Did you ever buy a motorcycle and seriously think you could keep it forever? Did you ever come back from a ride and realize your bike was just about perfect, it did everything you asked, it felt right, looked good, had a real space for a passenger and wasn’t built as a special purpose track weapon only someone with a young body could ride for over an hour? Some bikes are quickly eliminated, but there are more than a few that could be considered.
These thoughts crossed my mind as I was looking over the bikes for sale and noticed there were three very nice 1973 Kawasaki Z1s listed. While some of you may not feel the Z1 fits my description above, I bet a few of you might. The Z1 has plenty of power, looks good, the seat is flat with lots of room for a passenger, it has an upright riding position so you can be comfortable even if you’re a bit older and right now, there are plenty of parts available to restore and maintain it almost 40 years after it first appeared. This is a bike that caused a lot of excitement at first and it’s maintained a strong following over several decades. At Vintage Motorcycle Days this year (photo above), it seemed there was a perfect Z1 almost everywhere I turned and I’ve always liked them so they really stood out. These are bikes that have held up really well from the start, it makes me wonder if any of their original owners were thinking of the long term when they first rode it home.
You probably aren’t going to make a decision to keep a bike when it’s brand new because it has no history and you have no experience with it, but you might start looking for nice examples of the one you let get away after you realize how much you miss it or over the years you might like the bike so much the thoughts of long term ownership begin to pop up.
Parts support for the Z1 seems pretty strong so you can keep it looking and running like brand new or you can follow the route of some custom shops like Bull Dock or Sanctuary and modernize to taste. Either way works and if you ever decide to sell it, you’ll probably find it wasn’t a bad long term investment with lots of pleasure dividends added to the return.
Now, don’t get me wrong, though the Z1 got me started on this train of thought, there are certainly a lot of Honda and Harley owners that view their rides the same way, probably most every brand has a bike or two with dedicated long term owners, some of you probably have bikes you’ve owned for 25 or 30 years, too.
Although the factories might not want too many of you to think this way, if more of you did, it would be a lot easier to go out right now and buy the bike you really want. Buy a nice one and take care of it and then keep it forever. When you divide the price over decades, you’re practically getting your bike for free. Something to think about.
David says
I had an ’85 Honda Nighthawk S that I am STILL kicking myself for selling, does that count? It was one of the most comfortable bikes I’ve ever ridden (this, from a guy who’s owned GoldWings for the last 25 years), it handled well, was low maintenance, went pretty damned fast when I wanted it to and was good-looking, to boot.
Doby says
I have my 1-owner black and red 1984 Nighthawk S. 35k miles and still pristine. Wouldn’t sell it for anything. The one that got away was my 1978 Suzuki GS 1000E. I should never have let that 1100 with its square headlight lure me away from the perfect UJM.
Mark says
I still have my 1984 Honda Nighthawk S. I’ve had folks that think they had enough money to buy it from me. They came up way short. Still one of the best bikes I’ve ever owned. I’m so happy I kept this one.
fast eddie says
HEY that’s my old bike . Grate story, In my minds eye I can see my 500four my 400f countless 750k’s
an xs 650 a 1100 F a XLCR. Those stand out of the ones I should have kept . The bikes that didn’t
warrant such thought are just that . Non existent in my minds eye. Hindsight is 20/20 for the most part.
When eric & the motorcompany came out with the ullesseys I had thoughts of picking up a “keeper for
life” After all I could become a poster child for and ride around the world on it . Factories seldom
include ‘Keepers ” in there vision . Will there be a four valve ? will it get better next time around? A lot of ify
ground here. If there was a vincent dealer in my area when I bought and paid for my first m/c at 14 years old would I still have a black shadow in my garage? we’ll never know
thanx to the factories and dealers for the way that it all played out my 1997 buell s3t @ $ 2500.00
61,578 mi later is my current Keeper It’s the rider not the bike The Keeper of safety Eddie
cowpieapex says
eddie,
my ’97 S3T also sporting over 60K is clearly a lifetime bike. I’ve modified, repaired and improved virtually every component on this bike. No one can sell me a machine so carefully fitted to my taste and desires or for that matter my butt since I put over 55,000 of those miles on it myself. As these early Buells are selling so cheaply I’m not in the least tempted to let go of her.
