Why do you own a vintage motorcycle?

[basilsbro]

A bit about me; I am a second year archaeology student at the University of Southampton and have to write a dissertation next year. The topic that I would like to write about is what is peoples motivation for owning a vintage motorcycle (pre 1960).

So I would like to ask you that question to get some of your opinions.

Thank you in advance.

[crampfan]

It goes deep, an into the soul kind of thing ....Sadly...if we have to explain it to you, you wouldn't understand. (this only applies if the bike is ridden)

[gravityisnotmyfriend]

Nostalgia, I guess. I drove a '74 CB350 in the 80's and when I came across a '71 cb350 that was going to be junked, I couldn't let that happen. So, I fixed her up and she's road ready again.

No real need or use for it, but it's easy and fun to work on and still very fun to drive.

[Pigford]

Originally Posted by basilsbro

A bit about me; I am a second year archaeology student at the University of Southampton and have to write a dissertation next year. The topic that I would like to write about is what is peoples motivation for owning a vintage motorcycle.

So I would like to ask you that question to get some of your opinions.

Thank you in advance.

One thing you'll have to recognise is on this AMERICAN forum - Vintage is anything pre- 1980's - whereas in the UK "Vintage" is much older - like pre- 1960's and Veteran pre-War

[basilsbro]

Originally Posted by crampfan

It goes deep, an into the soul kind of thing ....Sadly...if we have to explain it to you, you wouldn't understand. (this only applies if the bike is ridden)

Thats a great point. Its not that I dont understand why people own one, I have wanted one for many years and hopefully will be getting my own in the near future.

It is hard to explain which is why I asked as I am hoping people will be able to describe it and to see if there are different reasons for different people. Also as I am too young to have been alive when the bike where new I am wondering if people have different reasons to me.

Thanks for your replies!

[basilsbro]

Originally Posted by Pigford

One thing you'll have to recognise is on this AMERICAN forum - Vintage is anything pre- 1980's - whereas in the UK "Vintage" is much older - like pre- 1960's and Veteran pre-War

I had not considered that. I am aiming for bikes around pre 1960.

[gravityisnotmyfriend]

Well count me out. You silly limeys and your vernacular!

Here in 'merica, boots are worn on your feet, rubbers are worn on your feet or your willy, and vintage means 25+ Y.O.

[England-Kev]

Originally Posted by gravityisnotmyfriend

and vintage means 25+ Y.O.

I bet your girls love that idea!

[kaput13]

You'll want to be sure and post the result of your investigation right here on this thread.You must have an enlightened professor to get away with this one. Older bikes have a different feel, need you and are easier to work on. For me the motivation is exclusivity - there will not be many like it parked at any motorcycle event. It means entrance to a restricted club with arcane vocabulary, endless discussion of subtle details, and hallowed secret passed from one initiate to the other. Its pride of ownership where the maintenance, rebuilding, care and feeding of the machine is done by the owner with great pride and a sense of accomplishment. Its psychology more than archeolgy.

[DCrider]

because my '72 Bonneville makes sounds that stir and rest the soul all at once, no modern bike does that.

[some_guy]

I'd rather ride something old and interesting than new and boring.

I'm a young guy, so not really nostalgia, but older stuff is just way more fun and involved.

[CHECK_OIL]

My father owned one of these in the late 80's. On the weekends he would take me for rides out to the country.
Fond memories that I will cherish and also share with my sons.

[mark1305]

So far some of the replies are touching on what may turn out to be two separate broad answers. I say that because of things I learned getting a psychology degree - sometimes one starting hypothesis turns into two (or more) equally valid answers.

The two potentially separate categories of reasons may fall along the age groups of the respondents. Potential is there for older repsondents to rate nostalgia more highly. And younger respondents may rate character, ease of repair/maintenance, etc., more highly. There may turn out to be more statistically significant groupings of reasons.

Contrarily, I'm an older rider who started in 1965ish, but I like older bikes for the simplicity and character more than nostalgia. But the oldest in the stable currently is only a 1983 airhead. But I grew up around 1950s Harleys & British bikes plus 1960s Hondas and more British bikes. So the memories are there, just not the primary reason.

[shortridz]

It was free...

[crampfan]

Originally Posted by kaput13

You'll want to be sure and post the result of your investigation right here on this thread.You must have an enlightened professor to get away with this one. Older bikes have a different feel, need you and are easier to work on. For me the motivation is exclusivity - there will not be many like it parked at any motorcycle event. It means entrance to a restricted club with arcane vocabulary, endless discussion of subtle details, and hallowed secret passed from one initiate to the other. Its pride of ownership where the maintenance, rebuilding, care and feeding of the machine is done by the owner with great pride and a sense of accomplishment. Its psychology more than archeolgy.

My kids all want my vintage toys, only my middle daughter has shown interest in learning how it works rather than how it looks....guess who is getting my old stuff.