A thread for classic motorcycle fans…

[Kevberlin]

I had a Lambretta 175 back in the day, for which I paid the princely sum of £2, albeit it came in a box and needed reassembling. It was a very reliable piece of kit. About 15 years ago I briefly ventured back to scooter world with a Vespa 250, that was impressively quick but just not anywhere near as enjoyable or engaging as a motorbike.

 

[Drago]

My stepbrother had a Suzuki Burger van for a while - 400 I think - and I quite liked that, could go for one of those.

 

[Cavalol]

I never used to like scooters, but as I get older Im more inclined to view them favourably.

Used to openly laugh at them back in the day (early 1980s and onwards) and tried riding my mates (Vespa 100 and a PX125) which I thought were awful.

Fast forward to about 12 years ago, bought a Vespa TX200 and it was one of the best things I ever did. As much as I still love bikes, the whole scooter scene is much, much better. There's a camaraderie that has never been there with motorcycling and it's still there. Park your motorcycle up next to bikers, so might talk to you, some won't. Park your scooter up next to some scooters and the majority of them will come over for a chat. That's not knocking bikers or the whole scene, each to their own and all that, but I'd recommend owning a Vespa or Lambretta or even a modern auto at least for a while.

 

[T4tomo]

https://www.thisisthecoast.co.uk/ne...t-to-coast-challenge-for-scarborough-hospice/

This was mainly old honda step thrus

 

[Drago]

Im hoping to acquire a Cub/Super Cub of some flavour in the spring.

 

[Kevberlin]

Im hoping to acquire a Cub/Super Cub of some flavour in the spring.

Super cub Adventures on You Tube is a good watch if you’ve not come across it. I was sorely tempted earlier in the year. They look like great fun and very practical.

 

[Drago]

I just want one for pottering about locally. Our very own stevieindenmark has a mew 125 version and has toured Scandinavia on it.

 

[Cavalol]

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/2024/november/honda-ss50-european-adventure/

Also, fairly recently, some Dutch SS50 riders were going round Scotland on theirs before riding home again.

 

[Profpointy]

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Velos are pretty much top of my shopping list, with perhaps a Rudge, Ariel sq4 and even a Vincent as the more expensive alternatives. That said Vincents seem to be £25 to £30k now rather than the £50k or £60 they where a few years back. OK not a trivial amount and needing thought but still very tempting

 

[Vapin' Joe]

Velos are pretty much top of my shopping list, with perhaps a Rudge, Ariel sq4 and even a Vincent as the more expensive alternatives. That said Vincents seem to be £25 to £30k now rather than the £50k or £60 they where a few years back. OK not a trivial amount and needing thought but still very tempting

People tend to buy the bikes they rode or desired in their youth. Machinery like the above and those of the rocker era have all dropped in value in recent years as those old enough to remember them are too old to ride and the younger riders don't want them.

 

[Profpointy]

People tend to buy the bikes they rode or desired in their youth. Machinery like the above and those of the rocker era have all dropped in value as those old enough to remember them are too old to ride and the younger riders don't want them.

Very true. On the car side as a 64 year old
the to me grossly overpriced fast Fords,
or motorsport-adjacent Quatros have
no appeal, but the earlier Triumph tr3, Mk2
Jag, e type even seems quite affordable.

 

[SteveH80]

People tend to buy the bikes they rode or desired in their youth. Machinery like the above and those of the rocker era have all dropped in value in recent years as those old enough to remember them are too old to ride and the younger riders don't want them.

Yep, apparently peak price is 40 years for bikes; what you wanted but couldn't afford in your teens you can in your fifties. 10-20 years after that when you're getting too old to ride them much, and the next generation has a different wish list, the prices drop.
I guess old vehicles aren't a good pension plan, but they are a fun way to spend you pension 😆

 

[Profpointy]

Yep, apparently peak price is 40 years for bikes; what you wanted but couldn't afford in your teens you can in your fifties. 10-20 years after that when you're getting too old to ride them much, and the next generation has a different wish list, the prices drop.
I guess old vehicles aren't a good pension plan, but they are a fun way to spend you pension 😆

I'm lucky really in that the bikes, and cars for that matter, that I'd like are a good bit earlier, so presumably their now 80 year old owners, are selling up. eg a 50s Vincent seems to be a quite tempting £30k rather than the £50k+ of a few years back. And I'd prefer a Velo to a Bonneville too.