BUYING A MOTORCYCLE FROM CLASSICJAPANESE MOTORCYCLES

First of all, classic motorcycles are getting very hard to find in any kind of condition, and the market will continue to get tighter! One reason is that there are many wholesalers who specialize in sending them by the container-load overseas! You may have even met them buying everything in sight at Vintage Motorcycle Days! It is sad watching your motorcycle heritage leave the country.

Second, even when classic motorcycles are in good condition, they are old, possibly older than you are. Actually if you are the same age or older than the bike, you will probably agree that they have aged better than you have! I do not restore bikes. Most of my customers want them in original condition. You can restore them multiple times, but they are only original once! I will clean them up, check them out for safety issues, and get them in good running shape. However, I do not detail them out or put new tires on them.

Third, be realistic Many people get the idea that a used bike, even in excellent condition, will look like the 100 point restored bike that they saw in a recent classic show. What you may not know is that in most cases the owners have thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours invested in that motorcycle because that is their prized possession and their memory. That type of bike is shown, and rarely ridden again. If you are looking for a show bike, mine rarely fit that category. Even a bike in great original condition, if it has been ridden at all on the street, will have some nicks, rubs, scratches, and wear. Certainly the kickstand and underside of the frame will show some rust and wear. You just cannot get around that with original condition motorcycles.

Lastly, I spend a lot of time, effort and over the road truck mileage to determine whether the bike is cosmetically worth having for a discerning customer. I will buy a motorcycle on speculation that there is someone out there who has been looking for it. This is an expensive mission and I need to cover my costs.

Then the fun begins when I have to get them into good running condition. For example, have you ever smelled gas that has been in a tank for 10 years? Cleared out air box mice nests? Chased down virtually non existent carb parts? This is what you get with your investment in my pre-screened motorcycles. All of the motorcycle’s physical and mechanical condition is accurately described at the time I put the bike in storage waiting for a new owner. Warranty--I cannot offer a warranty, these bikes are old. However, if they are ridden often, they run great. If you let them sit around too long, it will take some time and effort to get them running again.

Buying a bike long distance is difficult at best.

When weather has permitted, I have videos of me riding the motorcycle that I can send you. I also make many close-up digital pictures in good outside light and make them available to you. I can take more if requested. However, a digital picture sent over the internet is a poor substitute for looking at the bike in person.

I offer and encourage anyone the opportunity to come and look at a bike so they can make an informed decision before they buy. Please email david@classicjapanesemotorcycles.com and we can discuss your purchase.