So you want a classic motorcycle...

There's nothing cooler than roaming the town on a 50 year old motorcycle. They just don't make em like this anymore. However, there's quite alot to think about before you purchase your first classic
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[@RaisinBarXZ550]

I made the "mistake" of just buying a random bike under $500 with the opposite of all this advice and ended up with the best possible bike for myself, an XZ550, that didn't run but seemed like it wanted to, so I was ready for a fun doable project.. Didn't realize how unique and advanced of a bike I had gotten until I researched it after purchasing. I'm also 14 so I have 2 years to get the bike perfect on my own with some help from my dad so I have lots of time to learn.

[@hodaka1000]

Years ago a friend had a CBX 550 it was real weapon great performance and a pleasure to ride

[@Firsttimerrestorations]

Lol. Did the same thing. Wanted to do a cafe racer so I bought a $700 bike that a guy had already started and it's been a journey but it's been really fun. Ended up doing more of a restomod with a 79 yamaha xs1100 special. Still paint and some cleanup to do but it's such a cool bike

[@sambrooks7862]

So a year on from your post how's it coming along?

[@RaisinBarXZ550]

@@sambrooks7862 I haven't done much to it this year but it does run, it has a head gasket leak and I generally haven't worked on it as our family is very close to finishing building our new house where I'll have a much better garage to work in and I didn't wanna lose parts yet

[@sambrooks7862]

@@RaisinBarXZ550 nice one, I look forward to seeing your updates

[@RideOp74]

I remember old motorcycles when they were new motorcycles. Man, I love this channel.

[@TheJunky228]

I've gotten myself a new, old motorcycle. 2018 yamaha sr400. pretty much unchanged since 1978 :D classic bike look and ride but it's not twice my age and needing an overhaul. I love that it's kickstart only too

[@scootergeorge7089]

@@TheJunky228 - Years ago, mid 1970's, a friend bought a Yamaha RD-350. He loved it. Then traded it for a Yamaha 650 twin. The Japanese Triumph clone, more or less. Raced his old RD. Lost. Ditched the 650 and bought another RD. Not a good picture but my classic was a '68 XLCH Sportster at left. Click on it and it's a little easier to see.

[@hodaka1000]

I remember when they were horses

[@hodaka1000]

@@scootergeorge7089 "..was" ? A 68 Sportster Nice bike.. if you like working on motorbikes

[@hodaka1000]

@@TheJunky228 Yes Grasshopper 1978 2J2 👍

[@MotoVania]

One thing that really sparked my passion to learn mechanical stuff was when I got my first motorcycle (73 CB350), it was both a very common and very simple bike, so that it was possible for me to look up info, and learn how every single thing works on the bike. I obsessively watched KZbin vids and repaired/restored just about everything on it. Before I got the bike I wasn’t very mechanical but now I feel a lot more confident to repair stuff!

[@Chris_at_Home]

Myself and some friends all had 1971-1972 Honda 350 CLs when we were stationed in Maine. One guy had a Triumph that always had to have something messed with, the Hondas just ran great.

[@krystiangurkowski]

hi, i hope you read it as i would need tips from someone that had a similar experience to what i might have in the future, i found a left CB500K here (in italy) but it would require a lot of work, as i'm still 16 i would need to wait a couple of years before even riding on it but it means as well that i have a lot of time in my hands to learn about it and try repairing it if i get the bike somehow, is it any hard to repair a machine like that and do you know if it is expensive to do so, thanks.

[@jensnitsche4994]

Obwohl die Honda Motoren technisch kompliziert aussehen, sind sie sehr wartungs und montagefreundlich aufgebaut. Man kann diese fast mit dem Bordwerkzeug zerlegen und wieder zusammenbauen. Ok, etwas Spezialwerkzeug braucht man schon, z.B ein Drehmomentschlüssel sehr wichtig und auf jeden Fall ein Werkstatthandbuch, vor der Arbeit genau studieren! Das einzige, was Geld kostet, sind originale Ersatzteile, wenn diese überhaupt noch erhältlich sind.@@krystiangurkowski

[@HDkillerstar]

​@@krystiangurkowskiIts certainly not hard, it can at times be frustrating diagnosing certain issues...but its well worth it in the end, Ive tinkered with a few not knowing a single thing about them to getting to point where I know exactly what Im doing. Its so much fun and satisfying, and most of the parts on these bikes are dirt cheap- ebay is your best bet. Id say go for it, its gonna take time though and you got enough

[@maakatipa4613]

Something a lot of people don"t realize about old Triumph's is that they were made on tooling equipment that came from the second world war. This tooling was already worn out so didn't have the tight tolerance's needed to make reliable motorcycles. My suggestion is that if you are a novice to motorcycling, but you just have to have a " classic" bike, get yourself a modern version as in a Royal Enfield 350 classic.

[@GmKaiser]

Bought a 1980 Kawasaki KE175 and had no prior motorcycle mechanic experience. Now it's running and in 1 year I've learned infinity more than i ever did about bikes. Now I own 5 bikes from 1974-1980. So glad I got my first project bike.

[@tangyorange6509]

I never worked on a motor in my life, but I bought a 65 Yamaha Trailmaster for $500 bucks off marketplace because it looked cool. Got it running and done in a month and a half. I am a 20 yr old girl so the Facebook group for the bike was certainly there to help me out. I definitely couldn’t have done it without them, but it wasn’t hard at all. Edit: I only got this because it was a 2 stroke one cylinder so it wasn’t too complicated.

[@pauloconnor7951]

Great going !!!!!

[@johnlambert3273]

2-strokes are the BEST!

[@majorp7967]

Keep going! Cool job.

[@bempey]

That was very smart getting a simple 2-stroke thumper! BONUS that you bought what some might consider "vintage" (at least in Japanese bike terms) and its worth more now than what you paid for it. Good luck, stay safe (riding, not the "other stay safe BS") and I'll wave when we pass on the road ;)

[@CharlesNolanArt]

Way back when I was a wee lad I was in love with our '73 Honda 350. At 12 yrs old, I attached to that bike so naturally. Soon after being "reborn" as a rider, my dear cousin took it home with him. I never saw it again. I am now approaching 65 I have longed for that "feeling" for a very long time. I believe it's now or never, kids are grown, the wife passed away, time for a new love.

[@Valentine98766]

You do that yet old head? You got you a moto!????

[@fredsmith3001]

Back in the day, I rode a '71 Honda CB450. A great bike. Light and easy to handle but enough power to cruise the highway. But I always wanted an inline four, such as a CB750 and started looking around for one. But, I was a little nervous about the reliability and parts availability of a 50 year old bike. Then, I discovered the Honda CB1100, sold in the US from 2013 to 2017. And a beautiful red and silver 2013 is now in my garage. It's an air cooled inline four with classic '70s styling but modern electronics, including fuel injection and Honda reliability. The perfect marriage of old and new.

[@BobKramer51]

My daily driver is a 1983 Honda Goldwing. I restored it in 2015. Did a 2600 mile trip on it 2 weeks ago. Currently working on a 1978 Goldwing, rode it from Greenville to Birmingham today, 350 miles. It's an awesome bike.

