From my book "Old Bikes"
“Classicâ€
Ah, “classicâ€, the word that springs to one’s lips when they see an old bike. Webster’s defines classic as: “excellent of it’s kind†and/or “completely typicalâ€. While these two seem to be at odds, one definition describing a better example than the others of it’s kind, and the other definition indicating commonality, they really point in the same direction – the common understanding of a quality of excellence by a varied audience.
Examples of classics in art such as the “Mona Lisaâ€, in automobiles like the Ferrari Testarossa, and in architecture as found in the Empire State Building are easy to compare with like examples surrounding them. Such is the case with a personal favorite of mine, the 1967 Triumph Bonneville; when one sees this bike in a crowded parking lot and it’s unmistakable Aubergine and White gas tank, it’s heart-shaped timing chest, and it’s Burgess style exhaust mufflers, the word “classic†is likely to be first on the lips of the majority of observers. The bike’s clean, sleek lines almost scream “classicâ€.
Classic bikes are many and varied. The aforementioned Bonneville, the Indian Chief, Norton Commando and Manx, Brough Superior and Harley-Davidson Electra Glide all embody the “classic†designation. But these are only a few of the more prominent examples, the Honda Super 50 and CB750, Penton 125 “Six-Daysâ€, Kawasaki Z1R and Suzuki 750 GSXR are also classic bikes. The list is far too numerous to contain here, but I think the idea is getting through.
“Vintage†and “Historicalâ€
Once again turning to Webster’s, we find that the word “Vintage†is defined thusly: “(wine) extracted from a particular harvest (of grapes)†(parentheses mine). Extracting (pardon the pun) the gist of this definition “extracted from a particular harvestâ€, could logically be extrapolated into a particular model of a certain (production) year motorcycle.
Let me try to explain it like this: The Indian Motorcycle Company (in America) lived a life cycle that saw the company established, grow, prosper, fade, and then die. Within that time, the motorcycles produced by Indian gained stature, notoriety and even renown for their abilities, durability, exploits and qualities; at a certain point in Indian’s history, (many argue that is 1949), they produced a particular model of the Chief that, besides being a classic, is a “Vintage†example of Indian’s entire production. At that time, the company was at it’s Zenith, some of the finest staff was on board and involved in design, production and marketing the bikes, and the tooling and equipment was the best the factory would have.
Examples of similar “Vintage†bikes can be gathered from almost every manufacturer for the simple reason that, as with wine, there is a “Vintage†example from every winery. But this term, when used to describe a motorcycle, can spell trouble if not used with a note of caution: opinions differ and can vary substantially. Heated debates have occurred, feelings have been hurt and otherwise friendly relationships soured over the term when used in the course of judging motorcycle shows. Let me just say that I use the term sparingly, and never argue over the subject. We all know what we like, some won’t touch a Red wine, others wouldn’t drink a White wine if they were choking.
“Historical†is not a term that can be used to describe a motorcycle in casual conversation; one must know the history that applies to the subject motorcycle to frame it’s validity in a historical sense. Simply put, a bike would have to have significance in a fixed point in time such as the first (or last) model produced by a manufacturer, a particular motorcycle that was involved in an historical event such as the first crossing of the Panama Canal or Golden Gate Bridge, or the only motorcycle ever ridden by the Queen of England. History is replete with particular motorcycles that had their place in the limelight at one time or another. To own a piece of history is a pleasurable thing, to be able to ride that piece of history through a shady, winding lane and display it proudly with artifacts that provide prominence is a feeling that is not easily explained, but quite enjoyable to be sure.
“Collectibleâ€
Now we arrive at the most debatable designation of all! The word “collect†is defined as “to acquire to enjoy (permanently)â€; who is to say then what can be considered “collectibleâ€? I may desire to collect Hondas, you may prefer Hendersons; they are each as collectible as the other. Don’t be discouraged, dissuaded or belittled for collecting whatever bikes you desire. Be eclectic, mix them up, display them side by side! Horror! For goodness sake, it’s your collection, do as you please.
I for one will enjoy ANY motorcycle for it’s own sake. In fact, a bike I wouldn’t give a second look to at one show may catch my eye due to a certain artifact it is displayed with at another, or a particular article describing it’s historical significance may completely change my opinion of it.
A motorcycle’s “collectibility†cannot be strictly measured or quantified, and cannot be judged except by the person collecting the bike. To some extent, ALL motorcycles are collectible.
There, I have said it. I feel much better, and will now continue with more pleasant topics.
Special definitions for registration & insurance
You may consider carefully how you describe your bike(s) to your insurance agent and registering authorities. In some cases, insurance costs can go up or down depending on the description and value which the bike will be insured for. Also in certain cases, you may qualify for a discount on your registration fees for license plates depending on the age of your bike or it’s designation.