The 10 coolest vintage motorcycles for under 5k

[@allenapplegate1525]

My Uncle worked at a Honda dealership when the SL125 came out. He got a great deal on one, in the crate, because it was missing the carb & had a dent in the gas tank. Fixed it & seven boys learned to ride a larger bike with a clutch, after we graduated from a 1969 Mini Trail 50. A great all purpose bike,

[@paulsmith2204]

Honda.xl 350

[@jormakaukonen5517]

I stumbled on these cool videos over the weekend. I started riding when I was 13... I'm 81 now and still riding. I knew many of these bikes when they were new. Thanks for all this!!

[@peoplehavetherights]

You sound like my late Danish friend who rode to about your age as you. God bless and enjoy your riding.

[@joehorton1268]

Jorma, are you the musician from Hot tuna?

[@jormakaukonen5517]

Indeed. Vroom.

[@michaellawrence5492]

11th Yamaha SX 650 Twin ! It was their first big four cycle engine motorcycle introduced into the states and sold in the states from 1969-1983. The after market possibilities were wonderful as well.

[@bloodybonescomic]

Yes. And they run forever with good maintenance. The engine was built to last. Ball bearings everywhere.

[@magnang]

I've had a bunch of classic bikes in the past few years. The most fun for the buck I think are the 175cc Hondas. CB175, CL175, CD175. Very reliable and very easy to work on. A lot like the CB125 but with more power. 80MPH and still 80MPGs! Small twin pistons so there is next to no vibration. Lastly the sound is something else. Highly recommend these to anyone.

[@rooky55]

I had a 1968 175 scrambler, tangerine color and it was a lot of fun and could beat most cars off the lights and go on off road trails as well. Great time to be a kid.

[@freemenofengland2880]

I once bought a 175 Bantam when I was 14 with my pocket money plus a little bit made by gardening. It was in scrambles trim as well with knobblies, plastic mudguards and motocross bars. Three speed box if my memory serves me and great fun off road.

[@burkestorti4586]

My early motorcycle days in the late 1960's, I was a fan of Japanese 2 strokes. In particular, my brother & I had a 1971 Yamaha 200 twin. With 2 strokes, you don't need too many speed parts to make them more powerful. We tweaked the ports, installed 2 larger carbs from 125 Suzuki single. Changed transmission gear ratios & a racing clutch (stock clutch slipped). Fabricated expansion chamber exhaust pipes & it was as fast as a stock Yamaha RD 400 (lighter weight too) .

[@MichaelandCathy1999]

Pffft, no way that contraption was equivalent to the GOAT , sorry. 👍🇨🇦

[@bloodybonescomic]

My first motorcycle was a 71 Yamaha 200. Two cycle, purple and white gas tank. It was super reliable. Then I sold it and got a 76 RD 350.

[@MrPage62]

One seriously overlooked series of bikes were the Honda 400/450 twins from 1978-1986: Hawk, Hondamatic, Nighthawk 450, Rebel 450, etc. Available in standard and cruiser variants. Standard or automatic. Plenty of power, parts are easy to find, typical Honda reliability...and best of all? Cheap! :)

[@robertwedden5761]

yep he missed one

[@jclark1693]

I’ve got a Yamaha SR500, 1978 (first year, at least in the states) and I got it for I think $2300. It’s basically the bike that got Yamaha to start moving away from two strokes and getting into street bikes. It’s a very important model in their history, and it has basically been in production up until a couple years ago. The modified it (I think stroke) to 400cc and at some point added fuel injection, but otherwise fundamentally the same bike. They’re absolutely great, they’re fun to ride, and they’re so simple it’s really rewarding. Slightly heavy, but still fantastic. It’s a big single, so it’s not smooth really, but I feel like that’s part of the charm.

[@tzackaria7]

i've had 2 of the old SR's. a 78 and an 81. if ya flooded it trying to get it started best find a big hill, coast down, pop it into 2nd drop the clutch. or you could spend the next half hour and wear out yer leg with the kick starter. yamaha ruined it when they made it into a 400. they also made a SR250. same bike, smaller engine.

[@WJV9]

@@tzackaria7 - No need for the big hill, just take out the plug, dry it with gas lighter and it will fire right up. Never open the throttle on SR-500 when kick starting, also only choke when cold. Never had much problem getting mine started, I have owned my '81 since 1988. Great handling bike that is used by flat track racers and was designed by Kenny Roberts for his fun trail bike when he was riding for Yamaha.

[@pensato348]

I'm actually looking into getting an SR500 sometime soon, but I'm wondering if it's fine for taller folks, I'm about 196 cm (6'4''), do you think I might be a bit uncomfortable, or would I probably fit fine?

[@chodoi527]

I started out on a tiny honda SS50 but that beast packed a ton of power and made me fell in love with motorcycles

[@Bbbbad724]

The Yamaha XS2 and really any XS650 from 72-83 are excellent bikes. They are a good sized bike and have a very sweet 360 degree twin 44-53 hp engine. The XS2 likely has 53 hp as it was the most powerful with a nice rowdy cam that the EPA required to be tuned down in 1973. I had an XS2 and it was at least 50 hp and they were exhilarating to ride.

