SCOOPERMAN!

The sunny side of the classic world, with the VJMC’S Steve Cooper

Many classic enthusiasts own more than one motorcycle. Some would say it’s an affliction while others argue it’s their own version of nirvana. Some of us have real problems with storage while others have no issues with keeping the best of a burgeoning collection in the conservatory, dining room, living room or even bedroom. Understanding significant others is a mandatory requirement for this scenario; well this or living on your own. Another solution is the obvious if expensive option of building an additional storage area which is grand if you have both the space and the finances to do so. It’s when that new bike storage area becomes full that things get a little messy. When you move beyond Monty Python’s Eric (Two Sheds) Jackson scenario it might just be time to reappraise what you’re doing. Serial restorers will know just how beguiling a new project can be. First off there’s the acquisition of the new bike, then the giddy intoxication of the hunt for the missing parts followed by the ultimately rewarding satisfaction of another bike saved from the recycling chain. And then what? When will it get ridden? How many miles will it actually see post reincarnation? Many argue the bike will form part of their retirement plan but is this a genuine option? As our demographic gets older and we begin to sell off our bikes in ever greater numbers surely the value these bike command must drop? Resisting the temptation to erect yet a third shrine in the garden to the gods of candy paint, chrome plate and restoration this column has taken the radical approach of actually selling the odd bike to free up some room. An appraisal of what I can do, what I may do and what I’d like to do in terms of restos and fettling has been a real eye opener. I’m only the custodian of my motorcycles not their ultimate owner through time immemorial and I’m only ever going to be able to ride so many. So far I’ve had three indisputable must-haves and yet eventually sold two of them. There’s a third I’ve enjoyed and may move on in a year or so. After that, who knows? Current thinking is that middleweights suit my purpose so perhaps I’ll try my hand there. Limit your storage space, free up some floor space and ring the changes. Arguably you’ll never own every bike you want in your lifetime but there’s no harm in trying!