Classic Motorcycle Buyers Guide

Once there were dozens of American motorcycle companies, including Ace, Flying Merkel, Thor, Pierce, Pope, and others. Even Sears-Roebuck offered one in their 1914 mail-order catalog. Harley-Davidson and Indian were the only two motorcycle manufacturers to survive America's Great Depression.

American Classics

Harley 45 Flathead (W and G Series)

Harley-Davidson Knucklehead

Harley-Davidson Servi-Car

Harley WLA Military Bike

Harley-Davidson Panhead

Harley-Davidson K-Model

Harley-Davidson Shovelhead

Harley-Davidson FX Models

1957-1966 Sportster

1967-1979 Sportster

Harley-Davidson XR750

Harley-Davidson Cafe Racer

1980-1985 Sportster

Evo Sportster (1986-1995)

British Classics

Triumph Bonneville

Triumph Trident

Steve McQueen Triumph

Norton Commando

Norton Commando Upgrades

Vincent Black Shadow

Read: Vintage British Bikes

Read: History of Indian Motorcycles

German Classics

BMW Motorcycle History - Part One

BMW R1100R Real World Review

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The "Superbike" motorcycle years started in 1968 with the three-cylinder Triumph Trident. Soon after, Japanese manufacturers were producing faster, cheaper, and more reliable motorcycles, severely cutting into the sales of both British and American-made bikes.

Japanese Classics

Yamaha XS750 and XS850 Triples

Yamaha Seca Turbo

Kawasaki GPZ-750 Turbo

Read: Six-Cylinder Motorcycles

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Related Articles:

Five Reasons To Buy A Basket Case Motorcycle

Motorcycle Project Choices

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