[@SeadogCVA41]

I have a mint 71 Shovelhead that I bought new. Dating myself I know. AMF actually saved Harley-Davidson by upgrading their plants that had not received any Renovations since 1952. Where AMF got a bad rep was they did not Harden the valve seats and guides to compensate for the unleaded fuel that came onto the market. many problems surfaced relating to that. By 1976 all the bugs were worked out. As far as the old Harleys leaking oil , that was usually the chain oiler. If you kept up on your preventative maintenance, one had no problem. My first bike was a BSA 441 Victor. We called them "half a Harley"

[@michaeljoesmith3977]

My first motorcycle was a Sears/Gilera 124 circa 1967. Sears sold tons of them and they look a lot like the Gilera in this video. They were 4 stroke singles with five speed transmissions and could make 60mph easily.

[@TinMan82]

I got my 1970 CB450 for $2k and it’s exactly like you said about the 500: runs easily, fun to ride, and perfectly usable in modern traffic. Amazing for a bike that’s over 50 years old.

[@alecnull]

What do you think about the size? I'm on the longer side, and am a little worried I wouldn't fit, or might look ridiculous.

[@TinMan82]

@@alecnull it’s not a very big bike. I’m 5’8” and it fits me ok but if I were much taller it probably wouldn’t work well. I also only use it around town for short, low speed trips.

[@drakeb6168]

@@alecnull you may look towards the 650 or 750 sized bikes. I got a cb650 and its amazing.

[@daveco1270]

I think 60's or 70's Honda CBs are great first vintage bikes. When I looking for my first bike a few years ago I really wanted an old Triumph but a motorcycle mechanic told me to start with an old Honda if I wanted vintage... then get the Triumph once I had acquired some mechanical know-how. I found a 1975 CB750 on Ebay that I paid 2 grand for. It doesn't have the stock paint job or stock 4 into 4 pipes, but it's a nice-looking, clean bike that runs great. Last year I finally got my Triumph, a 1964 TR6. I saw it pop up locally on Marketplace for 5 grand so I had to jump on it. (Seems like the good deals are always thousands of miles away… so after shipping costs they’re not as good a deal. It's nice when they're local.)

[@paulblouin6955]

Honda single cams have way easier valve adjustments than the later twin cams with shims from Honda and the other manufacturers

[@lesklower7281]

Motorcycles from my youth l do remember these motorcycles make me feel old l wished you had featured more suzukis

[@perrycalabrese3475]

I had a GS750. Loved that bike! Some friends had the GT's with Ram Air 😅. Don't see them at all these days. Market is focused on RD's and trilpes. I remember Zukis' known for their enduros and MXer's

[@wsbill14224]

I have an original 79 GS1000L. I love it. When new it was briefly the fastest thing on the road. Today it's a well balanced easy to ride bike that runs on regular gas with good power for 2-up riding but nothing spectacular. It only goes 137 and can do 11 sec 1/4 miles.. Amazing how 40 years of development and changing perspective can turn a widow maker into a docile cruiser.

[@wsbill14224]

@@perrycalabrese3475 the GS750 was the gem of the GS series. I had a GS500 for a long time and I loved it. I still have my GS1000L and love it. Suzuki gave the most value for the money back in the air cooled days.

[@wsbill14224]

I would love to ride a GS450 from the 1970's. Today's equivalent of a Royal Enfield twin but totally reliable. I like riding a 40HP twin cyl or general purpose bike by myself. I never ride in groups. Begging for crashes.

[@paulblouin6955]

All the roller crank fours. Best of their kind. Handling etc. I've looked for a GS400 or 450 for my wife, but no joy. In Canada they had 8 valve heads on 400s.

[@theronstrong8765]

Got my third bke ever for a grand, my 79' CB750K, and lordy what a dream. My uncle and dad thought i wouldn't like it as my being used to more on/off bikes but wow, i adore everything about it. As smooth as my XR is and whatnot, the Cb is truly perfect in my opinion. sure it's rough on the back roads but i love the character and it's the best sounding bike imo

[@andrewthag]

Ay similar story, picked up a 81 kz750h for a grand too lol

[@theronstrong8765]

@@andrewthag hell yeah

[@paulblouin6955]

Of course I prefer the 'Sport", but that was a breakthrough for Honda. They had been resting on their laurels for nearly a decade.

[@gixxer750r3]

I love the Daytona. My only issue is they got rid of the "pea shooter" mufflers for the "megaphone" types. the pea shooters are way cooler. I had a T100C (1970) for many years and love it. I now have an A65 BSA. Beautiful and fun to ride (as long as you don't need to stop quickly haha)

[@missmygamergirl445]

When we were kids dad bought us a brand new xl70 ? It had been stolen and found on a mudflat with the front guard missing. We bought it cleaned it up and put on a cheap plastic front guard. We had more fun on that bike than any other bike we ever owned. Always started even after leaving it fill up with water for 3 months. Took the plug out squired the water out and drained just the water out of the sump if I recall right so long ago. Kicked it a few times and off it went. What a great bike the 125 got to be even better. We learned so much on it and went on to race bikes motocross and rally. 2 stroke 80's every second meeting had to replace the rings then very quickly needed boring lol then very quickly ran out of factory oversizes and had to go pricey wiseco pistons. left me wishing for an xr80 but they just were not quick enough. Would be a nice one to have now. I think they would be rare.

[@franciswashack89]

I have owned three Sportsters, a '74 a '79 and a '85. These were all very reliable and all were iron heads. If the manetanance was kept up they were just as reliable as my 1969 Bonneville. Good video.

[@donnieboesch3502]

When I was young I had an early 70's Honda 550four. It looked a lot like my brothers early 70's 750four. It didn't feel that much smaller. But it was a bit, maybe more then a bit slower then his 750. But I loved that 550four.

