Beat the slump with bikes

Suzuki RG500

I'd like to say a Yam RD500 but I don't think they'll go up as much as
the Suzuki.

 

OK, so if you were going to take advantage of the fact that the used
market for big shiny motorcycles is on the floor, and that people are
shoving money into just about anything except banks....

.... what bikes might show a decent return on yourdosh after, oh, five
years?

I'm not talking things like Vincents which are already silly, but stuff
from the 1980s and 1990s.

I *must* get a GPZ900R. Still looking.

I'd add to the list a Moto Guzzi Daytona - the Doctor John Rep. And
maybe a Ducati 851 or 888: they seem to be stupidly cheap atm.

No, belay that: an early 916.

Any other thoughts?

 

BMW K1

Bimota Mantra

First model Fireblade

YZF750 in "Cadbury's Boost" colours,

 

This Doctor John - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_John ?

 

Both - well, I'd say 851/888 because they were the original GP rep, and
the 916 because it's so beautiful. Although I'd suggest going for one of
the special models for added rarity value.

Jotas, but then again I'd say that.

I would say that it would have to fulfill the following criteria:

- Comparatively rare. If you find one on fleabay every other day (even a
shit one), it's value will always be limited by the number of bikes
available. Rarer is better unless it's rare because nobody wanted it
in the first place, which would suggest that I'd already bought the
last remaining example
- Top condition only. Not "nice" or "very nice" but "They banned me from
showing it because I always walk away with the silverware" condition
- Seminal bikes preferred - like sandcast CB750s instead of a K2 or K4,
916s instead of 996s etc.
- If you had a poster of it on your wall as a school boy, it's a decent
bet (why do you think prices for 80s 911s are pretty stable?)
- Interesting history is good
- Technically interesting is good if it doesn't prevent you from
actually using the fuckers.

It all boils down to how much money do you want to invest (oops, sorry
for the i-word) and what sort of return you want over time. For the next
couple of years I'd expect zero return but if you're willing to hold
onto it as you do with your 400/4, you might get something out of
bread'n'butter bikes. If not, you need to go into Vincent or competition
bike territory where big money rules simply because they'll be less
affected by the impending doom many people seem to predict than Joe
Bloggs.

Couple more suggestions?

Magni-framed stuff, possibly early Bimotas. Some 'merican stuff (Indians
come to mind, possibly 50s & 60s Hardleys as they seem to be underpriced
here in the UK if they're *really* good). Oddly enough, genuine 60s
specials and choppers (not the "make it look like it was built in a shed
in the sixties).

 

Heavily pimped Harley Sportsters and Kwak Z750s. I'll pop them round
later. You'll make a mint.

I was wondering if now (or in 2 or 3 months) would be a good time to buy
a Hayabusa, not as an investment, but more of a
proper-fast-will-never-be-this-cheap sort of thing

 

Hm. Maybe.

You are joking? The thing with the walnut dash? Why?

Oh yes

Nah. Nobody really wanted the YZF and the Boost colours are just a paint
job.

 

Good call, that. But they won't be i serious demand until the people who
bought them as their first bikes are in their mid-forties and have the
requisite bank accounts and rose-tinted specs.

Which suggests another 5-10 years. But yes, an RD125LC, definitely.

 

Hmmyesss but I was really thinking of 1980s/90s vintage stuff.

There's nothing from the 1970s and earlier that's an 'unrecognised
classic'. They're either sought after (Jotas, CB750s, Z1s, Kawasaki
triples, kettles) or they're regarded as shit when new and now just old
shit (lots of Honda and Yamaha twins).

 

90s is probably a bit too early to call, 80s - well, possibly the icons
everybody lusted after. But that's more the 'avoid losing money with
bikes' category compared to the 'make money with bikes' category I
thought you were after. The trouble with unrecognised classics is that
you're pissing away your money if they stay that way .

So definitely 851/888 in very good condition. I'd guess the early
Hinkley stuff is not really that important so scratch that, possibly an
1100GS/1150GS because I think they'll go the same way as the earlier
ones over time but it's a bit early to say. K1 I'm dubious about as
ever. XT500 is again, 70s but possibly worth a punt. CR500s, maybe?

 

(The Older Gentleman) wrote in

Timo's hinted that the paralever GSes are appreciating. Perhaps too pricey
to buy into now.

Africa Twins weren't sold in huge numbers and any low mileage examples will
be in demand. If Honda had kept the bike in production for another 5 years
then they would've sold thousands.

I think we have mentioned this before, the last of the VFR750s is likely to
become a classic. I know I rue selling mine in 1996 when I see one in the
flesh.

 

The stock market is probably a good place to be following the panic selling
yesterday. Prices on some quality companies have been dragged down and
probably have little downside risk left. Nobody knows when prices will
bottom out but there are some bargains to be found.

Disclaimer: my opinions are worth what you pay for them - nothing.
If you want investment advice go to someone qualified to
give it.

 

I liked my K1.

 

They have. Just not in the UK.

 

In communiqué <1ion758.1b6iiet16zte3mN%>,

Gilera Nuovo Saturno [1]. Too many Nordwests built.

[1] Except that according to Champ all singles are shit so they will
never be the slightest bit sought after.


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| Pete Fisher at Home: |
| Voxan Roadster Gilera Nordwest * 2 Yamaha WR250Z |
| Gilera GFR * 2 Moto Morini 2C/375 Morini 350 "Forgotten Error" |
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I like the look of the Saturno. Perhaps that's why I've often considered
(in my lighter years) getting a Suzuki Goose.

Good point. I'm off to see if anyone's dropped a DBD34 off at the tip
for recycling.

 

I was talking to the owner of an RG500 today, it may be for sale cheap.
This is another 1 owner bike as well.

It will be mine I think

 

I think you're right: the last airhead boxer GSs are seriously
expensive, in good nick.

Not really a classic that'll appreciate, though. Damn fine bikes,
thobut.

Oh yes, defoo. I think the very last carbed models before they went to
the 800 and FI. Maybe the first 800s as they had the geared cams, but I
reckon a 750FS or FT is the one to go for.

 

What about that fabulous little Ducati racing single? The SuperMono? Or
are they already at silly money?

 

Excuse me?

What happened to the "fucking fucking two-strokes" thread last month,
then?