[@rickconstant6106]

I'm a motor mechanic (recently retired) and, for me, the most important factors are mechanical simplicity and parts availability. I bought my 78 Triumph 750 Bonneville 29 years ago, and was lucky enough to find one with only 1300 miles, and nobody had interfered with it. In my opinion, it is the most practical of all the old Triumphs to own - there are still a lot of them around and you can buy virtually every part new off the shelf from specialist suppliers. They have modern(ish) features like disc brakes and indicators (turn signals to those in the US), and they are probably the lowest cost option, although the prices are going up as the older, scarcer models get even more expensive. As long as you keep it in good condition, its value will only go up, and they are fun to ride, with lots of "grunt", as long as you remember the brakes aren't as good as newer bikes. After I retired, I decided to get a second, cheaper bike to use in the winter when the Triumph is kept inside to protect it from the salt. I chose a 1980 Suzuki GS550 - it's air-cooled, with simple carburettors and a kick start to back up the electric start, so now I'm a year round biker. Simple is good, less to go wrong and easier to fix if it does. The other advantage to owning a 40+ year old bike here in the UK is that they are exempt from annual road tax and MOT tests (vehicle inspection), saving around £240 ($300) per year for my two.

[@Honkawsuzyamal]

Some years ago a friend of mine used a GS550 for dispatching. As he had no mechanical knowledge I did the mechanical work on it. An excellent motorcycle over many miles of year round use. It's final demise was the electrics breaking down - something that can be sorted in today's world with retrospective knowledge

[@kdsowen2882]

Totally agree, rego cheaper down here for 40+ year-old bikes (58NZD per-year) Dave NZ

[@78a67h]

Oh the joys of living in England! Unfortunately my time spent in the country did not extend to 40+ years so to get my bikes tax and MOT exempt.

[@ronald5629]

@@Honkawsuzyamal one of the things lifelong mechanics always say is there's nothing that cannot be fixed , that model Suzuki was just a coil wiring harness points condenser and it has to be in time there's really nothing that can wear out and not be replaced on that bike and there wasn't anything really that broke down in the electrics on that bike that I remember any more than a 350 Honda (ꏿ﹏ꏿ;)

[@jensnitsche4994]

Wow, diese Situation würde ich mir hier in Deutschland wünschen...eine vernünftige Regelung !

[@Crazcosmopwnu]

I recently picked up my late uncle's 1971 cl175 from my aunt knowing it'd need some work to get running and more to get road worthy. I had next to no mechanical experience prior but have slowly went through it and learned how to fix and clean parts along the way. The first time I got it to start and run was a magical and exciting moment and seeing a video of it running meant the world to my aunt. It has been a great project and learning experience and I'm not quite done with it yet but I know it's going to be a blast to finally ride!

[@lackingfameminecraftNBA2K]

I got a 73 cb500f a bit over a year ago that needed a good amount of work and I haven’t been able to ride it yet, a big reason is because I keep changing when I’m going to decide when I’m “done” working on it. I have done a top end rebuild and a lot of engine maintenance, a bunch of electrical work just to update the 50 year old wiring and putting on new tires and servicing the breaks. I have made my fair share of mistakes along the way which is a big reason why I haven’t been able to ride the bike yet but I wouldn’t change the experience for the world. A big thing for me has been having the help of an experienced classic motorcycle mechanic in my family for those times when I make a mistake or just am not sure what to do. I would definitely say that if you do not have an experienced mechanics help that you should start small on the work that you try yourself. I also have never relied on and don’t plan to rely on the bike for daily transportation. So if you want something cool and fun to work on or ride around every now and then an old Honda especially just cannot be beat

[@user-yg7su6nk9z]

I had a bunch in the 70's. 160 Honda, CB350. Triumph Tiger 650, Yamaha 400 and loved them all. Here it is 50 years later, I just bought a Honda Rebel 250 at 72 years old. (me, not the bike) I'm excited for spring so I can get out and just enjoy it. Loved your video.

[@elmerfudd1086]

Don't forget about the most reliable motorbike ever made....the BMW K100 and K75 's from the 80s. Sold my 1985 K100 for $1500 with 347 thousand kms on it and it still ran quite well.

[@eighthof8]

Here's what I'm finding out restoring a '74 Kawasaki H1 triple to about 95%. I had a '72 Kaw 350 triple, and brother had a '70 Kaw 750 triple back many decades ago, so I am fortunate to know how to work on them. Whatever your estimate might be for restoring a classic motorcycle, triple it (no pun intended) or even quadruple it. There are fewer places for chrome plating and the cost for re-plating is through the roof! For instance re-plating one wheel is $375.00. Re-plating the 3 exhausts $2500.00 (sent to England). Paint to factory original $2,000. Powder coating the painted parts (not the frame) $600.00. Recovering a seat to look like OEM $350.00. Having Don Fulsang (the best in the business) restore the meters $350.00. Parts are available for most classic bikes, but you'll pay through the booty for them. The barn find bike I purchased is mostly complete, but every part has to be dealt with, and many replaced because of 50 year rust/corrosion. Forks were replaced: The original ones were ok, but had specs of rust so I replaced them $100.00 (reproduction). Tires were dry rotted. Cost to replace $420.00. Spokes were rusty - new ones = $100.00. Cost to have a shop lace the new spokes, install the tires, and balance with a digital meter = $275.00 (got a great deal). New rubber dampers $300.00. New bolts and screws $200. Plastic chrome on blinkers flaking off. Cost to replace the blinkers and stems $100.00 (reproduction). New chain, new brake pads, new handlebars, new handlebar switches, new gaskets, new cables, rebuild carbs ect, ect, and ect. I've got hours sanding the frame for painting, polishing the corroded aluminum, putting parts back together, and dealing with 50 year old wiring. It never stops! Figure I'm going to have close to $8,000 plus what I gave for it. Is it worth it? I have a lot of free time, so in my case it is. Hope this gives you some idea what you're up against.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Anyone looking to buy their first classic bike should watch this video. You've described both the magic and reality of classic ownership. It's not for everyone. If you don't have the skills/tools/facility to do maintenance yourself or the money to pay someone else, it isn't for you. Another area you covered, actually having an available local mechanic who is knowledgeable about your specific bike is key. And finally, I loved that you mentioned patience and pre-purchase research - both key to successful classic bike ownership. Great video!

[@jensnitsche4994]

So ist es, nicht zu vergessen einen ruhigen Platz für die Montage! Wenn man Talent und Gefühl für Mechanik hat kann man sich aber mit Geduld einarbeiten.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@jensnitsche4994 I agree!

[@hogslayr2703]

I bought my 74' Norton new and still have it today. It's nearly pristine all original and the experience of going thru the starting procedure is still fun. I haven't had the key out of the ignition in over 30 years because nobody can find it's location any way, so why take it out? I've owned a few of the bikes shown in your video and it's been a good life buying them new off the show room!

[@Honkawsuzyamal]

I had one of those and regret selling it. I know where the ignition switch is.

[@sallhame]

I bought my 850 Commando MKIII Roadster in 1997, and I just love it. The starting procedure is as you say fun. It is a part of the riding experience. But I take the key out, hehe. I like your name here. Tom Christenson and Hogslayer are legends.

[@johnward5726]

New owner of a 1980 CM400T. It has started me on a journey to becoming a better small engine mechanic. I'm already good with electronic work but mechanical things I've not had the desire nor availability of things to learn on. As soon as I sort out the misfiring around 3k rpm, I'll be so happy!

[@motomotorized]

Any progress on the bike John? I've just picked up an 81 CM400E and would love to hear more about yours!