[@paulblouin6955]

You showed an XLCH Sportster with a magneto. One of my older brother's friends bought on NEW. One evening when it was over at our house, it was kicked by the 4 or 5 guys who were with my brother. It was still in our driveway the next morning. Not saying it was a bad bike, but it was hard to start that day. In my opinion, Suzuki's GS series, starting with the GS750 of 1976, through the 1978 through 1980 GS1000 (Second 11 second bike in Cycle World, the Dunstall Norton 810 the first). The GS series was make or break for Suzuki. The public and less importantly the EPA were turning against the two strokes. The Wankel was doing for Suzuki what it did for Arctic Cat and NSU. The GS750 turned that around. Best handling, quickest 750 and most bullet proof. It transformed club racing incredibly durable with the two stroke like crank shaft. The GS line absorbs abuse really well. The shaft drives are really cheap. They have little shaft effect. I've had to GS850Gs ridden over to me by the seller to pick up their $600. Cross the country on a $600 bike? GS850 will not provide the drama. After 2 GS850Gs and a GS1100G to my brothers for tours around the PNW We did a 5000+ trip to Maine. Love those bikes. Read a road test from when they were new, and you will not find faint praise. Just better than any other mass produced competition in its market in that period, except some of the electrics. Of course, for me, every bike is a touring bike. We avoid controlled access highways, but good roll on power from 70 or so miles per hour is a must. imgur.com/gallery/PfYHfzw

[@davethebass3517]

My first 'big' bike was a Honds CB500T and I loved it. We loaded it up for camping trips many times. It was comfortable and went well two up and all our gear. I can't remember why I sold it but I bought another quite soon after. I never see them mentioned anywhere these days. Many years ago a friend gave me a Honda CJ250. Great little bike for commuting to work but it finally gave up. I still ride but keep my bikes for a very long time now.

[@barryervin8536]

Here in the US we got the CJ360, but it was only sold here in 76 and 77. I put a hotter cam and a glass-pack muffler on mine and it was almost as fast as my friend's RD350. I could usually stay ahead of him leaving a stop sign up to about 45 mph, which really annoyed him LOL!

[@norfolkdragons866]

CJ250 was a great little bike. Had one in the mid 80's, lot of fun.Not fast but prett chuckable in corners and reliable.

[@BobbyOfEarth]

Great information.. never too old to ride. I'd just received my drivers permit in the summer of 1971, so my parents bought me a new candy-apple red 1971 Honda 175 SL ($686) ..been riding ever since.

[@jimusgrimus]

I had a Honda 500 4 in 1976.........scrap on wheels..........it was heavy.......it was fitted with a Marshall 4 into 1.......even in the 70's the exhausts were over a grand.........and lasted about three years.....big money when youre an apprentice........the 400 4 was a lot nippier ....My pals rode RD 350....very quick..........another had an H1E.......the nearest thing to a magic carpet you could get.......but 20 m.p.g............another had a KH250........a ghost of the original .S1.......The Z1 was king of the road.......but was left for dead when the GS1000came out........great vids by the way

[@paulblouin6955]

Hated myHonda 550, or whatever it was. Metal flake gold like a bass boat otr a drum set. Heavy slow nd really heavy. Compared to my Commando it was a bad heavy smell. I think it was some kind of trading deal. Don't remember why I had it.

[@bruceg.6282]

In 1976 I bought a brand new Triumph Bonneville 750 for $1995. Loved it and rode it all through college.

[@G58]

4:38 That’s the exact bike I learned to ride on in 1974. It was an ex GPO (Post Office) bike that was used by the motorcycle training school run by the local bike club, but not registered for the road. So we rode it like crazy all over a disused barracks, including a rough section where we did some trials riding. Beautiful little thing.

[@wayneronk7782]

I have a CB900 Custom now. It's a really nice bike to have. No complaints. Powerful and reliable and has 10 speed transmission

[@georgebarnes8163]

milder cams and smaller carbs than the stock CB900

[@GucciBodyBags]

I recommend the yamaha sr500. This one lunger in its day was quick, modern engine parts like cam,piston and some headwork can make twin cylinder power out of it. All with the simplicity of one carburetor, one intake valve, one exhaust valve. One piston-etc etc.

[@larry4789]

Best 70's bike I had was the 400/4 that I bought in 1996 and was 19 years old. It was the only Japanese multi I rode that handled.

[@Chrisinpa]

I love my Honda Hawk CB400T. I restored it from the frame up......have a windshield...installed a tiny Tac...and resproketed it so I don't rev so high at 50 or 60 and have been riding it for over 20 years. I get more comments than many people that have newer bikes. I got rid of the old twin pipes with the heavy balance chamber and installed straight Mac pipes.

[@paulblouin6955]

Those are very great bikes. The 3 valve heads made good power. The counterbalancer smoothed out the vibration. The 360 degree crankshaft made a nice sound like a British bike. Totally under rated.

[@artfantasies]

I had 3 CB 500 Four, it's a wonderful motorcycle even when it just awakes in high engine speed ... but you are right, it's nice to just cruise around with it ... Anyway, still have a beautiful Yamaha XT 250 from 1983 which is one of the last motorcycles hold in that beautiful design of the 1970s. :)

[@biondanishgenomeinstitute8193]

How about the BMW R80 and R100 from 1981-84? would be top of my list. I got one.

