Everyone seems to be rushing toward the future these days. People are constantly looking for the latest technology whether it be in phones, televisions, gaming consoles, or, of course, vehicles. In many cases, it seems items from history are viewed as little more than meaningless relics. Still, some icons from the past have the power to rise up in the rearview and pull us back.
Some motorcycles certainly fall into that category. Much like classic cars, those iconic vintage motorcycles are experiencing a revival. They’ve withstood the test of time, and they’re captivating both history buffs and bikers alike.
Why Are Some Vintage Motorcycles Becoming Major Collector’s Items?
Many motorcycles have their own intrinsic levels of appeal. Those come in numerous makes, models, and ages. Why are some models transcending the realm of used motorcycles to be considered major collector’s items, though? What makes specific older bikes so appealing to people? Several factors enter the mix here.
Timeless Appearances
Some vintage motorcycles have a unique aesthetic appeal that draws people’s attention. Their gleaming chrome, graceful lines, and quintessential designs just aren’t available on modern bikes. They exhibit a level of innovation and craftsmanship that’s rare these days. From the 1940 Indian Chief to Harley-Davidson’s 1923 JD, several models offer the timeless appearance collectors are looking for.
Those aspects tend to evoke a great deal of nostalgia. They bring up memories of simpler times or periods in people’s lives that hold special meaning. They provide connections to the past and stand as symbols of times people don’t necessarily want to fall by the wayside. Vintage bikes may even conjure up memories of past riding adventures and help people remember the thrill of the road in their younger years.
Simpler Designs
In addition to bringing up memories of simpler times, vintage motorcycles have simpler designs. Today’s vehicles, including bikes, come with computer-controlled systems and all sorts of digital technology. That’s not the case with older models. They’re testaments to times when riders’ connections with their motorcycles were more direct and physical.
Back then, riders had to truly know their bikes. They could feel when something was a bit off. They didn’t need their bikes to send messages to their phones to let them know when it was time for a tune-up.
That simplicity gave people a stronger sense of control. It also made for more straightforward repairs. After all, the less technology a vehicle has, the less is required to fix it. When the time comes for maintenance and repairs, there’s no need for complex tools and computer-guided assistance to carry them out. Plenty can be said for making things as uncomplicated as possible.
Durability and Reliability
Vintage motorcycles are also incredibly durable and reliable. Contrary to popular belief, newer definitely isn’t always better. As mentioned before, there’s less to go wrong on bikes that aren’t equipped with extra technology.
Furthermore, many items today are largely considered disposable. They’re made to last a few years and then be replaced. Vintage motorcycles, on the other hand, were built for longevity.
They’re from a time when people invested in appliances, cars, and motorcycles for the long haul. They didn’t use them for a short time and toss them aside the moment something went wrong. Instead, they took care of them, repaired them when the need arose, and made a commitment to keep them up and running.
Self-Expression
Vintage motorcycles also give people a nice canvas for customizations. People can personalize these bikes in numerous ways to transform them into reflections of their own styles. Each one has a story behind it as well as a new story unfolding in front of it. At the same time, bike owners take great pride in restoring these bikes and breathing new life into them.
Camaraderie
Another reason vintage motorcycles are so appealing is the sense of camaraderie that often comes with them. Entire communities have arisen around different bike models, and they have the power to bring people together in exceptional and often unexpected ways. From rallying around the American classics to keeping the British cafe racers alive, there’s an amazing sense of community surrounding vintage motorcycles.
Investment Value
Finally, on the more materialistic side of the situation, is the investment value of vintage bikes. Certain models appreciate over time rather than depreciating. Those include the Ducati 916, the Honda GB500, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-7R, the Suzuki Katana, and the Harley-Davidson Shovelhead to name a few. Keep in mind, many other models are highly sought-after collectibles as well. Those that have been maintained and are still equipped with their factory parts make excellent investments.
What Is Considered “Old” for a Motorcycle?
Having said all that, you may be wondering just what is considered “old” for a motorcycle. What makes a motorcycle vintage, classic, or collectible versus simply on up in years? That actually varies depending on several factors.
In Terms of Age…
In general, a bike that was manufactured more than 20 years ago is considered old. Of course, for some models, being at least 20 years old makes them vintage. By definition, those that are 35 years old or older are considered antiques. Somewhere in the midst of these two, you have classics. Those in this category are typically 30 years old or so. Granted, this is a very general rundown. Other considerations also come into play to determine whether a bike is special or just old.
Mileage and Condition
Mileage and condition also factor into the perceived age and collectibility of a motorcycle. Obviously, one that has more miles on it than its odometer can even register might be deemed old. A bike that’s more than 20 years old but only has a few thousand miles on it might not be considered quite as used up, though.
Mechanical and cosmetic conditions also factor into the equation. A 30-year-old motorcycle that’s obviously seen better days might be thought of as old whereas one that’s 40 years old but still looks nice and runs well wouldn’t be. The latter might be more valuable and collectible than the former. Remember, how well a bike has been maintained can also affect its acknowledged age.
Paperwork
Paperwork likewise plays a role in a bike’s perceived age. One that’s really not that old, even if it’s an interesting model, might be viewed as relatively worthless if the owner doesn’t have a title for it. On the other hand, a 1969 BMW R69S with a clear title would be a bike to consider buying. Titles show proof of ownership and provide records of past owners, which can help make vintage and classic bikes more valuable. Whether a bike’s owner has documentation of past maintenance can impact its value as well.
Rarity
Another aspect that can make a bike collectible as opposed to old is its rarity. Consider how many of a certain model were manufactured when looking into vintage bikes. How many of them are actually still on the road should be taken into account as well. If there were only a few to begin with or there are only a handful of them left, a bike will probably be considered more classic than old.
Historical Value
Bikes with significant historical value often have a lower perceived age, too. Those that were the first of their kind or used to introduce certain industry innovations are bound to be more valuable. Harley-Davidson’s 1948 FL Hydra-Glide might be a prime example here. It had several ground-breaking features that set it apart from other motorcycles of its time.
Motorcycles with connections to pop culture tend to have higher values as well. If a celebrity is spotted riding a specific model, its popularity and value are likely to skyrocket. Models that have appeared in iconic movies generally aren’t valued solely on the year they were manufactured, either.
Buyer’s Opinion
Yet another factor that determines if a bike is vintage, collectible, or just old is the opinion of the buyer. A 20-year-old who’s looking to buy a bike might not even consider purchasing one that was manufactured before he or she was born. That would be far too old, right? Still, a 50-year-old rider might not think twice about buying a ‘60s or early ‘70s model if it’s an iconic one that’s in good condition.
Buying a Vintage Motorcycle
Age is often in the eye of the beholder when it comes to motorcycles. As is the case with people, a bike’s chronological age might not coincide with its perceived age. Some vintage motorcycles are a bit like time machines. They allow us to connect with pieces of history that might have otherwise been forgotten. They can also create a sense of community and give their owners plenty of bragging rights.
Historical significance, condition, mileage, paperwork, rarity, and actual manufacture date all play a role in determining a bike’s value. Your own opinion matters as well. Whether you’re looking for the same type of motorcycle your grandfather once told you stories about or hoping to own a piece of history, a vintage bike can bring your visions to life.