[@johnward5726]

@@motomotorized I'll be trying to improve the bike over the winter. I've mostly spent my free time enjoying it, the misfiring seems to clear up after about 15m of cruising. Money is always an issue and xmas is coming. My plan before next spring is an oil change (and inspection of a leak around the shift lever), new head gasket, new choke cable, and new tires. I may take the carbs out to clean them but I'm nervous I'll desync them. The throttle doesn't spring back like I think it should so there's another reason to get into the carbs. All said, it starts and runs good enough that I just ignore most of the above and go for a ride. Honda made amazing bikes in the 70s/80s, I'm a big fan now.

[@The1993mustanglx]

In my experience one classic bike turns into four really quick. My best advice would be to not only get a bike from the big four but one with a relatively long production life. It doesn’t matter if it was made by Honda if you can’t find parts because it was only made for a couple years. Check out parts availability and pricing before buying the bike. Also if it doesn’t have a title call your local titling agency before the purchase to see what options are available to get one. Some places are easy and some like where I live will tell you it’s a parts bike now.

[@alternator7893]

I used to have and old 1981 Honda modified cafe racer that I bought on a whim cus it was pretty. A bit after I bought it the clutch failed and I couldn’t find a replacement anywhere, I asked my mechanic if he could jury rig it and he ended up mounting an old Suzuki clutch on a jackshaft and connecting that to the transmission, it worked pretty good. A few months later it started leaking oil, turns out the engine block had a crack, I had to fill it up every other week. Then the lights failed, my mechanic “fixed them” but they failed a week later so I ended up just charging my battery every day after coming home from work. Then the front brake stopped working and by that point I was already pretty annoyed with it, plus it was really uncomfortable to ride, the seat was to high and the handlebars were too low and it hurt my back so I ended up selling it after only a year.

[@albertsammut433]

I looked at purchasing an expensive Classic 70s model Kawasaki Z900 or a Z1R in original running order or FULLY RESTORED and sorted out..What I ended up looking at where ALL only very well used and worn COSMETICALLY restored bikes that looked a million dollars..and still for a huge price..ALL these bikes had either unserviceable steering head bearings and swingarm bearings as well and needed these replaced..plus other issues..So for less than half the price..WITH NO ISSUES at all I decided on a much newer 2010 model Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS with a mere 10250 kms on the clock instead..I couldn't have made a better purchase for the price $AUD5000 with RW Certificate honestly...

[@ashutoshrajput3757]

You can also go for royal Enfield continental GT 650

[@albertsammut433]

@@ashutoshrajput3757 Sorry my brother had the very first model of that bike and on ALL his long trips I was called to pick him up with the trailer..Turned out this second hand bike was tampered with by the previous owner so not reliable..

[@jyotiprakashdas4429]

@@albertsammut433 i agree with u brother. Realy these RE causes a lot of issue while we take it for long journeys. If we ride everyday for 700to900kms it really causes a certain issues, specialy in hot climate zoned areas. But the issue with interceptor is minimalistic.and its specific due to the placement of relay system beside the engine (where it doesn't get chance to get cooler). For India its best option just for its accessibility and durable engine(if maintained properly. oil chNged in time, etc) it lasts very well here. And both continental650gt and interceptor share same engined and other spares.

[@albertsammut433]

@@jyotiprakashdas4429 Thank you too dear riding friend..I think Royal Enfield and Triumph are very well build bikes..But my silly brother bought his bike without inspecting it first so it had a terrible previous owner who didnt maintain it well and sold it cheap..so my dear brother bought a cheap problem bike.

[@jyotiprakashdas4429]

@@albertsammut433 u r right brother. Triumph is amazing RE also make great bike . althg Many owners buy there RE bike, they lack proper knowledge of when to change the engine oil and many other things. Even the authorised service centre don't make proper suggestions abt the oil change interval period(i have seen in most of the region of India). So atlast a lot of issue arises.(most specific issued piston ring get worn within few months of owning the bike, crank case, valve guide gets worn ,oil stem issue , severe scratchs inside bore block and many others severe issues). I can't blame the owners coz its the fault of authorised service centre coz they dont make the owner aware abt proper maintenance.(m teling specifically abt India). I asked some owners abt oil change interval. They just mentioned they have never changed the oil .just refilled it when it got low and driven it like this for months, which further resulted in other shorts of catastrophic failure. Even the owner are not made aware abt the running in period of these machines(which is mandatory for every RE engine, as per my experience for around 3000kms atleast.) Not following it is also hazardous. Coz, Once a rider riden his RE bike constntly for 550kms after buying the bike Frm the showroom at a stretch. After reaching the destination he parked the bike and within few minutes the bike caught fire and blast occured. 500cc bullet it was ) RE are best. But i m never happy with there services. They don't fix the machine,rather they try to kill the machine like a slow poison does). Thus within 25-30k kilometres severe breakdown occurs in most oF the RE bikes in India. If RE is maintained properly it can last for i guess 150k to 200k kms or more with minor issues

[@windmilljohn]

Brilliant video. Spot on I’d say. Of course I’m speaking with hindsight, having had many bikes and I do all my own maintenance work. I recently broke a cardinal rule…. I bought a pretty bike; a show bike. Having rebuilt bikes in the past, I decided to pay a little more and buy a complete bike which looked superb. In fact the same colour as your title shot, a 1968 CB250K0. It had been displayed at shows. I have ridden it a few times and commuted, but I have had to apply copper slip etc to all the bolts which have never been lubed. Fitted a new clutch, two carb strips, an oil leak from the rocker area, deglaze rear shoes and do on… I’ve got the experience so not the end of the world, but as you say, not something for a newbie if they have no access to a mechanic. Stick to good old advice which I didn’t. Buy a runner, it’s always better than a bike that has been sat.

[@mr.carguy654]

Depends if you count 50cc as a 'motorcycle' because I have a 1976 Simson S50B. It's an East German two stroke with proper motorcycle ergonomics and a 3 speed manual transmission. It's definitely a classic and has a cult following here in Hungaryand all across Estern Europe and Germany . I also have an '81 Jawa Babetta, a Checoslovakian masterpiece with pedals and a purely mechanical (and quite clever might I add) automatic transmission. But that's barely a moped and I ride it ironically. I hope anyone who reads this looks the 'bikes' up and learns a little about Eastern bloc motorcycles! Greetings from Hungary!🇭🇺

[@aaronleverton4221]

Have a C50 and a CB50. I wouldn't call the C50 fun, but it is practical. The CB50, however, is a fantastic lie. It's the most chuckable bike I've ever had, you have to keep the revs up because there is no torque and because it's small and you are so much closer to the ground it feels much faster than it is. It's tiny and slow, but in city traffic it feels like a GP bike.

[@marknice2793]

I had a Simson 50 for a while in England in the early 90s 😃

[@kaptein1247]

Tomos are still an extremely common sight here in holland. Especially the quadro model. Its still the cheapest and most affordable moped, even though most of them are around 2 decades old now.