[@glenminnick3724]

I had a 69 500 Triumph Trophy in early 1976. Promptly got hit by a pickup shortly afterward! Still riding ! Also had an ironhead sporty a couple years later. You know your bikes, very cool!

[@johnski3967]

I still own my first bike that I bought in 1976 - a 1974 CB750 I've restored it back to stock front end, and stock seat. Still trying to locate original orange metalflake side covers ( never customize paint )! Also have a 1976 CB750. Need to change out the extended front end, and king\queen seat. The rest is original. About 10 years ago I lucked out and bought a complete 750 engine in perfect shape for a couple hundred bucks. If I ever ( and I doubt it ) have a problem I've got any parts I might need, or just swap out the engine! And last but not least - a 1982 Honda Passport 70cc step thru.

[@rickiejacobs5910]

I had a 1972 Honda CB500 in the late 70’s. Went to Stuges SD from Des Moines Ia in 1979. Also my first motorcycle was a Honda CL 125 that had the high muffler. I think it was called a Scrambler.

[@paulyounker8848]

Got a 72 honda cl350 and a 76 honda cb750!!! Both are awesome bikes. I also got a 71 yamaha A1 175cc which is a fun little dirt bike. It's nice to be able to work on them compared to motorcycles today

[@paulblouin6955]

I would probably rather have an AT-1 or DT60 than ANY Mini Trail

[@StormBringerVids]

Not really sure if it counts. But my dream old-bike is a honda magna from the 80's. That V4 is amazing, definitely looking for the 700 or 750 model. I don't like the revived version they did in the mid 90's. 80's ones seem to be between $2000-$3000

[@markdavis9148]

I have an 82, it's always run perfectly

[@leandroflaherty]

Had a vf700f, close cousin, same beautiful motor. Get one!

[@MnktoDave]

I found a nice '84 Magna 700 last summer, and have been riding it ever since. It's a beautiful bike, reliable, and very fun to ride! Get one if you can, you won't be sorry.

[@goodgoat3096]

I liked the Sabre version, same motor, same speed, and same acceleration with a great exhaust note.

[@brentkelsay3439]

Had a 1972 Yamaha 250 DS7 2 stroke twin, that was a quick little bike. In 1973 the RDs came out and they were even better.

[@peterford9369]

Back in 1994, I got a 75 Honda CB 750 four, for 750 bucks. Needed cleaning, had a little rust but cleaned up to look almost mint. It had 1 ding in the tank side from falling over in a garage. Only dent on it. I had to get side cover badge's but that was about it. The oldest bike I had was a 72 Suzuki GT 500 two stroke. I rode it from 1978 to 1989. That's when I got the Honda. I paid 250 for the Suzuki. I sold it for 1000 . I've never had a new bike I sold the Honda in 2007 for again 1000. It sat in a shed for several years while I rode the 94 VMAX. So the Honda got a little funky thats why i sold it cheap. I just bought a 2005 triumph Bonneville T 100 for 3000. It only had 18000 miles on it and is in mint condition too. It's not as quick as the 750 was, but it's fine. You can find older bikes for around 5 thou. Condition all different. Depending on how maintained they were. Keep lookin. Maybe you'll find something old, clean and well taken care of.

[@kshred3043]

Hard to argue with those picks considering I have owned 3 of the bikes listed: 5:49 Triumph 200 cc Tiger Cub (street version) in blue. 6:48 Triumph 500 cc Daytona, 1973, in red/white (similar to that shown at 8:06 but with a more vibrant red). Best looking and, with Dunstall exhausts, sounding bike ever IMHO. 10:15 Honda SL125 in silver/red (like the one at 10:37 but with the high exhaust like that shown on the green one at 10:31). I started off with a Yamaha 50 cc two-stroke. However, not too surprising that did not make your 10 coolest list. 😉

[@curefied]

i would love to get one of these one day

[@mrbniederer]

I rode a 70’s era Suzuki 380 with a 6 speed transmission when I started riding. I now ride. ‘’98 Honda Valkyrie I bought in Michigan where I live for $5500. It had only 26,000 original miles. I’m completely sold on Honda’s box six engine. This bike is a rocket ship! Kinda heavy for some probably but completely reliable.

[@shoresy6943]

Honda CB125 was my first bike. I loved it so much. My dad used and and it got me through college.

[@adhub3971]

The BSA Bantam is actually a copy of the pre war german DKW RT98. HD and Yamaha made copies too.

[@paulblouin6955]

Not really a copy. It is the real thing in a different factory, like the first Yamaha. According to what I have read, Royal Enfield, real not India, started copying the DKW before the end of WWII. Had to do with the Nazis and the religion of a distributor somewhere in Northern Europe.

[@burkestorti4586]

I remember going to a motor cycle shop in the mid 1960's where they sold Triumphs & Hondas. All the NEW Triumphs had pans under them to collect the oil that leaked from their engine cases. The floors under the Hondas were spotless (no drip pans needed). Perhaps that was the beginning of the end of the British motorcycle business?

[@fawnlliebowitz1772]

Electric start, oil was cheap.

[@burkestorti4586]

@@fawnlliebowitz1772 The point is quality. Hondas were better made to prevent oil leaks

[@fawnlliebowitz1772]

@@burkestorti4586 Leakin Limeys were a lot more fun to ride. Electric start killed the industry in England.

