‘The market is cooling a little for Honda CB750S’

Over the last few years, Earl Classics has been subtly evolving. I’m still passionate about offering the best Japanese classics I can find for sale, but I’ve become a little more targeted now. Specialising in the bikes that really appeal to me, means that I’ve been able to offer my customers a better service. Now, I concentrate on what I think are the ‘Premier League,’ of Japanese Classics.

So, which bikes make the cut? Well, for me, they have to be big bikes. I love the power and presence of a big-bore bike. The fact that I’ve been able to build up close relationships with top specialists in the models I sell, means any work that needs doing is being undertaken by an expert in that particular machine.

Honda’s CBX1000 is the top of the pile. It’s a smooth, powerful machine that still feels great to ride – and sounds fantastic. Values have been creeping up for a few years, so if you want one, don’t wait too long.

Of course, Kawasaki Z1s are definitely up there, too. And they’re arguably the prettiest Japanese classic of all time. They do feel a little more dated to ride, but for a lot of Z1 fans that’s part of the appeal. First year models command a premium – and probably always will. And UK models – of any bike – always make about 10% more than imports. I think people often want exactly the bike they owned (or lusted after) back in the day.

I’m a big fan of Honda CB1100RS as well. They’ve been undervalued for years, and they’re fantastic machines. And I have a soft spot for Suzuki triples – for twostrokes, the GT750 has to be the ultimate.

I think the market is cooling a little when it comes to Honda CB750S – even the sandcast models. I know it’s the original superbike and a very significant model, but I feel prices have maybe peaked. We’ll see.

And there are some newer bikes aiming for promotion to the ‘Premier League.’ Honda’s RC30 and RC45 are still on an upward curve. Suzuki’s RG500 Gamma and the Yamaha RD500LC are not far behind, either. They’re all part of a growing market for newer classics.

I’ve come to realise that rarity is not the main driver of the market – demand is. It’s the bikes people dreamed of owning when they were young that will continue to go up in value. And that’s what I aim to provide. earlclassics.com