[@searswarlock]

Great video! This spring I bought a Gilera 106ss with zero mechanical experience. I bought the shop manuals and watched videos and the first time I got her to fire over was amazing! She's coming along but still a ways to go. Don't be afraid of the projects but don't kid yourself on the amount of work it will take

[@Begmar01]

As someone who has been around old and very old bikes as early as the pre war 30's both from Europe and Japan not having any mechanical skills is not a problem at all, you can do everything short of machining a damaged cylinder by yourself with very little tools. Old bikes are so simple in their conception and have very little to no electric circuit at all. All you need really is the Haynes manual for the biie you get, preferably the original owner's manual for everyday maintenance and somewhere to work on it without being in the driveway or in the street. It can seems daunting to take an engine apart to check the valves or redo a finicky transmission but as long as you follow the manuals and use the right tools anyone who's willing to try and get dirty hands from time to time can do everything a shop would and more. Last word of advice that you don't hear often enough I think is that Japanese manufacturing seems to use Philips head screws for everything but it's actually JIS, Japanese Industry Standard, the shape is slightly different and if you use Philips screwdrivers you'll eat all the screws on your bike so get a set of JIS screwdrivers if you choose a Nippon motorcycle.

[@bempey]

Thanks for another great video! 50 years ago, I bought a worn out Yammy 250 twin 2-stroke for $400- (1969 "DS6" AKA "RD 250" and precursor to the RD350 and then RD350SLC). Bought the repair manual and lots of parts and rebuilt it over the winter, and rode it the next summer. BTW: I was 14 when I bought it, 15 on the road, and only stopped by police once before I was old enough for a license. After owning a few bikes bought used, I worked up to a new vStrom 1000 in 2008, and rode it for 10 years. But since then, I've had a 2008 Moto Guzzi, 2004 vStrom 650, and a month ago I traded the tall vStrom for a 2003 vStar 1100 Classic. With a new XR150L stablemate to handle "off pavement duty", I've now gone from decades of fuel-injected bikes with center stands to a couple of carbureted bikes minus stands. I bought a lift. I'm looking forward to doing the valve-lash adjustments on the vStar (on one of the longest lasting engines ever), replacing the rear spring/shock, and maybe rebuilding the forks with progressive springs, over the winter. Both bikes are air-cooled, which eliminates the issues of antifreeze up here by the North Pole (north of Winnipeg MB) but also the hassle of draining and refilling coolant whenever the engine is worked on. Another consideration with older bikes. The XR150 needs the stock "CARB compliant" jets replaced with some that won't cause burned valves due to running too lean. However, the vStar, with its twin down-draft Mikunis, has smoother throttle response than many of the injected bikes that I've owned or ridden. I found that shocking (in a pleasant way) If I did move up to a newer, injected cruiser, I'd likely get a vStar 950 for the injection while remaining air-cooled, but also drop my insurance costs. Though the older Kawi Vulcan Nomads with hard luggage whisper to me whenever I see one advertised under CA$5k. On the other hand, in 2028 the vStar 1100 will get Collector Plates and that will cure the insurance cost issue. ;)

[@KeepOnWrenching]

Really great video! Thanks for the mention of Keep On Wrenching! You nailed it. I find Honda 350s from 1968-1974 are a great bike to work on due to the parts availability and the affordability of those parts. You can grab one for less than a grand typically that's mostly complete. From my experience, it takes about $2,000-3,000 to fully restore one as a baseline. Of course, that depends on what you're starting out with. Totally agree that you should try to get original parts and not cheap knock-offs. At the end of the day, the 350s are super reliable, about as simple to work on as it gets, and can help jumpstart a new hobby. I agree that you should try to look for something that has a freed-up engine (not locked up) if you're just getting started. If my first bike (70 CB350-running) would have been my 2nd bike (72 CL350-locked up) I don't think I would still be restoring old motorcycles! :)

[@stevehead365]

If you change the cam chain, remember to tighten the sprocket bolts. don't be an impatient eejit like I was. When you are nineteen, you know it all but still blow up engines. Another hot tip, check the spacers on the front wheel spindle are assembled in the correct order, such that the wheels line up. I have the scars on my knees to prove that this is important. I enjoyed the Honda 350 but did not enjoy being spat off of it at 60mph.Have fun with your bikes.

[@jensnitsche4994]

Hier in Deutschland war man als Jugendlicher mit der Cb 350 König auf der Straße mit über 30 PS. Das hatten hier nur einige Jahre zuvor wenige Motorräder der 600 ccm Oberklasse von BMW und Zündapp.

[@KeepOnWrenching]

@@jensnitsche4994 Das ist so cool. Die CB350 sind so besondere Motorräder. Sie wecken viel Nostalgie.

[@vichua1052]

Nostalgia. Love old bikes. Makes me go back to my teenage years.

[@MkadinA01]

After getting my first fuel injected bike project, the relief of not having to deal with a carb really cooled my love of classic bikes. I still love them but prefer to love them from a distance now.

[@tyslink]

Can't really argue with that as I've just bought my first classic (73 cb750) and have the carbs off and torn all apart on my work bench....but I bought the bike to have something to work on so I can't complain either.

[@annamckinney6622]

I find it refreshing to listen to you talk about your old bike. You get it. Riding is for the enjoyment of riding. The world is a beautiful place. Slow down. Some things you will only see once in a lifetime, but you have to look.

[@chrismoody1342]

Bart I’m a huge fan of your channel and I don’t think there’s anything to keep you from growing a hugely successful channel. As an owner of a classic motorcycle you pretty much summed up the whole vintage bike ownership experience. I’ve pretty much managed to keep my 75’ Kawasaki Z1b running with the help of a good Haynes service manual. Fortunately there is still OEM parts still out there and available. But scalpers are scooping up parts and driving the prices upward. I’ve repaired many bits and pieces of the bike with just disassembly and a good cleaning. I know the bike from one end to the other. With that said I’m just not prepared to split engine cases and pull all the internal out and do all the machining and measuring all the tolerances etc. I’m going to go to a well know vintage bike mechanic shop for the internals. So far my 75’ has 14k on the clock and an extensive internal rebuild is not yet needed. I’ve slowly over time replaced or repaired nearly everything from cables, brake pads and shoes, sprockets &, chain, points, calipers, master brake cylinders, fork seals and the like. As I go I paint and polish to keep the bike corrosion free and looking good or better than it was. And for Gods sake don’t take something apart and let time get away from you getting it back together while it’s is fresh on your mind. Some fasteners and the like have very particular specific places they need to go, and you aren’t going to recall all that years down the road. Nuf said I’m going to go out the garage and admire my classic 75’ Z1. 😎

[@jensnitsche4994]

Absolut richtig!

[@thelasvegaskid]

Do you think certain classic bikes are gonna keep climbing in price? I’m debating on getting into one before they keep going up.

[@barryfohn4385]

I gave a guy on my Navy ship $300.00 for a CB 650. It struggeled a little bit in the fast lane on the freeway but other than that...like a lot of older Hondas the darn thing was indestructable.

[@RZ350NC]

I used to own a Sunbeam Alpine. I can't remember how many times I pushed it home. At least it was a lightweight car. When I sold it, I had spent more time working on it than driving it. It cured me of my desire to own a British car. I prefer Japanese and German vehicles now. They are more dependable, and parts are easier to find. Good luck and take care.

[@STLMotorman]

Had the same experience with a ‘59 Triumph TR3 and a ‘64 Triumph Spitfire. I learn slowly. I had to go thru TWO Triumphs before I learned my lesson. Never owned ANYTHING British built again for 60 years and then it was a flipping pellet gun that I got a spectacularly good deal on. German, Japanese, whatever, but never again a British car or motorcycle!