[@philtucker1224]

I worked on a lot of Honda engines in the early 70s for competition use. For me the big difference between the Japanese and U.K. bikes then, was the density of the cast aluminium on the Hondas. (I think they were cast under quite high pressure) so there was absolutely no porosity In the castings. An absolute dream to machine thus much finer tolerances achievable…

[@larryordine7542]

The CB 500 does truly intrest me. The CB 750 was a wonderful machine but always too heavy and with a high seat was always a handful at slow speeds for a short rider.

[@georgebarnes8163]

Go for the CB550, they are so much better than the 500 which was a bit of a slug.

[@driftlesshunter9200]

There's no reason to exclude the Kawasaki, Yamaha, & Suzuki motorcycles from the same time periods. Personally, I think the modern Royal Enfield motorcycles with fuel injection & ABS are quite appealing for their price point. Regardless, I prefer the classic look of older bikes.

[@blakeepperson3902]

Agreed. I like the classic Kawasakis cross the board. 2 strokes have their drawbacks but the suzuki ts400 is an awesome bike to me.

[@nickchester3275]

Yes there is. There are only ten places in the top ten!

[@mbsnyderc]

I would think a Yamaha XS650 would hit all the marks one would want in a classic bike.and still be fast enough to use on modern roads.

[@rossmcginnis6811]

@@mbsnyderc And the specials are just absolutely beautiful.

[@airframedent]

Yeah, as far as Japanese bikes go, this was a big Honda love fest. The Yamaha XS650 is a fantastic vintage bike with a huge following. It's been said the XS650 is the best Triumph ever made. :) I'm scratching my head trying to figure out why it didn't make the cut? Oh right.... it's not a Honda.

[@perrycalabrese3475]

Recommend? Any early Yamaha XS or Kawasaki KZ. CB450's are also a good find. The DS7 is still reasonably priced (predecessor to the RD series) vs. RD's and Triples. Most of the bikes you show are collectors, nothing you would want to get out and ride.

[@mmuller199]

I got an 82 Kz550 last summer in great condition for $2500. It's an absolute blast to ride, and even tho it's an 80s bike, it's still got that classic 70s style.

[@paulblouin6955]

Or mini bikes. Not happenning for me.

[@pauloconnor7951]

Good one Bart !. Also Yamaha RD 250, or RD 350, or RD 400. Also Kawasaki H1 500, or H2 750. Grab any one of these and keep it original (no cafe racers. No hack jobs) they ALL appreciate !!!

[@riccardogazzoli8697]

As an Italian, I can confirm that the Gilera is one of the best italian classic bikes under 5k: truth is that here in Italy you could buy a 125/150/175 Sport for way under 5k in great condition. Even better, if somebody likes later models there are bikes like the Giubileo, the 124s or the Arcore (available both 125 and 150 cc) which have the same 4-stroke single-cyl engine but have that 60s/70s style. And they're even cheaper: you can buy a freshly restored one for like 2.5k. About parts I don't know if there's somebody in the US that sells them, but for sure here in Italy there's no lack of parts at all. By the way, Gilera Giubileo and 124s were sold in the USA as Sears-Gilera.

[@bsimpson6204]

The reason the early Honda's (and all the other makes) ran so smoothly is because they were correctly jetted/fueled. Thats not to say fuel injection couldn't be every bit as good (maybe better?), the problem with most modern bikes is they are fuelled so lean they often run badly.

[@jestermoon]

My first bike I owned was an SL 125. Same silver. Loved that bike.

[@CNDUK-q8r]

I bought a 175cc Bantam for £10 pocket money when I was a young teenager. It was in Scrambles trim, plastic mudguards, knobbly tires etc. 3 speed transmission on right side, the speedo was out but it perhaps topped out at 45 or 50mph. We road it down a disused railway line.

[@barneyboyle6933]

This video is a blessing. I’m a poor dude who’s looking at getting my first bike and I really only like the vintage styles. Ever see the Janus motorcycles? They’re out of this price range but with absolutely gorgeous vintage style

[@marvinschmitz3442]

There probably aren't many left, but an old Suzuki GT 550 made a fun bike ride back in the 70s also.

[@whitecap2174]

Thanks. My first big bike was a 1982 sohc Honda CB 650 Night Hawk . I was running it back in the day next to my Kawasaki KH 250 triple. I had to sell the triple at short notice..My parents wanted it out of the Garage. So it went for £4:00 . Sad because it was worth much more. Today it’s would be worth ALOT. Last week I saw another82 650 Honda and bought it for low money…They are a good buy , Reliable, quick , and good looking. Go for the 82 if you can.

[@teamground0229]

BMW airheads - R80 R100 from the late 70's can be had all day long for under $5000. Bikes will go forever, smooth riding. Have 2 airheads. Do like the 70's Triumph. Have under $5000 in my 1979 Bonneville 750. After 1976 it is left hand shift, disc brakes. Very pleasant to ride.

[@laveritaforza108]

The CB125 was my first bike. Bought it from a colleague, who had also used it to get to work. I agree, a great little motorcycle. And quick.

[@norfolkdragons866]

First bike I ever rebuilt the engine on, got it as a non-runner for cheap and spent several weekends stripping it down, cleaning it up and rebuilding it with the Haynes manual. Once it was running I never had a problem with it and it was the perfect bike to learn to fix bikes on - so simple.

