Author Topic: Future Classic...what's next (Read 13250 times)

Greencan · « **on:** December 16, 2012, 08:14:21 AM »

Morning All...

While sharing a beer with Breharna et al at the Blackwood Pub last weekend and chatting about his nice CBX, l've been thinking during the week about bikes which have already evolved into collectable classics and began to ponder what makes a past marque a classic.

Is it the prices owners seek that one sees on web sites like ebay a guide to a bike becoming a classic? Is it rarity? Or is subtle than that? Earlier this year a bloke l know sold a 1984 fuel injected Kawasaki Z1300 to a chap who had a seemingly bottomless pocket of $$$ for 15k just so he could start a collecting motorcycles

Anyway, l have a few ideas but would like to hear your thoughts first.

Cheers, the can :)

Biggles · « **Reply #1 on:** December 16, 2012, 12:50:45 PM »

Being unusual would be a good start- 6 in-line cylinders with 6 exhausts certainly is eye-catching.

All Hondas are collectibles from Day 1, but that's just my opinion. ::)

Sabie · « **Reply #2 on:** December 16, 2012, 03:37:30 PM »

Cars are denoted by the year of manufacture, eg

Veteran - per 1919
Vintage - 1920 - 1930
Classic - over 30 years of age

There are more sub categories such as pre-war and post war Classics.

Is there a classification system for Motorbike? If not should there be? If you have a bike over 30 years old and are in a club are you entitled to club rego (qld, not sure of the other states).

As opposed to Unique or Collectable.

Sab

Bikebear · « **Reply #3 on:** December 16, 2012, 09:35:00 PM »

Well I'm hanging onto the Gold One since they were a limited release. Maybe one day someone will pay me heaps for it..

Greencan · « **Reply #4 on:** December 16, 2012, 10:03:59 PM »

Evenin' Chaps...

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All Hondas are collectibles from Day 1, but that's just my opinion. ::)

Hummm...I don't know about all of them, but I do recall watching a doco a few year back on the top 10 motorcycles of all time and numero uno as voted in this doco (I think it can still be seen in parts on YouTube), was the Honda Dream

...ahead of the likes of the Britton, Duke Darmah and Brough Superior.

Oddly though the HRD Vincent didn't even get a mention

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If you have a bike over 30 years old and are in a club are you entitled to club rego

In Victoria (at present), the wait is 25 years, but alas I think that may well change...but I hear what you say though and yes like cars, motorcycles too are graded classic, vintage, veteran etc...but unlike the UK and Europe a veteran motorcycle (for example), here in Oz is up to 1918, whereas in the UK it's pre WW1

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Well I'm hanging onto the Gold One since they were a limited release.

You could be right on the money...but does rarity and anniversary alone make it both desirable and collectable...time it seems has been less than generous with Enzo Ferrari's 50th year diversionary F50 for example

However, with the anniversary Gold ST's...who knows...but I bet a sheep station that if it does become collectible, the ones that are both in good condition and still bog standard are the ones that are sort after

OK, perhaps if I put it another way...if you had the means and $$$, what motorcycle would you most likely buy to grace your shed /garage? and Why? And...failing that option what motorcycle (say), built in the last 20-25 years is in your opinion going be become a marque and why?

For example, that Z1300 I made mention of at the beginning of this thread I could have procured for a lot less than that 15k a few years back...it was featured in Two Wheels and was in cracking condition...though I knew of a crash it had, it was repaired entirely of NOS parts, a lot of which are now unobtainable, it was all original...but I didn't want it as Kawasakis don't float my boat, as it were.

Cheers, the can :)

STeveo · « **Reply #5 on:** December 25, 2012, 08:19:37 AM »

As a member of the VJMC we have had this discussion many times and the bikes that keep getting mentioned as coming classics are the first models of Yamaha R1s, Honda Fireblade, Suzuki Hayabusa and GSX-R and Kawasaki GPZ900 (in that order). I think this is mainly a result of the 'flash, fast and looks good' type of styling more than any real inovative engineering. To me its what makes me dream of owning and riding a certain type of bike that will make it desirable e.g. Kr250, FT-500, more than any race track or show room sucess. Younger people will look at different bikes to me as their 'dream bikes' were made later. Honda CUB still has to be a classic (6 million made) even though they were/are a basic means of transport and made in 17 different countrys around the world, but so is the Byron made in Temora NSW from 1914 to 1920 (there is one in Nabaic museum) so I don't think rarity is what makes the grade. Around here (Tamworth) we have quite an active historical interest in old bikes (three clubs in town) and I see blokes in their '70s with bikes up to the 1950s, blokes in their '60s up to the 1970s, blokes in '50s with 1970 to mid 1980s, etc. What ever 'floats your boat.' I don't care what type of bike anybody rides, just go ride it and enjoy it. :)
NSW has historic rego at 30 years.

gaz · « **Reply #6 on:** December 26, 2012, 02:59:01 AM »

Suzuki Katana motorcycle instant classic.