I am reminded though of my father in laws stories of stripping those “junky old Vincents” to use as desert racers which were then abandoned when they failed under such abuse. Come the day someone offers me 1000% of my original purchase price for the ol’ girl my faithful care could pass on to a new owner and I’ll seek the next “bike of a lifetime”.
Sanders says
I second that. I have an 01 S3 that I have got just about perfect. Never plan on selling it.
fast eddie says
And I thought that I was alone in thinking that my bike was a ”Keeper”
FE
Pushrod says
I can’t think of a bike I’d rather have than my ’03 Sprint ST!
I’m hoping to keep it forever, or at least until old age forces me to a ‘more forgiving ergo.’
B50 Jim says
Yamaha XS650. MIne ran perfectly and looked nearly new after 11 years of riding. I sold it when I had to move and there was room for only one bike in the trailer. I still have the BSA B50, which at 39 had been rebuilt, repaired, rejuvenated and re just about everything else, many times. Along the way it has been broken as often as it was running. But I’ll probably keep it forever. Parts are a phone call and MasterCard away, and after 37 years of ownership I know every nut and bolt. But the Yamaha simply ran. I could hop on it and ride across town or across the country, confident it would make the trip and return with no drama. It did everything a street motorcycle needed to do. I’d still have it if I’d gotten a bigger trailer.
Tin Man says
The buy it and keep it premise would and does work well for Cars, Homes and most everything else, except electronics. Usaully it takes a bit of expierence to decide what you really like.
Decline says
Though I have only had it for two years so far it has never once crossed my mind to get rid of my 04 Thruxton. Sure I see other bikes and want them, or find other bikes more appealing for various reasons but at the end of the day I just want to hug that bike of mine. In a scary moment of potentially being homeless for a short time it crossed my mind to sell everything except that bike. It has carried me over countless (really countless the speedo cable broke at one point and I didn’t replace it very quickly) tens of thousands of miles, been forgiving when I was stupid, and always made it home when I really needed it to. It is weird to feel such a bond to such a mostly factory machine.
Hawkeye says
In 1994 when Harley-Davidson announced they were buying into Buell (prices would drop), and they would convert to belt drive, I knew I had to have the new Buell S2 Thunderbolt and would keep it forever. Well, 17 years later and at almost 60 years old, we both are running great!
10/10ths says
I own a 2004 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom and it is THE perfect motorcycle. I will never sell her. She does everything I want a bike to do. So, yes!
Kevin says
There will always be that one you wish you still had be it 2 or 4 wheels. I’ll argue there are very few people that keep one bike for a lifetime. My son and I have several bikes that are all good at what they do. For that reason we will likely keep as many as we have room for. If it is a honda XR200 (we have 3), a Buell M2, or a honda CR500 each is a blast to ride in its area of expertise. Isn’t that what it’s about . . . the ride!
Karl Siemon says
I was in high school when the Z-1 came out., and a rich kid had one and he road it to school. The only thing I can say is they did it right! Still looks just as good now as when new. I purchased a new BMW R 90S in 1975 and guess what, I still own it ! 37 years and counting ! Road it just last week. I’v been lucky to have such a great bike. My wife rides it the most, My son and I ride a 1985 K-100 with a EML side car on it, also purchased new. Go after the bike of your passion, try to keep it through the tough times and you’ll be rewarded every time you open the garage door. They really are time machines, what ever the make.
Get Keep it !!!!!!!
Tanshanomi says
I intended to keep my CB350F forever. I didn’t. Still mad at myself.
http://www.tanshanomi.com/temp/CB350F-R_594x461.GIF
Joe Bar says
I have an SR500 that I bought in 1986. It took me around Germany for 3 years, and all over the mid atlantic. It started consuming oil a few years ag, so Iparked it.
I guess I just found my next poject. 🙂
Joe Bar says
Thant’s “project” of course.
AZRider says
No, that’s po-ject. As in, I had some money before I started, now I’m po.
AZRider says
And I should know. My “keeper” is my 1986 Shadow 1100, which I’ve owned since new. 120,000+ miles. I got my second Guzzi, the Shadow had a dead battery, so it sat for a season. Fresh battery and it wouldn’t start, so it sat some more, eventually 5 years. Two summers ago, I took it apart and got it roadworthy again. Which drained the entire new-bike fund. So now I have 2 bikes with over 120,000 miles and no new-bike fund. I might sell the Guzzi if it was worth enough to bother, but the Shadow is FAMILY.
bobc says
In 1960 I bought a new BMW R50. I had that bike for almost 40 years. Why I sold it I don’t know. I put up $10,000 if I could find it again. After two years, nothing. My wife told me to quit bitching and buy another one. This one I will keep. As for 4-wheelers, I have had my ’38 Pontiac for 47 years and it’s sitting in my garage all covered up for winter.
