Diff’rent strokes...

We put a few questions to our own Andy Bolas (left). He’s got an impressive collection of modern classics and he’s the chap from the VJMC that helps to man and organise their club stands at various events, so let’s see how he sees it.

Are you drawn towards stock bikes over non-original spec machines?

“Standard: they do command a premium over modified bikes, but I tend to buy bikes to keep for the long haul, so that premium should return a dividend down the line if I ever decide to sell it.”

Give us a recent example of an original bike you bought? What drew you to towards it?

“Honda CBR900 Urban Tiger Fireblade. I have wanted one for over 15 years and this one ticked all of the boxes.”

Now an example of a non-standard bike you bought?

“Another Honda, it was a CBR600 Steelie with a Fireblade motor fitted! It was a really well executed conversion, and goes and handles rather well.”

From your experiences what’s nicer to ride, a faithfully restored classic, or one that is modded to handle and stop?

“Can I answer both? Ha! I love riding my stock Honda NS400R. On the other hand I really enjoy a ride on my lightly modified Yamaha TDR250 you see in this article. I also have a few standard TDRS. For me a lot depends on my mood which keys I grab!”

Is there a shift on the show circuit away from bog stock show bikes?

“Currently we get around 80% standard bikes on the VJMC stand, and 20% modified. It’s great to see non-standard bikes lined up with original examples. Not everyone can stretch to restoring a bike back to 100% original: modded bikes can appeal to those who don’t want to be bankrupted by a restoration. There was a time when non-standard bikes on the stand were frowned upon by the VJMC. Thankfully, those days are long gone, so the club by default also appeals to a broader audience.”

What’s the worst restored bike you’ve ever purchased?

“My first Yamaha RD350LC. It had been restored regardless of cost… That was a money pit!”

Any top tips?

“It’s your bike, build it however you want. You can have a standard bike and still modify it, parts like race pipes, modern brakes can be fitted, and you can keep the stock parts in case you want to swap it back. It gives you the best of both worlds!”