[@timwinfield8509]

I restore vintage motorcycles mostly Japanese and British, and the easiest ones to find parts for by far are the British. Lots of suppliers and specialty shops and you can get readily available and reasonably priced parts. If you want to get into a vintage bike consider doing a fix up on an older model. You will save on the initial cost and probably the over all cost plus you get to know your machine and other people who are into the vintage scene. These older bikes were built with the intent that the owner would be doing the service work on them and so are pretty simple to work on with basic tools and a manual. The undeserved bad reputation that they had as far as reliability goes came from the absence of maintenance on the part of their owners. This is the big reason that the Japanese bikes were such a hit; no tools required. It isn't YOUR bike 'till you work on it! Tim.

[@paulblouin6955]

Yes. Considering that classic original Commandos are still in production at Norvil, and new heads are available from Austrailia too, and tanks and side covers pre painted from India, Yes. Main stream brit bikes are easy to own relatively.

[@pauldonnelly7949]

Interesting to see the CB 125 in there. A great mod to do with them is to drop a XR200 motor in. It goes straight in with a bit of shoe Horning and the only thing that gives it away is the engines black. Doubles the ho, and 6 speed, a genuine 100mph out of them. Unwise tho, the brakes and forks aren't up to it, but it'll waste many a modern bike of the lights!

[@rexyoshimoto4278]

I remember years ago, going after an older '60's era Sportster, I discovered it had a weak corner on the transmission case. This was on the working side of the bike. After a few years of riding, the corner of the transmission case would fatigue literally fall off. A construction flaw. If you caught early enough, you can get it welded back in. Downside is, like most bikes, it featured used unitized construction. Meaning both engine and transmission were the same case so everything had to be taken apart.

[@charliepatterson9321]

Had a 72 SL 350 in the mid 80s . I've had many bikes and it as capable off road as it is on road . It's in the ranks of my slowest bikes , it's also in the ranks for the highest torque. Thing would climb a wall if you could hold onto it.

[@barryervin8536]

I loved the SL350s, especially the later ones that were a bit lighter with the double cradle frame , 21" front wheel, slide carbs, and no electric start. I remember going to a motocross race once in the early 70s and two guys from the local Honda dealership showed up on shiny brand new SL350s that appeared to be completely stock. Everybody was laughing at them until one of the guys took the lead and held off all the Huskies and CZs and Maicos for several laps until he fell landing in a muddy patch over a jump. He got back on and managed to regain some of his lost ground by the end of the race. One of the most amazing things I've ever seen.

[@gintonicmunich]

born in 62 a late starter into that hobby but I love it. Among two modern bikes and a vespa I bought a cb125k5 and a xs400special I modified to a scrambler.

[@Eddison548]

That Triumph T100 is a work of art.

[@radiation0111]

My first bike was a 71 Honda 100 on off. I had lots of fun with it.

[@davidellis4416]

I bought a SL 125 brand new, in 1973 or 74, $525 , couldn't afford the 175cc version, it was a great bike, haven't seen one for at least 40yrs

[@ChimeraActual]

I had a CB 550F. Great bike, loved it, it wasn't the best at anything, but was excellent at everything, and it was reliable.

[@plgplgplg]

Had a 77 for 10 years, loved it. Bought from a buddy for $600 with rusty pipes, put a header on it, lasted 10 years.

[@marktorbay]

In March I saw and fell in love with a 62 triumph tiger cub trials. A friend had restored it and had to get it certified from triumph as it had never been on the Rd, then dvla registered with a cool number plate. I paid £3,500 and she is so cool 😎 Taken it to bike nite on the seafront a few times this summer and gets a lot of attention, a lot of guys reminiscing about owning one in the 60's and looking back with fond memories. She is tiny but so cool 😎👍

[@postersm7141]

I really liked your short where you took your daughter for her first ride on the triumph 500. I did the exact same thing with my daughter when I was about your age and she was about your daughter‘s age. Pretty much had the same results as you did! Very cool. Fast forward to today, my daughter is 30 years old and loves motorcycles and she blames it on me lol

[@roverchap]

Although built in England the BSA Bantam was actually a German design - the DKW RT125. Blueprints of the design were taken up by BSA as part of the reparations following World War 2. There were also Russian and American versions of the design but the Bnatam was the most successful variant.

[@paulhoward6165]

Yes Harley Hummer has that same motor but you won't find one under 5k

[@spadebraithwaite1762]

I am a motorcylcye mechanic and I've owned all those bikes except the Harley and the Italian one. I agree with you about Honda. They are the best. The first bike I bought, when I was seventeen, was a 1957, D3 BSA Bantam and I pushed the fucker more miles than I rode it. It was a German design, taken as reparation for World War I. And they were planning World War II when they gave it to us. They still make 1967 Enfields in India. That is freaky, going in to a showroom and seeing lines of brand new, 1967 Enfields. Mostly bullets but also 500 twins. There is a even a diesel model.

[@panji7793]

Maybe I'm lucky live in Indonesia and had a little know later mechanic thing,I just got an gt 380,1974,from original owner for $2000,full paper and run good...just buy from the owner, dealership will add 200-300%price,just be patient when you looking for one

[@belledejour2998]

As always Ima suggest the 1983 to 1986 Honda Sabre VF1100S, parts are cheap and plentiful. If you find one in mint itll be around 5k, or a little rough for 1500. Find one not used as a cruiser as they have low oil circulation to the cams under 3500rpm, if the owner moded it or knows this fact get the bike. The v4 sounds amazing at 9k, has great 0-60 times, and its almost always the only one in the ride. Everyone is always stopping to talk to me about it.