STeveo · « **Reply #7 on:** December 26, 2012, 06:57:27 AM »

Yes Gaz, agree it is already a classic. The topic is about future classics, 'what should I buy now while they are still cheap and put in my shed for when they become classics and skyrocket in price.'

saaz · « **Reply #8 on:** December 26, 2012, 11:27:40 AM »

I hope typically modified GS1000 Suzukis will be worth a fortune then,a s I already have that. Should have bought the S model though looking back..

alans1100 · « **Reply #9 on:** December 26, 2012, 01:06:35 PM »

96 ST1100A model should be up there as well.

Ahead of it's time with ABS, TCS and CBS all on the one bike..........first time it's been done......if not in the world, then at least for Honda.

Sabie · « **Reply #10 on:** December 26, 2012, 06:36:03 PM »

ST1100's ST1300's will be future classics and all Goldwings will be classics.

What Makers will be future Marques?

gaz · « **Reply #11 on:** December 26, 2012, 06:57:43 PM »

the Yamaha Rooadliner looks cool

atoyot · « **Reply #12 on:** December 26, 2012, 09:47:47 PM »

Quote from: saaz on December 26, 2012, 11:27:40 AM

I hope typically modified GS1000 Suzukis will be worth a fortune then,a s I already have that. Should have bought the S model though looking back..

You can never know when something like that might become a collectable, but don't beat yourself up too much; you still have the plain GS1000, which while not worth quite as much as the S model, is still a lovely bike.

My wife reminded me today when I was looking through Just Bikes that I sold my 1981 GSX1100SZ, the one with wire wheels, all to get a deposit together for our first house!

Then I remembered that I had a Helen Brown/Suzuki Katana poster and I GAVE it to my mate.... If it's allowed, here's a smaller version......

STeveo · « **Reply #13 on:** December 27, 2012, 06:07:31 AM »

Wouldn't mind a ride on one of those. :)
Went riding with the local VJMC club today and was offered a rides of RD350LC and Suzi GT750 waterbottle. RD was ok, but GT a bit dissapointing. Nice restored bikes in A1 condition, but would rather have something that stopped and turned better than the 1970's examples, like a 1994 ST.

Shiney · « **Reply #14 on:** December 28, 2012, 11:51:27 AM »

Quote from: gaz on December 26, 2012, 06:57:43 PM

the Yamaha Rooadliner looks cool

saaz · « **Reply #15 on:** December 28, 2012, 12:34:49 PM »

Hey, I used to have a GT750K waterbottle

but you are right, it lacked in the brake department (no braking from the twin fron rotors in the wet combined with little engine braking) and it was hinged in the middle of the frame somewhere. I loved the engine character, as it felt like a turbine smooth 6 cylinder 4 stroke. Tank range was ok once I fitted a custom 22 litre tank.

Quote from: STeveo on December 27, 2012, 06:07:31 AM

Wouldn't mind a ride on one of those. :)
Went riding with the local VJMC club today and was offered a rides of RD350LC and Suzi GT750 waterbottle. RD was ok, but GT a bit dissapointing. Nice restored bikes in A1 condition, but would rather have something that stopped and turned better than the 1970's examples, like a 1994 ST.

StinkyPete · « **Reply #16 on:** December 28, 2012, 02:23:08 PM »

I wonder what that Katana and the model in the poster look like now?

saaz · « **Reply #17 on:** December 28, 2012, 02:55:30 PM »

I have seen some katanas around that look just as good. The model..well you can always find someone like that :)

atoyot · « **Reply #18 on:** December 28, 2012, 06:20:09 PM »

Hmmmmm.... 1981 Australian Penthouse August Pet of the Month, 2013 (almost) puts her about as old as me. I think I'd take a ratty Katana :) over a 50YO Penthouse Pet!