Mark L. says
I have had my 97 Buell S3 with factory race kit, Penske shock, Gold valve fork kit for 12 of it’s 14 years, and still enjoy it as much as the day I bought it.
The one bike that I regret selling is my 97 Moto Guzzi Sport 1100. I bought it new in 98 from a Mount Vernon, OH multi-line dealer, and sold it in 2000. That one still bothers me to this day. I have half-heartedly shopped for one for the last few years, but have not bought one….yet.
I won’t sell the Buell, as I would not get any money out of it, and with the complete Buell race kit and suspension mods, it fits my 6’6″ 230 lb body perfectly, and is a huge amount of fun. Plus, I don’t see another one when I ride it to Indy for the motoGP races.
Mark L.
Ozark, MO
Timble says
Forever Bikes –
Every two-wheeled vehicle I’ve purchased has been bought with the “Forever Philosophy”. I’ve parted ways with a few of these but my core bikes I plan on passing down to my children. Here they are:
1977 Vespa P200E – Purchased in 1986
1994 Ducati 900SS CR – Purchased in 1997
2004 Cagiva Mito – Purchased in 2007
Whenever I ride any of these bikes, I feel like the luckiest man alive.
Steve Timble
Spamtasticus says
I own a CRF450R, GSXR600, BMW S1000RR and a BMW R1200GS Adventure. The GSA is the only one of them that is not a full on racebike. I will certainly buy more racebikes over time but the GSA will likely be my only “street” bike from here on in.
Ken says
I really wish I would have kept my DR650. It was my daily rider back on the islands. Bought a sexier WR450 and my wife said one had to go. Now that I’m on the mainland, I truly miss her. I could buy another one, but it wouldn’t be the same. The adventures we had together really shaped my life during those years. I think I will keep the WR for as long as I can but I really wish it would have been the DR. Our adventures & history were so much richer.
That being said, all the other bikes I’ve ever owned, I’m very “meh” about.
GT-Four says
I have owned, and do own many great bikes, the one that will be staying in my ownership forever though is my Africa Twin. 1998 model, black and gold (the fastest colour) with quite a few mods, my daily rider in London and an occasional off road toy at the weekends. I’m regularly amazed where it will go offroad, and I own a KTM 450 EXC…
I’m already dreaming of the day when it is old and battered enough to justify a restoration!
paulkane says
Still riding my 1977 BMW R100S / requiste upgrades / s.s. brake lines & modern pads/ progresive forks springs / modern shocks & tires/ all day- all year- all weather- all the time. Not for everyone, but it works for me.
Phoebe says
I plan on keeping my CB100 forever, or at least until it’s not possible for me to ride anymore. That was my intent when I bought it. Granted, it’s obviously not my main ride, but that’s why I own more than one bike! It’s nice to have options =)
Nicolas says
the problem is that : you never know a good thing until you lose it …
And you need to pay the bills, sometimes, and there is peer pressure, and the sirens of marketing, and evolving tastes, and this and that … I’m not too old but already have had like 20 different bikes, up to 7 at the time, still own 3, and found out that none is THE perfect bike, they all have pros and cons, and you can’t have only one that does everything well.
The example of the Z is very well chosen though, it’s one of those that never gets old …
Now I’m working on a 1974 CB750, but with a R1 front end and a Gixxer monoshock swingarm, I believe it’d a good way to keep a classic up to modern expectations.
tim says
I would love to see some photos of your worked over CB750….
Nicolas says
I’ll send some pics to the kneeslider once it’s done, maybe this time I’ll have more luck and be published 😉
Now, some days I have doubts, like “wouldn’t a big twin such as a superchicken or TL engine be cool instead of the old 4 inline lump ?” … I’m torn.
David says
Yup-
i have a Honda CB750 DOHC 1980. it was bought new by my uncle, and then handed to me- i still have it and plan too, everytime i think of what bike i would get, it keeps coming back to this one. I will make tweaks but it is just about right.