[@goodgoat3096]

I had an early 60's Honda S90, 8 hp, 4 speed tranny, over 100 mpg, and bullet proof. A scaled down 305cc Superhawk

[@bigdavedogdad]

The definitions of vintage, classic and retro are really variable, it seems. When it comes to bikes, I think pre-WW1 is veteran, WW1 to WW2 is vintage, post-war is Classic, 70s and 80s are retro and anything after that, but not new, is just 'old' hehe. I don't know, but once bikes got to a certain point of performance and quality, they seem to not really be different enough to classify. Maybe I'm just showing my age, but pretty much all late 80s and later bikes seem 'modern' to me. They all out-perform the roads they ride on by a large margin. Unless you race them on a track, the differences for decades are pretty much immaterial apart from them becoming safer and more reliable?

[@barryervin8536]

If you are looking for a 70s Honda 4 cylinder, try to find a CB550. In addition to the 50cc displacement increase over the CB500, they also had a number of mechanical improvements in the carbs, transmission and clutch, etc. My favorite 70s Honda of the many old bikes I had was my 76 CJ360T. The same basic bike as the CB360 but with different seat, tank, fenders and exhaust for a more "cafe racer" look. I wish I still had it today but they only sold them in 76 and 77 and I never see them anymore. Mine was a 76 leftover bought new in 77 for $639.

[@paulblouin6955]

The 360 had another gear too, didn't it? Six speed? I bought a leftover 1976 RD400 in 1977. Loved it and still have one.

[@barryervin8536]

@@paulblouin6955 The 360 twin had 6 speeds , except for the CJ model which had the older 5 speed trans, also the old front drum brake and no electric start. It was a strange combination of bargain basement economy version but also a sportier and lighter version with almost "cafe" type styling. I think it was intended to appeal to young kids who wanted a cooler look but who had no money. I know it wasn't a big seller and only lasted 2 years in the US. I was really happy with mine especially since I got it for $639 brand new, and wish I still had it. I later had a 76 RD400 that I bought from a friend who had done all the little mods and updates on it. It ran good but for some reason I never got attached to it. I don't know why, because I was really into 2-strokes back then. Had Suzuki T-500s and Kawi 500 triples too.

[@paulblouin6955]

I wasn't a fan of the 350 360 Honda. I did like the later 400 though. 360 degree crank and counterbalanced. Better sound more modern better handing. Not so iconic though. There was bargain 400 too with small tank and drum on the front as well as I recall. I had a CB550. For me it felt heavy, especially top heavy. Most people love it.

[@shanechostetler9997]

One of my biggest regrets was selling a 74 or 75 Honda street 90, it had 74 miles from new and sat in my neighbors garage under cover for 20 years. He asked me if I wanted it for $100. Yes I bought it and had it for two years and put 5 more miles on it. I didn’t have a good place to store it so sold it fit $700. Now it’s $5-7000. I’m crying!

[@joehorton1268]

Ride em don't hide em!

[@tiltedflip4491]

I don't know how many Honda 125's I had in the 1970's. Bought them with bent valves and bent shifter forks and stripped kick starters. Easy fixes. So if you get one now please put a new timing chain and cam sprocket and keep it adjusted.

[@Yowzoe]

I have a CJ360T in my garage, it’s been sitting there for oh my God 20 years. I think this summer is the time for me to get her going, if that’s gonna be possible. I used to ride way back in the day, but know zero about bike maintenance. We shall see…

[@Comrade134]

Recycling retro is the new cool 😎

[@bigbad253]

The bike you were thinking of but couldn't remember - tha tlooke dlike the Honda SL125 may have been the Honda 250 Elsinore (SL250??). First time I saw one, all us kids sharing one 100cc kawasaki got showered by an Elsinore with the first ever rooster tail of mud that we had ever seen. Unforgettable.

[@wes326]

Would like to find a 550F, the big brother to the 400F. Has the similar 4 into 1 exhaust.

[@wallyn9551]

How about the 70’s 650 Yamaha great runners!

[@joejadhon9934]

Don’t forget about the Brit 250s like bsa starfire and triumph blazer , also 1972 bsa thunderbolts

[@richardbartlett6932]

the 250's had very suspect bottom ends ..

[@BilgemasterBill]

Thing is, owing to motorcycle licensing (or properly, "licencing") restrictions in the UK until the early '80s or so, when new riders were limited to bikes of 250cc or less, that quarter liter or less class was a HUGE and highly significant segment yonder, but never really a "thing" here in The Land of the Plastic Spork. Sure, they sold them in the States, but far fewer of them proportionally. This explains why there may be an old BSA Bantam or Triumph Cub mouldering away in every 3rd or 4th garden shed over there, but they're "rare collectibles" here. If you DO get a pre-'80s 250 or less in the UK, be prepared with many, if not most, for a full-on rebuild and resurrection. A lot of those poor little bikes were ridden mercilessly and with indifferent or no maintenance--being considered "temporary" and mostly unloved, even reviled, by their short-term owners, who only yearned to take their full driving test after about a year, shed that big Scarlet Letter "L" or "Learner" plate, and be able move up to something bigger and "proper". In their day a lot of these little bikes might swap owners like 5 times in 5 years for just a couple of pints and a handshake at the local pub, and nary a single owner might ever think to change that oil, lubricate the chain or adjust the brakes. That said, a Triumph Cub would be totally worth the trouble of reviving...prettiest little soulful and elemental bike ever if they've been cared for and dialed in properly and you don't mind burbling along dodging the butterflies in the 40s or low 50s.

