Classic Motorcycle Buyers Guide
Generally defined, a classic motorcycle is one that is at least 30 years out of production.
Picture Courtesy American Classic Motorcycle Museum
Before the Great Depression of 1929, there were dozens of American motorcycle companies. These included Ace, Cleveland, Flying Merkel, Henderson, Thor, Pierce, Pope, and others. Even Sears-Roebuck offered one in their 1914 mail-order catalog. Out of all those pre-WWII motorcycle manufacturers, only Harley-Davidson and Indian are presently in business.
Vintage British bikes include Ariel, Triumph, Norton, BSA, Matchless, Royal Enfield, and Vincent.
Classic Japanese motorcycles include Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki.
In the European corral there is BMW, Ducati, Moto Guzzi, Laverda, and others.
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Harley 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)
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Read: History of Indian Motorcycles
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British Classics
Triumph Bonneville
Triumph Trident
Steve McQueen Triumph
Norton Commando
Vincent Black Shadow
Read: Vintage British Motorcycles
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German Classics
BMW Motorcycle History - Part One
BMW R1100R Real World Review
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Many enthusiasts agree that the "Superbike" motorcycle 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
Kawasaki KZ650
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Articles of Interest:
What Is A JIS Screwdriver?
Best Motorcycle Covers
Motorcycle Project Choices
Motorcycle Helmet Choices
Motorcycle Safety Gear
Motorcycle Storage Tips
Read: Six-Cylinder Motorcycles
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