What makes a classic bike?

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flw · #1 Unread post by **flw** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 6:41 pm

1. In your opinion what make any bike a classic?

2. Which bikes to you consider a classic and what is it about that bike that makes it so?

This can be individual bike/model and year or just a bike/style that was made during a certain time period

If you acutally have one, how do you get parts for them? i.e. a 1933 American bike or replica bike but made in India or 1960's Norton

In a series I think of Honda CB, Kawaski KZ, pre-AMF Harley's and 60's Norton/Triumph bikes plus some I forgot are all up there.

coffee_brake · Fri Nov 09, 2007 7:59 pm

Dude the Vincent Black Lightning. I can't look at one without feeling like some kind of hunger has ben satisfied.

[img=http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/9013/vincentyk8.jpg]

Now THAT folks is what a motorcycle is all about.

Johnj · #3 Unread post by **Johnj** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 9:28 pm

The bike needs to be older than 25 years.

You mean me? I grew up on little 500 and 650 British bikes. I have a 74 BMW R/90 and a 1974 XLCH Sportster...well most of them. The Beemer was the best tourer of the day

and the Sporty is the last of the right side shift/kick only/hot rod units. I had a late 60s Triumph that appears to have slipped away. I have the paper anyway.

I go to motorcycle swap meets, I check JC Whitney and japanese, I call around to some salvage yards I know. I check e-bay and craiglist.

Fast Eddy B · Sat Nov 10, 2007 2:54 am

A classic is any bike older than you are.....it's true! They're all modern after that!

slimcolo · #5 Unread post by **slimcolo** » Sat Nov 10, 2007 6:30 am

The "Legal" meaning of classic is 25 years or older. This is the age, in most states that a car must be to get Classic tags. (Colorado still refuses to offer Classic,Antique and Horseless Carrage (I was told by County clerk that I can put HC tags on my 35 HD but they would be fullsize car tags) tags for motorcycles but avial. for cars/semi-trucks) But I like Fast Eddy B's reasoning! It means I only have three classic bikes and two classic Vespas.

xsyamahadg · Sat Nov 10, 2007 4:36 pm

I get parts from several different sources, from on line, from my local Yamaha dealer, swap meets and from a supplier who specializes in old 650 twins. 25 years minimum is the most common age for a classic bike, but just because it is 25 years old doesn't mean it is a sought after classic. Here is one of mine.
1981 XS650 Yamaha

Here ia a Honda PA50 that I bought new for my daughter in 1979... it's got 800 miles on the clock and is in mint condition. Small, but still old enough to be a classic...but is it considered a classic ??

Bubba · #7 Unread post by **Bubba** » Sun Nov 11, 2007 6:32 am

A bike over 25 years old. Over 35 equals an antique.

I've got a classic 81 Suzuki gathering cob webs in my garage.

Sure would like to get rid of it before it becomes an antique.

flw · #8 Unread post by **flw** » Sun Nov 11, 2007 7:26 am

By classic I don't mean just a certain min age. I mean the styling, function and or performance.

It could even just be the first bike you learned on or your Dads old bike that still can be ridden legally.

BTW- xsyamahadg, that Yamaha's a nice example of a starter bike that can go beyond just learning how to ride. Great day trip bike.

Bubba · #9 Unread post by **Bubba** » Sun Nov 11, 2007 7:28 am

flw wrote:By classic I don't mean just a certain min age. I mean the styling, function and or performance.

It could even just be the first bike you learned on or your Dads old bike that still can be ridden legally.

OHHHHHHHHHH! never mind.

slimcolo · #10 Unread post by **slimcolo** » Sun Nov 11, 2007 7:49 am

It could even just be the first bike you learned on or your Dads old bike that still can be ridden legally.

Why not?