Greencan · « **Reply #19 on:** December 28, 2012, 07:47:03 PM »

Quote

You can never know when something like that might become a collectable, but don't beat yourself up too much;

...If I were you Andrew...I'd begin by re-visiting to what's under your house

.

I know this is older, but yours is bigger

...we could go on, but according to Shannons...it's worked for my

...keep those ideas coming

Cheers, the can :)

atoyot · « **Reply #20 on:** December 28, 2012, 09:09:22 PM »

Hi Greencan, adding to projects is just a bit of procrastination (specially when it's just dreamin).....at least that's what I've been telling the Minister of Everything but MotorBicycles. That and that they WILL be a good investment - one day. Hmmm it hasn't worked with my camera collection yet, but what's another collection anyway?

BTW, very nice AJ; there's something about hard tails and girders. I like your Chiko poster too. The bird on the Vincent is not quite as good as Helen Brown (she'd have to be at least 77 now

), but I suppose I'd have to take a Rapide over a Katana anyday. DOH, there I go again.....

Tackleberry · « **Reply #21 on:** December 30, 2012, 12:54:15 AM »

Quote from: StinkyPete on December 28, 2012, 02:23:08 PM

I wonder what that Katana and the model in the poster look like now?

The bike still looks good Pete, but the model hasn't aged well apparently:

STeveo · « **Reply #22 on:** December 30, 2012, 06:37:29 AM »

After another VJMC discussion over an ale, we have come to the conclusion that the bikes to buy now are the GS series Suzuki from late 1980's. These are very cheap at the moment and still have lots of spares available. The bigger engined bikes are still popular, but like with the Z900 Kawa they will get rarer as collectors snap them up and the smaller engined 650/750s will be the ones to look for. I always thought the 850 shaftie would be a good thing, but never had the chance to ride one. Any bikes coming up to 30 years old are now gaining in price as they get closer to historic rego.

Greencan · « **Reply #23 on:** December 31, 2012, 12:33:12 PM »

Arvo All...

Quote

Hey, I used to have a GT750K waterbottle but you are right, it lacked in the brake department (no braking from the twin fron rotors in the wet combined with little engine braking)

...when I picked up the AJS from the old Chap who was it's last custodian, he asked me "ya ridden many Pommy bikes with gear s on the other side?" , to which I replied "not recently"..."Well ya better get familiar with em again because I wouldn't rely on the brakes if I were you!"...he was spot on

Quote

I have seen some katanas around that look just as good. The model..well you can always find someone like that :)

Here's one I prepared earlier....

...oddly enough her bum still looks OS+++ even when put to scale

...bottom humour aside

...all I have to do is find one 6 times larger

Quote

BTW, very nice AJ; there's something about hard tails and girders. I like your Chiko poster too. The bird on the Vincent is not quite as good as Helen Brown (she'd have to be at least 77 now ), but I suppose I'd have to take a Rapide over a Katana anyday. DOH, there I go again.....

....Oh yeas she is!!!

...was told recently she is still around too...and the Phil Pilgrim Rapide is to

...this particular poster was given to me by an old Chap I rode with to Darwin a couple of years back and shortly after I stuck it on the wall of the shed another bloke spotted it and climbed up on a chair to have a closer look then remarked..."You know this post is an original"...I thought this was the case but thought little more of it, until he showed me how much a punter was willing to pay for one on ebay

...so, if you've been observant the ones in the pics I have posted of the Triumphs have the later slogan...that one is a replica. The original is now inside out of UV light.

Two bikes I would really love to own, a 1953 Vincent Black Shadow and a 1938 Triumph Speed Twin

...one day perhaps

...in the mean time I'll have to settle for the posters

Anyway Guys as of tomorrow I'll be somewhat QRT for a few months as I have some serious study and research to do, enjoyed the banter of the past few months

...so in the mean time wish you all a Happy New Year and enjoyable ridding in 2013

Cheers, the can :)

saaz · « **Reply #24 on:** December 31, 2012, 01:57:45 PM »

You will get your Vincent one day t'can. I suppose I should just fit the gasket kit that I have had in the shed for a few year to the GS1000. A classic bike that you already own is now a cheaper option :)

One bike that comes to mind is the baby Katana, the 650 shaft drive Katana. I have not seen one for years, and there were not that many when they came out.

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Author Topic: Future Classic...what's next (Read 13250 times)

atoyot

atoyot

atoyot