[@aaronleverton4221]

Having owned 3 Honda CBs (750K, 750F and 900F) among several others, I can say the CB750K is an excellent choice for a classic that feels modern and is also nicely reliable. The advice about sitting on your idea and letting it settle is absolutely true. I rushed into buying my 240Z. It was the first one I saw and drove, my father told me not to, but what did he know? Well, I found out what he knew.

[@peterdoe2617]

Like the Kawasaki Z200, where the cams where wearing faster than the tires?

[@eNrJns]

2 years later but this topic never gets old and is so relevant. Its spot-on in every way. Thank you for reminding me, at least, i dont need a Projekt bike. especially with kids around :)

[@alelectric2767]

True on the OEM parts. My CB550F runs great with the OEM air box. Japanese engineers knew what they were doing. Who I’m I to question that.

[@davidalanroden]

Have to agree with your observations - had mostly newer bikes - many Italian - then I had a 15 year hiatus when I moved from the UK to Denmark - had kids and then finally persuaded my wife that I a bike would make me happy. I decided on an old Triumph - something that would keep me occupied during the winter - settled on a 1971 TR6C "Desert Sled". All the things you mentioned are true with these bikes - you can't really use them for long distances - although I'm regularly reminded by my older bike club-mates that they road Europe thin in their heyday - I regularly remind them that their bikes weren't 50 odd years old back then. Anyway - it looks and sounds wonderful - even rides great - well - once you get over the very scary brakes. I would say I'm an occasionally regretful, but mostly happy classic biker. PS the Triumph is my only motorcycle - unless you count a Puch Maxi as a motorcycle!

[@David-og7di]

Like the man says....read & learn first. I researched my interest bike for 12 months to find the year and model first & another 12 months to find one that I wanted to own. 1995 FXD Superglide. factory condition.

[@rockwestfahl]

I owned a 1971 CL-350 in high school. I thought it was a classic then. Wish I still had it.

[@gutsbiker]

I've owned my 1985 Suzuki GV1200 19 years without any on the road problems. There is a bit more excitement riding a 37 year old bike.

[@olafzijnbuis]

I had a 1982 Honda CBX-1000 Prolink for 23 years from 1998. Very few problems. I put 86 000 km on it and sold it last year with cac106 000 km on the odometer. They are surprisingly easy to work on. It just takes a little more time. Checking the valve clearance 0f 24 valves takes a little more time. Everything is easy accessible. The only drawback is the fuel consumption. I averaged 14.6 km/l using it for touring.

[@MrMichaelpeacetoad]

The Triumph TR6 is a thing of beauty...

[@wayneronk7782]

I own a 1980 CB 900 Custom. It's it the best all around classic motorcycle I've owned. Although I do love my CB 350 for cruising around for a day 1 up and the reliability of both these bike is amazing.

[@mrskelington]

Maintaining and keeping old things becomes a bit of a lifestyle. I have an 3 classic bikes and a classic car, classic firearms, and an 80 year old home. The most high maintenance thing in my life is a 34 yr old girlfriend...

[@davidrochow9382]

Having had the cb 550 and cb 750 I'd have to recommend the 550. There wasn't much difference with the top speed as the 550 was a lighter bike.

[@petergerritgroen3157]

Cb 750 More relax

[@hodaka1000]

Try a CBX550 they're a pleasure

[@sambrooks7862]

The 550 also makes a great cafe racer

[@gregdawes7642]

The 550 was such a smooth engine.

[@joselitobrigante]

As you said, get what you need. I needed a daily commuter. Simple, reliable and with lots of spare parts still available. I'm planning to keep my 1988 Yamaha XT600 for life.

[@Jer0867]

14:16 I was smiling to myself before you said what you did...because I knew what you were going to say, and I TOTALLY get it!

[@lotuselanplus2s]

My list of classic bikes, 1945 350cc BSA B31, 1958 250cc BSA C11G , 1968 250cc BSA B25 Starfire , 1965 Triumph Tiger 100 500cc, 1972 650cc T65 Trophy Triumph , Triumph 650cc Thunderbird custom , 1975 Triumph T140V Bonneville 750cc , 1981 Triumph T140ES Bonneville 750cc , 1972 Norton Interstate 750cc , Honda CM450e 1983 , Honda CM450c 1982 , Honda CMX 450 Rebel 1986 , 1998 Triumph T959 Daytona , 1993 Triumph Thunderbird 900cc , 1998 Suzuki Marauder 800cc, and a custom flat tracker made with all the left over bits in the workshop and garage (not finished yet) .

[@allans7281]

Motorbikes are the closest thing to flying without leaving the ground!! Classics are extra special like taken out an old P51 for a sunset flight TR6 was my dream car in high school. Quite possibly the coolest classic roadster Great video!! Cheers mate USA

[@VashSpiegel]

First bike I bought was a project VF750F. 5+years later still cant even give it away, due to it collector status was scrapped with the FUBAR fairing. This was the bike that made me exclusive air cooled bikes thereafter. My first 70s Moto Guzzi commission, I bought few years later. Yes it runs and drives, and I love it. Hobby is working on vintage, and its amazing how many projects/jobs I get offered I cant say no to. My project: Suzuki GN400 Father/Son: '75 Sportster Commission/queued : -BMW R100RS Gold edition -Norton Commando 850 -Honda CBX -'71 Suzuki 125

[@paulbunyon6324]

I have owned a number of classic bikes and loved them. Getting parts is more difficult. Luckily I can do the work myself because many shops won't even touch anything that old. If you really want a nice "classic" you can also consider a Kawasaki W650 or W800. These are fantastic and beautiful bikes that look very close to a '60's Bonneville, even more so than the new Triumphs. I love my W800 classic, it has all the looks and sound (360 degree firing parallel twin) and much better build quality.

[@GuruGuru-mp5cu]

I got an '80 kawasaki kz440 ltd and I love it

[@johnnewman6861]

I just bought a MV Agusta 125S! So happy to see you included some of the small displacement Italian bikes. I’m fortunate that I live in Italy where there are shops that helped me get it dialed in.

[@andrerodriguez7603]

I recently bought a 69 Triumph Tiger TR6 motorcycle from a ‘classic motorcycle dealer’ that was found in a horse stable in San Diego California. It actually runs perfect with no smoke, and starts on the first kick. They changed the oil and cleaned the carb. Why I love the bike is because it’s all original except for the seat. The paint is metallic red, tank and fenders, sun faded and a nice color. Chrome has allot of patina and wire looks good. Tires are old and hard, fork boots were cracked and open. I paid 9K for it and added 1K for new Dunlap tires and rebuilding the forks and new brake shoes with wheel bearings replaced. It’s still in line to be fixed, I hope to have it soon.This is my first motorcycle I’ve had since I was 22 years old, I’m 68 now. I’ve always wanted a Triumph after seeing the British Zombie movie “Psychomania” in the 70’s. 😅 my first real car was a 77 VW Rabbit. Over the years I always owned various VW’s, this has taught me to be a background mechanic, doing my own maintenance, changing motors, and doing electrical wiring on them. I watched videos on Triumph motorcycle maintenance and working on a points distributor and I’m sure I can ‘Tinker’ around with them (JK) 😂. I’ll definitely be able to fix the bike in an emergency, but just in case I got AAA motorcycle towing option. I’m not intimidated by repairing this machine, I’ll enjoy cruising around on it and feeling the nice cool California breeze on my face very soon. 😊

[@michaelvachon1334]

I agree with pretty much all of this. I've been wrenching on Honda bikes (and a few other mfg) for 50+ years. I have restored about a dozen or so bikes as well. I also own the 1971 Honda CB750 that my Dad bought new back in the day. I restored that one back in 2006. I love the Hondas because for that era (late 60's/early 70's) parts and documentation is readily available. While I also own more modern bikes, I get a special thrill out of taking a 50 year old bike for local rides and love seeing peoples reactions to it. Great example - In my area, we have the annual Laconia (NH) bike rally. Thousands upon thousands of bikes in a relatively small area. A lot of these are expensive, late-model, custom Harley Davidsons. But when I park my classic CB750 among them, people are immediately drawn to the bike. I hear a lot of people saying they either had one, or someone they knew did. It generates a LOT of conversations. You cannot understate the cool factor with these. As you stated, the biggest part of being a classic bike owner is to get educated! I prefer to do my own wrenching - this helps especially if you ever have an issue while riding. 99% of the time, I am able to address whatever mechanical issue that might crop up and get myself rolling again in short order. Knowledge = power here, kids! Good work and keep up these great videos.

