Classic Motorcycle Mechanics

70s, 80s, 90s biking icons A dying breed?

Are we a dying breed? By that I mean us lot; bikers, or – more accurately – those of us settled in that niche which is ‘classic motorcyclists’. I would say not and it’s because of a number of things. Firstly, new motorcycles are more expensive than ever. If you want a top-notch sportsbike for the road, you’re looking at around £16,799 for the stock Yamaha YZF-R1, and even if you’re an adventure bike fan we’re still talking more than £10k for a Suzuki V-Strom and more than 15 big ones for the top-of-the-range Kawasaki KZ1000 Versys SE, with panniers, top box, traction control, quick-shifter, app for your phone, heated grips and even a lean-angle sensor.

Little wonder that modern classic bikes are becoming more popular and going up in value as many can’t afford new. Recently at CMM we’ve had younger converts write into the magazine and it’s been refreshing. Aaron Barker was one reader who

– at just 26 – is now in love with older bikes. He bought a Yamaha Thundercat for £500 with a year’s MoT. He now also owns a 1956 Matchless G9…

And it’s not just riding. Jack Watts is just 18, but he’s been in CMM with two restorations already and will soon be in the mag with his third

– a 1979 Honda Z50R which (to his mum’s annoyance) he keeps in his bedroom…

Older converts abound, too… Take Stuart Barker on these ’ere pages. You’d think at nearly 50 years of age he’d be big into the older bikes, but no. That was until he tried a 1980s Suzuki Katana and was hooked. And there’s Mike Booth – he buys a 28-year-old bike for £600 and then go races at the Classic TT. See, not only can they be cheaper than modern, they’ll appreciate in value, be appreciated more, they can be raced and be just as fun to ride. Try one… prices start at £500, not £5000…

‘‘ Older bikes can be cheaper than modern and be appreciated more