeowner:
For one or two here it’s a business, but for many it’s a hobby. And hobbies often cost money, but are very rewarding, if you get my meaning? And among hobbies it is very versatile one with many different sides. (practical skills, mobility, holidays, social....) Enjoy it while you can you are only old once!
Certainly a goodly number of importers seem to view the UK as a place to sell at a premium. DK must have bought in many thousands of bikes.
My view is, pick your bikes primarily for using and the hobby and possibly make one choice as a possible long term gainer if you have the space. Many here have the knowledge to choose a genuine bike, so we don’t get fleeced. Always remember eggs and baskets. The Honda 500 bought in 1974 cost about £700 and according to the inflation calculator it is approaching £8k so not much real gain over 43 years.
Roy, I see you have a T100C. Had a new one before the Hondas. I spent 2 years defending Brit bikes against the Jap onslaught, but had to admit defeat with this one.

royhall:
Cant really compare the Triumph's to the Honda's as there's really a space of 30/40 years between designs. Triumphs are okay but they really are basic old fashioned things, where the design in the Honda's is still mainly relevant today.

I do wonder though where motorcycling in general is heading. I only know 2 youngsters that are into bikes, and both of those are motorcross riders and don't ride on the road. They consider it to be way too dangerous. That appears to sum up the attitude of the younger people to bikes, and who can blame them as there must be a least double the traffic these days than there was in the 1970's. And when young lads view motorcross to be safer than riding on the road, I think our hobby will (as the man said) die out with my generation.

By the way, the government is proposing to make getting a bike licence even harder than it already is. Another nail in the coffin?

Nurse Julie:
It is such a shame that biking appears to be a dying past time generally for youngsters. I have been riding bikes since I passed my test in 1979 and I have had an absolute ball over the years. In all those years I have only been without a bike for 3 years, lived in a flat,( couldn't get it up the stairs !!!) and life felt grim. It is one of those past times that really makes you feel good and need not cost a fortune. And like many others on here I have had plenty of Brit bikes, jap bikes, old bikes, new bikes, cheap and expensive but as long as it started, I was happy. But, we have had some incredibly talented youngsters joining the forum recently and even if they just buy a SOHC and café racer it at least it means they are out and about and the bikes are still in use.

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