Classic bikes - are they worth the trouble ?

Considering that the bikes I have had in my riding history are considered collectables today, that is quite a question.

I have been riding since 1960, and grew up lusting BSA, and Matchless singles. That is what the local "hot shoes" raced in scrambles. I had a 1960 BMW R69 with sidecar, a Yamaha XS650, and a 1978 BMW R100S.

I would love to have any back, in the condition that I sold them.

But I still like the idea of having a Matchless, AJS, or Gold Star, for a "Sunday bike".

[skeetly]

I recently found some new 400/4 forks in flagstaff Perfect they were
They were actually off a cj360 but same item...
The shipping cost more than the forks

U gotta have a passion and a real enjoyment for them.

Because when they become money pits then you can stay the course.

No one does it for the money or the glory.

[mister c]

Would love another X7 Suzuki, but I know the problems I had with spares 10 - 12 years ago when I had one, so would give it a wide berth.
We were talking the other day about my FZR, that is over 20 years old, so could I call that a classic? lol

[Speedy]

Originally Posted by mister c

We were talking the other day about my FZR, that is over 20 years old, so could I call that a classic? lol

Yeah, I reckon you could!!

My mate has one, a 1WG FZR400, FAR from mint, but a cracking bike!!!

I think for a bike to have survived that length of time then it should be considered a classic. Renovated or not!

Originally Posted by stewie

Already broached the subject with the fun adjuster, I think you can guess the result looks nice I actually learnt to ride on one of those before getting me X7, is that the standard engine btw ? Im sure it is, just looks like the X7 one

As far as i know its the original engine. Its been restored in the past by a friends dad, but he didn't change the motor. Its a great bike to ride.

[yorkie_chris]

If you just want some fun riding then;
Decent sized hot (of their era) 2 strokes. Definately
Big muscle bikes with modern running gear. Definately.
Pretty much anything else, no.

You'd have to be a total spacker to want to run about on the standard running gear, the addition of some engine tuning, modern forks, 17" tyres, monoshock rear ends, all massive improvements.
Most especially an electronic ignition. Points are a total pain in the rse.

Don't see the fascination of people who want them to be 100% standard. Some sort of masochism if you ask me.

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

If you just want some fun riding then;
Decent sized hot (of their era) 2 strokes. Definately
Big muscle bikes with modern running gear. Definately.
Pretty much anything else, no.

You'd have to be a total spacker to want to run about on the standard running gear, the addition of some engine tuning, modern forks, 17" tyres, monoshock rear ends, all massive improvements.
Most especially an electronic ignition. Points are a total pain in the rse.

Don't see the fascination of people who want them to be 100% standard. Some sort of masochism if you ask me.

I don't know why but somehow, riding with squishy suspension and cr4p brakes is quite fun. My first 'semi big bike' was the GT and i loved it.

[yorkie_chris]

Depends what you want it for, I'd say electronic ignition and a sticky front tyre at minimum. A slippery back can be quite funny.
Thinking about it, my earlier post is far too black and white. It does depend on the bike. A small light bike like the strokers... yeah OK. But I would not want one of the big old brutes on stock running gear.

Ive been looking at RS250s (as always) but have seen that you can get RGV250s for a franction of the price. are they that much worse? same engine just different running gear i think.
Thats the kind of classic I want, somthing that will go and stop and beat some modern bikes!