Do you love motorcycles? While you might have one or more bikes from the last 10 to 20 years, you might be thinking about diving deeper into the past for your next purchase. As great as many of the new bikes are with all of their modern features and technology, there is something magical about those classic bikes from the 80s, 70s, 60s… or even earlier. Of course, it is not always easy to find these bikes, and when you do, there is a very good chance that they will need some restoration. If you buy a bike that has already been restored, you are going to be paying a premium for it.
So, if you are serious about getting a classic bike, you might as well get something that you can restore. Not only will you save money on the purchase price, but you can learn a lot about the bike as you go through the process. Whether you restore it on your own or you have some help from the professionals will ultimately be up to your skill level and the amount of time that you want to personally put into the bike. Of course, you need to make sure that you are choosing a classic motorbike that is worth the money you are spending.
What to Look For
Since this is the first motorbike that you are looking to restore, you will likely want to choose a model from the 60s through the early 80s. There are many different makes and models available, so you can find bikes from manufacturers that you know and like, and you should not have a problem finding a style that you like. In addition, these bikes will have more similarities to newer bikes, which can make them easier to work on by yourself. It also means that there is a greater likelihood of finding all of the parts you will need for making repairs and restorations.
In addition, try to find a bike that has a motor that still runs. Even if it needs a little bit of work, getting a bike with a working motor will be far easier to get back into shape. Rebuilding a motor is expensive and time-consuming and may be something that you want to hold off on for your first classic motorbike. You should also make sure that you find a bike that has a clear title. Sure, there might be a great barn find that doesn’t have a title, but it can be a hassle to have to wait for a title. If the bike already has a title, even if it might cost more than the barn find, it is generally worth it.
When you are looking for a classic motorbike, it is helpful to have an idea of what type of bike interests you, so you can narrow your choices. Once you start to have an idea of what you would like, you should consider checking on the availability of parts for the motorcycle. You want to make sure that it will not be overly difficult to get the parts you need for the classic motorbike.
The process of getting the bike back into shape and getting it out on the road is one that you are sure to enjoy. Just make sure that you are getting the right bike to start with.
Resources: http://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/how-to-buy-your-first-vintage-motorcycle
http://www.classicandsportsfinance.com/buying-classic-motorcycles-of-the-60s-70s-and-80s/
