What to look for when Buying Antique Motorcycles
When buying an antique motorcycle there are the same pitfalls to be considered as when purchasing any second hand vehicle and several more due to the age of the vehicle in question. It is also essential to understand the definitions of the term antique when applied to a motorcycle as these differ considerably depending on whether you are buying in the US or the UK. In the US, the description antique is typically applied to any motorcycle over 35 years of age. In the UK there is no standardised definition but antique would generally be taken to mean any motorcycle from the period 1923 to 1945. Vintage is used to describe motorcycles made between 1948 and 1969, while the term classic is usually used for those models produced around 25 years ago. Antique, for the purposes of this piece will apply to the US definition.
If you are interested in buying an old motorcycle it is important to decide in advance whether you are looking for something instantly rideable or are prepared to take on a restoration project. The latter can see you the proud owner of a bargain antique bike but it is highly likely that it will be delivered in pieces. Unless you are highly skilled in this area or know some-one else who is then you may be taking on not only an unachievable task but one which will cost a fortune in the long run.
A good starting point when looking out for an antique motorcycle is to buy one of the reputable publications which come as either monthly or quarterly magazines. There are several to choose from and they can be an invaluable source of guidance, hints and expert knowledge. Furthermore, the classified advertisements which are usually found in these magazines will give you an idea of the price ranges available to you and what your budget will buy.
If you have a particular make of motorcycle in mind, owner's and enthusiast's clubs can be a great resource for the beginner or uninitiated. Such clubs are usually full of passionate individuals who are only too happy to share their wealth of knowledge and can be invaluable for giving advance warnings of the pitfalls on certain models, accurate pricing guides and what to typically expect from your purchase. You don't have to be the owner of a motorcycle to join some of these clubs and you may even find some-one skilled enough and willing to visit your potential purchases with you.
If you have no mechanical knowledge then it is essential you find some-one to take with you who has when you are looking at possible purchases. If not you risk spending a lot of money on something which may prove totally useless.
The market for antique motorcycles is quite a lucrative one and as a result the practice of stealing and selling on stolen bikes is not uncommon. In the UK, if you unwittingly buy a stolen bike you have no legal or personal recompense and at best, if the bike is insured, may find the insurance company offering it for sale to you meaning you have paid for the bike twice. It is therefore important to ensure as much as possible that any motorcycle you are buying is the legal property of the person selling it to you. Ask lots of questions, about the history of the bike, how and when it has been ridden, personal tales of the same and so forth. Accomplished bike thieves may have answers ready for all these questions but sometimes it is obvious from the outset that the buyer knows very little about the bike.
The question of whether to buy from a private seller or dealer is a personal decision. Prices are often lower through private sales but the buyer has far fewer rights should the motorcycle prove to be mechanically unsound. In the UK when you buy from a dealer they have a legal obligation to present full details of the item for sale to allow the purchaser to make an informed decision. This means advising the buyer of any faults. You also have the right to cancel any deal made within seven days of the purchase date even if the motorcycle has been in your possession since day one, providing the bike is returned in the same condition it which it was delivered to you. Unscrupulous dealers may often masquerade as private sellers in order to skirt their obligations and it isn't always easy to spot them, so beware.
It is important to understand that no antique bike is going to perform or behave in the same way that a modern motorcycle would. If you are used to riding modern models then you will need to reset your thinking or you will never find an antique bike to match your requirements. Many older bikes, particularly old British models, have specific quirks which are totally accepted and even embraced by those in the know but may appear to be a problem for the uninitiated. Make yourself familiar with such idiosyncrasies and then decide whether or not they are something you are prepared to put up with or make the purchase unacceptable.
Many spares and replacements are especially hard to come by for certain models of antique motorcycles. Again, should you have your eye on a particular bike you will need to do some research with relation to this to ensure you don't end up spending as much on spares and repairs as the bike cost in the first place.
Ride as many potential purchases as you can to get an idea of how each performs, which are definite no-buys and what suits you personally. A genuine seller will always understand that you will want to ride the motorcycle before making a decision.
Try and avoid bikes which have been standing for a long time unridden unless you are prepared to undertake a restoration project. They are not always out of the question but antique bikes tend to need constant use and ongoing maintenance to ensure they stay sound. The latter is also a big consideration when buying an older bike. Be sure there is some-one locally who can carry out repairs on your chosen model. Many antique bikes require specialist knowledge and attention and your nearest suitable mechanic may be located further away than makes the bike purchase economically viable.
For many motorcyclists, once they have ridden their first antique motorcycle there is no looking back. Transversely, if the first experiences with an old bike are punctuated with break downs, endless costly repairs and long periods off the road, then it is likely that the first antique motorcycle will also be the last. To avoid the latter scenario do your research, speak to those in the know and be prepared to spend time and energy looking for that perfect motorcycle.