[@henryhartley9993]

Nice one, Honda 400/4 super sport would be my personal choice, it's the most popular Japanese classic here in the UK, a good owners club and parts still available....

[@HypeRapEnjoyer]

Good point about how working on your stuff seems cool, but can end up being a chore. Sure I changed the headgasket on my first car, even did it in the drive way - I guess it was cool, but it would have been cooler not to have the car break down to begin with.

[@87tubechrisd]

Nice video. You touched on parts availability a couple of times. For me this is a really big deal when choosing old cars/bikes. I hate the thought that if this one little bit breaks or wears out, I can't rely on getting a replacement. Some people love having to go to shows to find that elusive part in a tatty old cardboard box in amongst a heap of junk, but I'm not so keen.

[@patrickhill8748]

Great video!! I just brought home my dad’s’77 cb400f super sport and can’t wait to dive in. Dad bought it brand new off the showroom floor so this is a keeper. Safe travels!

[@rogerthat10-47]

When a bike comes from the "Manufacturer" it is in a state of tune for "Reliability" if you want to make you bike faster then Aftermarket is the way to go, not shit from China but proper gear built by proper tuning houses, but this will take the reliability down a long way, there is some excellent stuff out there that will not damage your bike in any way as long as you adjust your maintenance times if you do want to Mod your bike keep all the stuff you have taken off & refit it before you sell.

[@mannyj4751]

I bought a new CB 350 in early 70's. It was my first bike and I loved it. Later 1980's I owned a Yamaha Virago 1000. That was my favorite bike. I bought a new 1974 MG Midget and I loved that little car. It fit like a glove. Kinda like a big go-kart. I always admired the Triumph TR6 but never owned one.

[@atoxxox]

I got an old honda xl 185 (1979) for free by my neighbor i didn't really want it first but it was free so i had to take it. It didn't run and I'm still fixing it but i think i really gonna get it running. I have a guy who has worked basically his whole life on motorcycles and he is helping me with this journey. I got it like a month and a half ago and im 15 so there is lots to learn yet but my goal is to get it good running and make it looking good again. It was standing almost 30 years but it looks actually good for that time.

[@RocketMan_Moto]

Nice video with some very sage advice👍

[@hunterross9615]

I just bought a barnfind 1972 gold CB350 and it fired right up with gas and a battery, I’ve ridden it about 3000 miles so far, and besides me leaving the petcock turned off, I haven’t had anything go wrong with it, been more reliable than my Sentra

[@hodaka1000]

Excellent

[@TalenGryphon]

I have a 1973 Yamaha AT3 I got from my dad. It was his old bike as a kid. Hasnt run in 20 years, the tank filled with varnish and rusted out (Took us 3 years of searching and close to $500 to find a good new tank). She also needs new fork seals, a new gauge bracket, new tires, a brake job, new turn signals, and a fuction check on the oil injector. Im used to working on cars, where I have to moonlight as a contortionist to get the alternator out of my Prelude for example. So this should be rewarding and less of a headache. Key word being should Hopefully we can get it running again soon. Wish us luck

[@GREENACEx009]

Ive never ridden or worked on a bike but I think it is something I want to get into. I have been seeing some Honda cb’s from the 70s and 80s pop up on fb marketplace and the more I do the more I feel like it is becoming a dream bike.

[@bempey]

RE: Triumph TR6 - see if you can buy tires before you buy the car. At least a decade back, the last tire company selling those tall, skinny tires announced they were discontinuing production, and the panic in the UK was so strong and vocal that the British Gov't forced the company to continue making them. I doubt that they continued till now, though. Of course, you can probably go with a much larger diameter rim and get into "normal profile" tires, but you'd lose the look of the original. Just an FYI.

[@randallsmith2959]

I still have my teenage dream bike (1971 CB750 Honda) sitting in my garage. It hasn't been run in years. I have always thought about having it restored. This video gives me the itch again.

[@awesomeappleby5923]

Your triumph is a great bike, your spot on with classics, I imported a z900 1976 from USA to England 3 years ago, just finished restoration and what satisfaction for all those hours of work, enjoyable but sometimes hard. Like you said, fully bonded to her now. And so proud when you walk up to it.

[@fearsomename4517]

Back in '78 I bought a '67 Triumph Bonneville, it needed a front stainless steel fender and a paint job. I found the fender at a swap meet and used rattle cans for the two tone paint job. In '95 I bought a '50 Triumph Thunderbird project and did a concourse restoration on it. It took me over five years to complete it. I won first place in my class at Mid-Ohio swap meet and bike show. I loved that motorcycle, it's the one I miss most. Back in '05 I bought a '39 Harley Knucklehead ( only 214 units made) one year only shift pattern (12N34) I love vintage bikes. Hears a link to view the '39. Great content, this channel is the best. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2XddGecfZZ6eac

[@dougrogers835]

When I was 10 years old and blew up my Briggs & Stratton mini bike in 1966 I told my dad he needs to take it to the shop. He said you ride it you fix it. I moved on to racing dirt bikes and street bikes and have never taken one to the shop. Thanks dad!

[@bempey]

RE CB350: Parts availability is a big consideration when buying an old vehicle, regardless of whether it has 4+ wheels, just 2 wheels, or a prop. I recall reading an article in one of my older brother's motorcycle magazines, back in 1973, that fully 1/4 of ALL the motorcycles on the planet were Honda CB350 models. I also learned in 2007 (while in Thailand on a missions trip, visiting homes that my companions built after the tsunami) that Thai law banned the sale of motorcycles with engines larger than 350 cc. That's because the Thai Police rode Honda CB450 bikes, and wanted to be able to catch anyone else! I have a strong suspicion that they might have since removed that law, with larger engines being so common now. If anyone knows what the Thai police currently ride, please reply in the comments. PS: While in Thailand, I also passed the factory that builds the current Triumphs. I wonder if they're a lot cheaper to buy there?

[@tel1jla]

I still own my first bike - a 1966 Norton Atlas which I bought in 1976 and have been riding every year since. I did buy a 1975 Moto Guzzi 850-T a few years later because it has electric start (the Norton has to be kick-started). It was also more reliable than the Norton until the wiring harness fried while my brother-in-law was riding it. I've been able to do most of the work on my Norton myself, but it's good advice to know where to find a more experienced mechanic. When the magneto on the Norton lost it's spark, it had to be rewired by someone with the machines and know-how to do it.