Tim Tom says
Suzuki GS. Any of them from 450-1100. Engines are completely indestructible, and basic maintenance will keep the bike running in top shape longer than the rider. My only bike is a GS850G and it does it all well. I don’t see that I’ll find a replacement anytime soon for it.
Eric says
A few years ago, I got a GS450 on eBay. Man what a nice bike! A few months later, I got rid of it in a partial trade for an EX500. The Ninja was arguably a better bike in every way… except, no it wasn’t. I still pop ‘GS450’ into craigslist and ebay searches every now and then, just to see if there’s on nearby.
Mike says
I can’t see myself selling my 02 VFR. It’s easy to manage around town, just putts right along, but roll on the throttle, and the intake growls soulfully. Roll on more, and once VTEC engages, you are GONE! Handling’s telepathic, and it’s comfy! I’ve taken her to the Black Hills, the BWCA, tons of trips to Wisconsin, etc… It is the most emotive and amazing motorcycle I’ve ever ridden. Every time I ride her, I can’t help but smile like an idiot and go “What a machine!!!” like Jeremy Clarkson!
Kasper Kjærsgaard says
I wish that i never had sold my Yamaha XJ 650 Turbo. It was the perfect bike for me. fast enough to be exiting and with a comfort that could carry across Europe without a drop of sweat.
Greybeard says
Sorry.
My philosophy is “so many bikes, so little time”.
Anyone want to buy a Guzzi V11 Sport? ;o)
fred with three...right now. says
Man, its tough, many of the bikes I loved were’nt practical, and I made some serious mistakes in selling, for example, a “48 indian, complete, for 550.00 in “74, but it was like a year later that they went through the roof, and it was the old “no where to keep it,”….. wish I still had the 650 beezer I sold for 300.00 too but ya just never know. just put a couple of bikes on craigslist, I’ll regret that too, no doubt. life goes on.Just so I’m riding, get in the wind THEN worry ’bout what you’re riding.
Greg says
I am fortunate in that I still have every bike that I have ever bought except for one. A 1982 25th Anniversary Sportster. Yeah, I know, an ironhead Sportster. But it never once left me stranded. I ran it out of gas more times than I can remember, and I always managed to coast up to a pump. My parents talked me into selling it while I was in the Army. The guy who bought it had it stolen from his garage, so I never got the option of buying it back. If I was double-jointed, I’d kick myself for letting that one get away.
Claymore says
Those Z1’s look great! I wish my 1980 GS550E was in that kind of shape.
Leo Speedwagon says
These bikes are so cool, problem is when you’ve ridden a modern bike they are better to look at than to ride.
Klaus says
Very true! I’ve always wanted a 65 Mustang – until I drove one for the first tim!
It’s easy to look at these beautiful old bikes, but how often would you really ride them?
I’ve had three XS650s, great bikes, but when I bought a newer DR650 I rode that every day. Only sometimes I started the old XS up, for a relaxed ride to nowhere, just for fun. But for every day I had newer bikes. Still it’s nice to have an “oldie” sitting in the corner of the garage!
Peter says
I have sentimental attraction to bikes I’ve owned, but my current Honda CB1300F is the one that I’ll keep. After four years I love to ride it, have it, look at it, fettle it and I expect to keep doing so for as long as I can physically manage it. It has more kilometres left in it than I do, as it’s a weekends and holidays bike. This is the first bike I’ve had where there wasn’t something else crowding into my mind teasing me to replace it with. There’s lots of bikes I’d like to have alongside it, like a 1972 CB500 Four, or a 1941 Indian Chief if I won the lottery, but nothing to replace the big CB. And my restored C50 Cub will look just fine beside it!
Andy says
I bought my 85 GSXR 750 from the dealer in Feb 1986 and it just gets better every year. Updated a USD frontend, 17″ rims and Ohlins rear shock this bike is just a blast to ride. Of course I kept the OEM stuff so I can switch it back if I want to. Since the riding position isn’t extreme by today’s sportbike standards, you can rack up some serious mileage in a day too. I’m thinking fuel injection would be my next upgrade.
It looks good beside my other forever bikes too; 1986 GSRX750R LTD and 1989 GSXR750RR : )
Bjorn says
My SL500 Pantah.
Never to be sold, although it will get those period 38mm forks and 08 calipers when I can afford to buy discs, clip-ons and master cylinder to suit. It wont be my only bike, just my forever bike.
