Just like classic cars, vintage motorcycles are highly treasured by their owners. You may have a particular model or make that you have an affinity for or perhaps you want to buy a classic bike that will increase in value as an investment.
At White’s Bodyworks, we’ve got almost 30 years of experience repairing and restoring classic motorbikes of all kinds. If you’re thinking of buying one, either as an investment or a labour of love, here are our 6 favourites that you might like to consider.
Some may be out of your price range, but if you’re looking to restore a classic motorbike, part of the fun is dreaming of what could be.
Even by classic car standards, this is a very rare bike and you’ll be lucky to find one in working order. There are thought to be only 71 dotted around in various locations across the globe.
It’s age and design mean you’ll have to part with some serious cash if you do manage to discover this little gem somewhere. One model recently up for auction at Sotheby’s had a list price of between €180,000 and €250,000. Find one hidden away in a garage somewhere that requires serious restoration and you could end up earning a tidy profit once it’s back on the road.
Norton is synonymous with classic bikes and it’s one of the most popular models to buy for the dedicated enthusiast. Speed and reliability are probably the main calling cards of this superb bike. This model was the last Manx produced by the company as by this time they were suffering from competition in the marketplace and low sales.
While not as rare as the Brough, you will need a fair bit of financing to afford one in relatively pristine condition. At a recent auction in Stafford, one fetched £33,000.
Ducati is another big name in classic motorbikes and this 1974 version is probably the epitome of Italian racing. Its distinctive style and design make it a highly sought after bike which has been known to fetch up to £100,000 at auction, depending on provenance.
No list of classic motorbikes would be complete without a Triumph or two. Often thought of as the motorbikers motorbike, the Bonneville was in production between 1959 and 1975.
It’s a great bike to ride and there are still quite a few on the road today if you keep your eyes open. Expect to pay around £10,000 to £11,000 at auction for a bike in reasonably good condition.
If you’re looking for a mid-range motorbike with a fair amount of pedigree, you can’t go wrong with a Honda. This 1969 model is still seen on the roads today but the rarer ‘sand cast’ is probably the most valuable. These are the bikes that were produced using sand-casting for the crankcases before new processes came in. A rare prototype of the bike sold in America recently for more than $200,000.
If you’re searching for a classic motorbike that looks out of the ordinary, this one is certainly well worth your attention. At the time it was designed, the V8 was considered one of the most advanced racing bikes in the world. Today, its slightly odd shape might put some enthusiasts off as could the estimated auction price over $300,000.
Over the last 27 years or so, we’ve seen many, many vintage motorbikes come to our garage in West Sussex. We recently had this amazing Moto Guzzi 750 Ambassador in for repairs which made our team purr with delight.
If you have a passion for classic motorbikes and want a partner you can trust, contact the team at White’s Bodyworks on 01273 933633.