[@davidhunternyc1]

I just discovered vintage motorcycles a few days ago and that's when I discovered your channel too. I'm learning so much and I'm addicted to this channel.

[@joekagerer]

please read my comment above.

[@columreddy]

I'm glad I found your channel it's been enjoyable and refreshing.

[@budiisnadi]

I only saw the blue Honda CB like in the thumbnail once in my life. It was in the middle of nowhere near Mt Kerinci, Indonesia. It's in pristine condition. Very handsome. Let's just say I spent too much time admiring it.

[@opossumbandit4960]

bought an 82 Honda CM450c for 1k on marketplace last week. Its running with less than 10k miles and just needs a carb clean and the tank cleaned out. Super excited to get working on it.

[@MrBokertov]

As the owner of two Triumph Tiger 800 (2011 and 2016), my preferred bike would be a Triumph X75 Hurricane from 1973. That bike was actually designed in the US by a guy named Craig Vetter, if I am not mistaken. Second would a Benelli 750 Sei, a wonderful awesome-sounding Italian 6-cylinder machine. Third would be the bike I had when I was a teenager: a 125 cc Kreidler.

[@kemparchibald2349]

Classic Bikes are simply beautiful as the video describes. I build Cafe Racers and Brats based on old Hondas from the late 60's to 1980. The author describes these bikes as well engineered, simple and reliable and I couldn't agree more. My personal street bike is a 1971 Honda CB500 which is virtually stock with some modern upgrades to improve reliability on this 54 year old masterpiece of engineering. I would ride this little beast across the country with complete confidence.When I build a custom bike it is from basically bits, not from a nice original example as I would always just restore that to as new condition. Building an old bike from scratch is very rewarding but very time consuming and is not the way to go if you have a busy life with many commitments. The young guys I have, on occasion, to help with the builds are enthusiasts of the classic era and simply want to learn and build their own classic. This is rewarding in itself for me and for them. The reality is that the classic is fun, great for short rides and romantic evening tours, but it is not the best choice for everyday commutes. Ever helper I've had also owns a modern bike for just those reasons and the fact that as they get older responsibilities like marriage, a family and everyday work life limit their time and enthusiasm. Be careful when you choose a classic bike and as the author of the video stresses, know what you want from your purchase and be realistic in the time you are willing to spend on maintaining the classic or having it maintained.

[@derekfinch9586]

I've owned a number of the bikes you mention when they were new (CB350, CB750F1) having started riding in 1971. I've also rebuilt four of my engines due to some issue (Honda C92 125cc twin - split a piston, CB350 - chipped a camshaft, Norton Commando - because I could, CB900F cam chain replacement). I'd add a couple of considerations to your list: Norton Commando fastback (750 or 850 electric start). Great handling, simple (separate gearbox and engine) and light. For a smaller classic, the single cylinder CB250RS is a great choice. When looking for an older bike, also check the rubber items like boots, intake, hoses and if possible, seals (my 2005, ST1300 needed a new clutch seal that was a challenge to replace). Great video, thanks.

[@keithad6485]

Recently bought a 1981 BMW R100RT. I had owned the same year, model and colour in the 1980s. Riding along a country lane, suddenly the exhaust noise got a whole lot louder!. My first thought was, oh no, exhaust system has a hole it, I looked down, the whole left muffler was absent without leave! Retraced my path and found the muffler on the side of the road. Waited til it cooled then rode home with cradling the muffler on a very noisy bike. Jumped Into my modern Kombi and into town, bought some M6 screws and spring washers, refitted the muffler and replaced screws on the opposite side. Moral of the story, old bikes, check every bolt nut and screw you can see.

[@kevinsong712]

I sold my running airhead for a Yamaha DS7 that sat since 74 and has 2400 miles and I can't say I haven't regretted it while spending weeks troubleshooting but getting it running right makes it all worth it. It's my only bike but I've gone head on committed to my belief that stuff was made better back in the day.

[@aidanacebo9529]

working on my 81 Harley FLH Shovelhead right now. snapped clutch cable the other day. big headache lmao. not for the faint of heart, but real rewarding. I've also gone coast to coast on a 1970 Honda CB450, and recently went from Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Cape Canaveral, Florida on a 77 Yamaha Xs750 triple. I love the old Hondas, very reliably, very easy to work on, and they were the cutting edge tech of the day, and can hang with most newer cruisers in terms of performance.

[@johnlambert3273]

I grew up on your definition of :"classic bikes". Back then I mostly rode the Southern California desert with some Lake Elsinore thrown in. We had mostly small displacement 2-stroke Yamaha's, Kawasaki's, and Suzuki's. They were known back then as "Enduro's" We also had two 250cc Spanish bikes, a 250 Ossa Pioneer, (my favorite) and a Bultaco Pursang. Now I have a 1985 Honda CB 650 Nighthawk. Since I do all my own work, I rebuilt all four carbs with richer jetting to get it to run right. (Thanks California Air Resources Board, for making it run crappy, all in the name of making less smog) I really enjoy your content, thanks BTW, you should mention some bikes have right-hand shift, which could be dangerous for those of us that learned on a bike with left-hand shift. I did a "flying w" on my Bultaco in the desert because of old ingrained habits

[@dodoplayer152]

I bought a 50cc Simson S51 today. Its 43 years old and a big thing here in germany because with the old Simson bikes from the DDR (Cold War East Germany), you are legally allowed to go 60km/h with the smallest bike drivers license (for context you are only allowed to go 45km/h with other bikes with the same license). You often have to repair them, but shit, they are worth it.

[@treborif]

Tinker - or fettle - stuff like re routing a throttle cable, adjusting the headlight, oiling the chain, checking wiring and crimping spade connecters/taping or cable tying leads and/or cables, cleaning the dirty grease from the twist grip - basically mucking around in the workshop/garage/shed with a beer and a smoke, radio on, mates good naturedly jeering and piss taking about your/their choice of bike/leathers/paint etc - one of the best things about your bike is tinkering or fettling as the Poms say - brit bikes need constant 'tinkering' - its one of the best ways of getting to know your bike . . and its good fun . . .

[@gentchnelson2632]

I just finished putting together a BMW R80 and it is my first bike. It was pulled apart in boxes and rusty when I got it. I’ve worked on cars most my life so I figured some knowledge would transfer, and it did. Bikes are such a good way to learn how to work on vehicles (granted you have the space, time, money, and patience) compared to cars. Everything is accessible and visible and there are much fewer moving parts. I would say go for it if you can afford it. It has been a blast for me so far and I’m extremely excited to start learning how to ride this machine that started out as boxes I could move around in my trunk. It helps that airheads are bulletproof but it has been a great learning experience.

[@daveco1270]

Great video. Seems like there's never been a better time to get into vintage bikes. Because of the internet, there's lots of places selling parts and tons of videos on KZbin that will teach you how to work on you bike, especially if you get a brand and model that's popular, like an old Honda CB. Just be warned, it can become a bit of an obsession. : )

[@blakeswain3705]

As much as I like the OEM sentiment, its way cheaper to get a non-running old bike and modding it to get it running again. If I went with OEM parts on all my builds I’d be spending twice as much.

[@motomotorized]

I hear ya. In my experience with cars: it's only problematic to use aftermarket parts instead when you don't adjust the corresponding pieces so everything works right. With an intake, for example, if you don't have sensors that will auto adjust to it you will need to get a tune done for things to run right. I can't imagine it being any different for a bike but I suppose I will find out shortly!