Jay Jones says
I’ve kept it for 32 years because I love it and I know that I’d miss it the second it was gone. My Guzzi T3 California is my forever bike. It’s no longer my only bike and I don’t ride it as much these days as I used to but the moment I start it up and feel it come alive the magic starts all over again.
Mike says
98′ Suzuki Bandit 1200S – I’ve turned an 11:07 at the quarter mile (I am neither skilled at the launch nor light in stature), been on multiple 1000 mile plus bike trips (once two up with the Mrs), passed (and have been passed) the alphabet soup sportbikes in the twisties, use as a daily commuter and have on rare occasion road off pavement (two lane mountain passes in Japan and over berms in between rice patties in South Korea). Even today when I look/lust after the latest and greatest thing since sliced bread (Ducati Multistrada 1200T) I can’t justify getting away from the Bandit. It simply does everything well.
Gonzo says
First bike – 1978 Honda 750K
Second bike – 1977 Honda 750F
Third and latest bike – 2011 BMW S1000RR
All will be with me ’till the day I die.
OMMAG says
Indeed …. every bike I have ever owned.
The funny thing is … that the motorcycle I cared the least about … a 74 Yamaha 650 …. bought for 400 bucks …. is the only one still in my garage.
Too many stories about the coming and going of my bikes over the years …. but I’ve never been in the position to collect and keep
6adan says
I still have the 1970 CB750 JDM that I got new in Japan when I was in the Navy.My wilfe says that I would get rid if her before I would the bike,but I am keeping both.
Blkzrx says
Over 10 years with my ZRX, probably don’t have another 10 years left in me to ride, but it will be on that ZRX..
parkingpuckguy says
I TOTALLY agree with you. I’ve had my ZRX for 5 years now and it is the best all-round bike I’ve ever ridden (on the street and track). Its got a muscular feel to it that just brings a big stupid grin to my face every time I get on it. And, it has awesome looks too!!!
I’ll NEVER sell it.
tim says
my current bike is the UBM. Universal British Motorcycle.
I can tour, ride two up (sedately), thrash the pants off it, do a trackday, or ride to work on it. Its perfect.
Triumph Street Triple R, if you’re wondering.
Hooligan says
Agreed.
I will never get rid of my 600 Hornet either.
Aichbe says
I’ve only had my ’88 Sportster since ’91, and although it hasn’t been as reliable as either of my CB750s, or as fast and good handling as my ’77 Guzzi V7 sport, it is way sexier than any of them. I do wish I’d bought a new ’91 5-speed, as the 1951 designed 4 speed is marginal and the clutch-mount alternator is a very bad design.
I’ve bored the 883 to 1200, 10.5 forged Wisecos, Super E, Dyna S, V-4 cams, some Andrews gears, bigger valves, ported and hemi-ed out heads. Kinda like a poor man’s Vincent… But now it’s down, as a lot of work is needed and I’m one of the 99% ers who are under employed. It’s available as a straight-across TRADE for a Buell X-1, S-1, or S-3, or other very good condition engine/trans unit. No hollow-frame Buell engines wanted, just an older tube-frame style. Then, I can BUILD my perfect, do-everything forever bike. !00 hp, 100 torque, 425 lbs, and rigid Paughco frame. I wouldn’t mind a new Street Glide, tho…
Steve says
Wish I still had my ’84 FJ1100.
Dave in Kalifornia says
Bought my 73 CB350 in 1990 for $300 out of a newspaper ad. Rode that thing everyday for 3 years straight. Complete rebuild/cafe conversion in 96. After Katrina, another complete teardown, converting to a streettracker. Now that I have a proper xs ‘tracker- the 350 is getting redone (again) to a more custom set-up… Never going to sell that one. Same as my 78 CB750 bought in ’03- That one’s not going anywhere either… Especially after a $16k build-out…
Paulinator says
1975 Norton 850 Commando Interstate. Best bike EVER. I sold it when my wife needed a (…still hurts) new couch. Oh well. I`ve got a couple other bikes and the wife still looks really good. She`s a classic 1968 model.
Carlos says
Paulinator – Do you still have the couch?
Paulinator says
no…but I have some good memories.
Carlos says
Paulinator, your post makes me laugh as a wife who forced my husband to sell his bike because I was sure he was going to kill himself on it. Now I am feeling a little guilty
WestOfBen says
I will NEVER sell my 1994 VFR750F RC36(II). I will not be modifying her further. A Staintune pipe, rack, some choice stickers and now some internal suspension mods/service. The perfect bike for me – if not the perfect bike for all time.