[@paulblouin6955]

@@richardbartlett6932 Not suspect. Not at all. Plenty of cam, compression and carb, but no oil. If you used the power and speed a failure was going to happen. Personal experience. They kept making that crap 250 to the end. They had to shange the crank case to make it fit into the later B50 frames. They did.

[@skyout19]

I bought a BSA Bantam 125cc from 1952 (2 years older than me) together with a friend for 12 SA Rand from one of our teachers an the beginning of our last year in high school back in 1972. Apparently the magneto was faulty. We pushed it home 6 km (3.7 miles), what a bitch the hill on the West Street was! But we were young and full of gung-ho! I had previously bought a Puch 50cc moped 2 gear a few years previously for 6 SAR so we were not completely inexperienced. When we finally arrived home, we cleaned the carburetor and set the points, put some 2 stroke mix in the tank and pushed it around the garden - - BANG BAANG BAAANG!! What a JOY! We drove it on the back roads and fields (illegally of course) then spent our time stripping it down and chroming (thanks to Mom for paying for that) and spraying the bike iridescent green (thanks to a friend of my father). Just before the end of our last year I passed my motorcycle license test and drove it to school. Our teacher was blown away! ! drove the bike daily to university for 4 years. One of the events that I remember was a trip with friends, we changed bikes and a friend was on the Bantam when the silencer fell off - he took off like a shot! It had so much more lower end power! After that I made a small modified silencer which I took off whenever I was on the motorway. After university I went up to Johannesburg, over 500 km away, where I worked for 2 years before buying a car to follow my second great passion: hang gliding - which I have been doing for 47 years now. With the minimum of tools I could strip the Bantam down at the side of the road and repair it, it was so trustworthy and simple - KISS - keep it simple and stupid!

[@Athazago]

I actually got a beat up Kawasaki GPZ 500 S for about a grand, dad and i invested another one into it in parts and paint. Considering I pretty much got the first ever Ninja Model, i gotta say, that 2000 quid is a steal for an early 90s supersport death machine in mint condition.

[@emppowersportsandmarine6270]

May I add, although going up in value, 1991-1998 Ducati 900ss, 1985-1987 Cagiva Alazzurra 650, 1970’s Yamaha RD200, most 1970’s Enduros.

[@HeavenReservation]

Wow, thanks for the video. I really enjoyed driving my CB 750 four during the early 70's.

[@lawrencebecht660]

The Honda 305 was an awesome looking bike and performed very well

[@miguelibarra8209]

can you give me your opinion between two bikes . 82 gs 650g $2000dls well take care or 2007 Bonneville 900 low mileage $3000 . I really like the gs .

[@jmcgregor316]

I once owned a Triumph Daytona 500! Not considering the incessant oil leaks, it was a great bike. I miss it.

[@senatorjosephmccarthy2720]

10: 55 - , did you have a Honda 350 SL ? Great bikes. A bit heavy for off road compared to a 2 stroke, but the Honda 350 SL was a smaller version of a Triumph 500 or 650. Honda was wise in making them, they were popular. I don't know about now, but then Honda was the most capable motor company on earth.

[@TheSaintrover]

I would like a T140 V E or D Oil in Frame 70s or early 80s Triumph Bonneville. Plenty of examples sell for around 5k in the USA . I just had a look . !

[@kramrollin69]

I live in the BSA Bantam Capital of the World. Currently this month, there is a deceased estate auction of around 20+ Bantams for sale coming up soon. There is also a personal collection of 15 or so restored Bantams being sold by an 80+ year old restorer. So, One city...that currently has 35+ vintage BSA Bantams for sale. Im sure that no where else in the World would have this many for sale at once.😄

[@JamesSmith-op7yc]

Old bikes are hard work but very cool. I'm 60yrs down the road and riding an old Sportster. I love it and I can't stand it! Get it? Thanks for sharing.

[@wataboutya9310]

If you buy an old Brit bike you will need British Standard Whitworth and Fine wrenches and sockets to work on them.

[@paulblouin6955]

On a Norton Commando you also need American. Pretty much only the motor has English bolts.

[@ROCKINGMAN]

Lovely old bikes. My dad had a 1959 Triumph Tiger Cub, he bought it in the 60's for £8. I wish I had it.

[@lydgate3419]

The absolute most fun I ever had was on my first bike....a new gold 1970 Honda SL 125. Later traded it and $50 for a SL 175. Later had bigger bikes, up to a Kawasaki KZ550. But most fun was with my first, kind of like that first girl that.....

[@stevehumphries3483]

All cool bikes. Some mid 70’s BMWs can be had for a similar amount and really can go long distances

[@spaceflight1019]

Here in western Pennsylvania, you used to be able to find tons of "backyard bikes" for a buck a cc. I rescued a Z1 and a KZ650 like that. Thanks to the internet, everyone wants a million dollars for the bike that hasn't been used since Nixon was the president but has been under a tarp in the backyard. A word of caution: unless your mechanical skills are really good, you have a lot of tools and a dedicated place to work on it, avoid old Britbikes and Harleys. If you're considering a vintage bike to ride more than work on buy a Japanese bike. Now for a dose of value: the local Craig's list has a ton of Evo Sportsters for cheap. The 2004-up ones are the best value for the money.

[@shade_angel1445]

It still baffles me why the CA/CB/CL77s never make these lists. Bought 2 now for under $500 and theyre great little machines.