[@STho205]

Any bike over 15 years old or 20,000mi means that you should know or learn how to: Adjust and replace a chain Remove the wheels yourself Change sparkplugs Clean carburetors Replace lights Do your own oil change You don't have to be a full mechanic, but you'll do most of these basic things every year of use. If none of that interests you...go buy a young or new MT07, CBR whatever, Ninja or MT09 and call it a day....otherwise you'll be unhappy or always waiting for the shop to get to your bike.

[@lotuselanplus2s]

Triumph Cars are great too, i;ve had a few and looking for another one all now, the TR6 is sweet.

[@jtotheb-ip2hh]

Lots of good advice here. I rode many bikes that belonged to friends and acquaintances -- both road and dirtbikes -- but never owned one until I had made a friend in my late 20s who was all about classic MCs. He talked me into getting one so I kind of ran out and got one off Craigslist without first thinking through what kind would be best for me. I got a 1979 Yamaha XS1100. A great bike, no doubt, very powerful and mine was very reliable. It needed headlight wiring, which I had a mechanic do, and then a couple little things that I did myself and it was good to go. But... it was just not the right bike for me. These bikes are really powerful and all I did was local street driving, living in Pasadena at the time. They don't really feel "balanced" until you're going 45mph or more on the freeway. I laid it down coming down the twisty hilly roads from Mt. Wilson because it was just so bulky and top heavy. I always felt like I was trying to conquer a beast rather than enjoy an extension of my body. I liked the bike but never really felt like the bike liked me, if that makes any sense. Anyway, that was many years ago and now I'm looking to get another, more classic-style bike. I think a suburb-friendly, 500-650cc, two-seater like a Bonneville or CB500 would be just fine. I'm a dad and will be a weekend-warrior at best, so I need to keep it simple. I can do all the simple, external work, but won't be cracking open any engine blocks or anything like that. :) Thanks Bart for helping me to sort this stuff out and really just for your straightforward approach to enjoying and sharing the world of motorcycles.

[@ry491]

I have owned many bikes in my long life. Now at 84 I ride a Honda Rebel 250. Comfortable , smooth , totally reliable . Not fast I know but simple to maintain and in my opinion very attractive . Fantastic for cruising around the lanes here in the UK .

[@felipedourado5721]

Sensible advices. I think you captured very well, I mean, with good balance beetwin love and wisdom, everything that must be evaluated before one just purchase something by impulse and in the end does not get as satisfied as he (or she) thought they would be. As much as there is indeed something, let's say, lyrical, or (and) romantic about owning a classic vehicle (especially if it's a motorcycle), there are also some practical aspects one ought to consider in order to not get frustrated during the experience of ownership. Very good content, as usual. All the best and peace from Brazil.✌

[@ahmadtajy7178]

I own a Honda 70 (they've been in production unchanged since 1970). It's my first bike, and I'm still just a learner. I get exited whenever there's actually a chance for me to ride it. I actually get butterflies cos I'm both scared and excited. It's like going up and finally actually talking to a really attractive person. Also, prior to owning a bike, I always thought I'd want something fast and powerful. But honestly, I'm glad it's only a 72cc little thumper and 0-100kph is officially not meant to happen hahaha. I would not survive on a faster bike.

[@greghanson3495]

Agree about Bring A Trailer. I recently won an auction for a 1983 Suzuki GS650G from Ultra Motor Source (look them up here on KZbin) and had it shipped cross country, all for a very reasonable price.

[@Titan500J]

What a truthful video. Maintenance on a newer bike is can be daunting at times. I have a 2005 BMW GS 1200 and I do my own maintenance. I have 2 manuals and videos on DVD and allot of specialized tools. I want a to get a bike from the 70's. I owned a Suzuki 500 2 stroke twin and a GT 750 triple when they were new but buying one now I be taking a chance on parts availability. My opinion is get a popular bike that has lots of part and enthusiastic owners available on the internet . Also these old bike have limitations especially with breaks. Remember it's been 50 years of development with breaks, be cautious. Above all have fun. I love this video. Best!!

[@larryfromwisconsin9970]

I am 68 and I enjoy motorcycles from my young adulthood. The first vehicle I ever bought new was a 1975 Honda 550 K in the same green as your 500. I had a Suzuki Titan 500 two stroke in the 1980s and bought another in 2005 and used it as a daily commuter. Motorcycles I had before but cannot afford again are the the Kawasaki 500 triple two stroke and the venerable Z900, the Kawasaki King. Now I ride a Harley Davidson 1988 Electra Glide Classic. I rode it Northern Minnesota to Southwestern Texas two up, towing a trailer with camping gear in 2019.

[@joekagerer]

NEW Riders, Buyers Beware! you're local dealer may NOT work on any motorcycle over 10 Years old. I live in Orange County CA, South of LA and have run Vintage Bike OC for 15 years, a monthly meet for motorcycles 30 years and older. The most popular question I get "DO YOU KNOW A MECHANIC?" Mechanics are getting older and fewer and farther apart. If you don't already know someone please be aware that it may be hard to find help. I own a 73 Honda CB750 and a 77 Kawasaki KZ1000 and I also disagree that bikes are "easier to work on than cars" Motorcycle have about 6 square inches of contact patch with the pavement. Every bolt should be critically torqued. In fact my Honda Owner's manual states to Check the torque on all bolts prior to EVERY ride. My KZ needed wheel bearings, and I didn't know it until I got into a speed wobble at 70 mph on a busy freeway. (Not a fun experience). The wheel bearing job took me 8 hours with special bearing tools including a torch and about $70 in parts (including shipping). It was 8 hours of sweat hoping I was getting it all back together in the correct order. From 20 years of riding and 200,000 miles of experience. For new riders I would recommend a bike that's relatively new. There is enough to learn about motorcycling without the concern of a vintage motorcycle. Look for something with electric start, electronic ignition, good brakes, fuel injection. Anyhow great video, good information. Just my $0.02 (2 cents)

[@tammyforbes2101]

My first legal street motorcycle was a 1974 Honda 550fourK in Orange and black had almost the entire catalog of extra bags windshields, headers, exhaust, pegs, lights, you name it. My uncle bought it new put 450miles on it and parked it in the barn on the Ky horse park and left it till the 90’s when I bought it and went through the whole thing and replaced all plastic and rubber parts and all 4 carburetor’s! I owned it for 10 years and ended up putting 40k miles on it. Once I get it lined out it ran like a clock work. But it was a Honda with all new modern parts with old 70’s metal! All that chrome cleaned up good to.

[@FielderTerry]

Get the TR6. So much better sound! I wanted a classic bike but most of the old British bikes were either someone else’s dream gone bad or redone (some really well and others by someone who drank away too many beers before each part if they project) and then they wanted the Queen’s ran some. Not knowing a good mechanic or having a classic motorcycle shop in my area, I went for a new Classic Royal Enfield and I am really happy to have one of the 500 singles. It vibrates and us a bit loud but I love it. Now I am looking for a late 60’s or early 70’s 2 stroke Kawasaki, Suzuki or Yamaha twin 250 to 500. I am also interested if I find a 250 single Triumph or BSA from the late 60’s or a 500 twin BSA or Triumph. Fir the British bikes, I would consider buying it from the UK and get someone like Paul Henshaw to rebuild it for me but I will need to sell a property to have the cash I would need for that! Please, do not tell my wife or kids!!