Erick says
Though i am rather young than most people commenting, and just bought my first one only 4 years ago, i cant even dream of selling that bike. Memories are an added value and it keeps multiplying as time goes by. Though now i own 5 bikes. The first and second bike would probably stick with me until i die.
Mark in Sydney says
I have a CBR-929. Changed the seat, added slightly higher bars and it is comfy, powerful, brilliant handling, and wonderfully forgiving. Every time I think of selling, I come up short. It owes me nothing and just keeps on looking great and going brilliantly.
Back in the day, the Z1 was the uber-UJM. I think of the pre-2002 ‘blades in the same way. Though the same argument could easily be made for the 01 GSX-R 1000.
John Findlay says
You poor Yanks wont have a clue what this model is but the rest of the world does ! I’ve had my GSX1400 K2 for almost 10 years now and with 150,000km on the clock it will never EVER be sold, (think of a Z900 on steroids) It has HUGE torque, @ 120hp with a full Yoshi system, 10 litres of under seat storage, big comfy seat for 2, beats EVERYTHING to 100k’s (yes Busa’s) it’s easy to work on, good eye candy and in the right hands in the real world it can chop up a lot of sports bikes ! (a friend of mine power slides his in the hills and an OZ Superbike Champion had one as his personal ride). I’m not alone, many owners of 14’s wont part with them and many that have, have bought another after trying something different. If the USA had gotten 14’s you lot would be argueing about which is the best to own and live with a Busa or a GSX1400. Look it up and cry that you missed out on a bike that is THAT GOOD !
steve w says
After going through over 70 motorcycles (and yes I wish I had kept some) I decided the only way i could be happy was to build my own. I own mostly custom S&S powered V twins but I ride mine. When someone says yes, they have thier whatever since whenever but it only has 30,000 miles in 40 years, i say , you didn’t enjoy it much. I guess I have never owned a factory motorcycle that I left stock so I might as well build my own. Yes I still have my Triumph , readers ride, but that doesn’t see many miles.
ZIPPY says
Now that Yamaha (Star) has bailed on the big cruiser market bagger wars and refuses to update thier bikes. (The Venture is over $20K ans still has a cassette deck inn the fairing) I am dressing out my 1700 Roadstar. 2 cylinders, ceramic coated will go forever. 1 carb and aircooled. It will be the last bike I buy.
Ride safe.
Earl says
My ’06 Sprint ST is a wonderfully capable motorcycle. It’s comfortable and easily capable of taking my girl and I on long roadtrips. I respect it.
But I love my ’02 SV650S.
Grant says
BMW R100S. Bought it new in 1982. Still my main ride. I have others, and have ridden a few more modern bikes, but this one just *fits*, you know? Definitely a keeper.
Keith says
I still have the 1984 Sabre I bought new. I never expected to keep it this long but I’ve never found anything I liked enough to replace it with. Every so often it gets personalized just a little bit more. …and my father just gave his bought-it-new 1975 Gold Wing to my son. I guess it runs in the family.
bj says
Kawasaki EX500. Test-rode one in June of ’87, and in August bought the first ’88 the dealer got in. Clearly remember thinking “I’ll never *need* more.” Want? That’s something different … I’ve raced EX’s for 15 seasons (11-12 years on a frame produced in Nov of ’86, which I think is the earliest month.) Figure 1,000 laps/year. Plus 40K on a Gold Wing, all over the East Coast. I’ve raced half a dozen other bikes, and done everything I ever imagined on 2 wheels, but still have that first ’88, and believe more than ever that for the street, I’ll never need more.
WillyP says
I’m pretty happy with my Concours. (ZG1000) In fact I was so happy with my ’88 I bought a wrecked ’01 and planned on keeping it for parts but fixed it instead. Once I paint it red I’ll be just as happy with it.
Artie says
My first bike a very long time ago was a 74 Honda CL360, after 16.5K in one year I moved up to a 73 CL450. 10K on that and a drunk driver smashed it out from under me from behind – able to walk away (thank to my helmet) with some pretty good bumps and bruises but OK after a couple of days. The insurance settlement netted me a new 79 Yamaha SR500. After 10 years and 53K I moved to a Yam SRX600, too small for a wife too so an 83 GS650G had to join the stable. After 10K and 12K on the bikes the SRX was physically too small for me so both bikes were traded for a new 91 Yamaha TDM850. After 53K I have never wanted anything else – even after testing other “newer and better” bikes, the TDM is my bike for life. As my wife and I became more portly with age the TDM became a little crowded a few years back. I purchased a lonely 81 GL1100 that sat idle for 3 years (two of which were outside) and saved that. I took about 50 lbs of weight of the front end (if I wanted to sit behind a windshild I would take the car), put SR500 bars on it and now it is the wife bike for life. You can see the project on ngw.com under “Saving an 81 1100”. “Bikes for life” are very comfortable rides.
Artie
Delmerson says
Bought my silver CBX from Port Townsend (WA) Honda September 5, 1078. It was one of the initial batch of the recently released CBXs imported with a low frame #499. Put about 35K on it until it got tired about 1996. Had a frame off resto done in 2008. All stock with sport kit.
I kept it because they didn’t sell and it wasn’t worth much for many years but after a while it just became like one of my kids. Now I have a new Bonneville for touring and keep the CBX for club rides. Lots of fine memories with that bike. Still a great ride.
Delmerson says
1978
Scotduke says
Hmm, I’ve had some good bikes and the Ducati 750SS lasted longer than any I’ve ever had, 15 years before I traded it in. But I think my Moto Guzzi Monza was the one I really wish I’d kept. The only thing wrong with it was that it wasn’t a Guzzi Le Mans; a Le Mans III would be a bike I could live with for years. Yesterday’s sportsbike is today’s sports tourer. Ok, so the Le Mans I and II are more sought after and worth more but the III is easier to live with as it has better electrics and simply replacing the fairing for the unit from the I would make all the difference to its looks. A Le Mans has good brakes and handling, is mechanically simple and durable and is still good for 130mph, which is faster than a lot of riders ever go anyway.
john says
My 06 Triumph Scrambler will be here until I quit riding. Have had many bikes, and only one street legal one was slower, but the Scram is just right. Looks good, feels good, reliable, etc. Can’t imagine ever getting rid of it as long as I’m still riding.
Matt says
I have something close, a 1983 Kz750L3 that I bought new, still have and have ridden more or less continuously since purchasing it while int he service from Temple Suzuki in temple texas.
It has 113,000 or so on it now. The bike had the audacity to need new rings back in the mid 2000s when it was at 98K.
I recently found a NOS tank and a period Supertrapp pipe, so she’s looking good. I even bought an 82 GPz from a friend for some diversity
Then again I have a 2001 Buell X1 with 50K on the clock.
I haven’t sold a bike since I sold a Honda SL100 way back in my teenage days. Regretted it enough to never sell another one. The Buell will be interesting to keep since the chassis is unique and the company is goone. The engine bits are all harley so that stuff should be around forever
Paul McM says
quote: Wish I still had my ’84 FJ1100.
I had an ’84 FJ1100 from 1985 until 2009. That’s 24 Years. Many times I thought about replacing it but it was good looking, comfortable, had gobs of torque, was comfortable for two people, big gas tank, easy to work on. Finally it needed some serious engine and brake work which would exceed the book value so I parted with it. I got a 2001 VFR. Wonderful machine, with good handling and feather-light controls. But… the seat is an abomination. Too hard, too narrow, too much forward slope. I can’t ride the VFR for more than an hour without major posterior pain. So, for touring, I bought an ST1100. Great on the highway, but too big, too ponderous in town. In reality that FJ1100 did a better job overall, for my needs, than the TWO bikes I have now (and the FJ got better mileage than both to boot). There is much to be said about the all-around real world abilities of the 80s Japanese bikes. The sport bikes now are WAY too focused. They are uncomfortable, peaky, and useless with a passenger. I don’t know why so many young riders buy machines that really only shine on the track. As for the “adventure” bikes — I don’t want wire-spoke wheels, a high narrow seat, and 600 lbs of accessories. If I ride in the dirt, it’s on a lightweight 400. Why in heaven’s name would I want to take a 1200GS up a fire road?
Tim says
2007 Speed Triple- looks good, great drive out of corners, fast, handles great, mildly sporting ergos, reliable. The more I wrench on it, the more I become familiar with it and the more I want to keep it.
Tim
Mick Julian says
1987 Yamaha XJ900F .Bought second hand in 1994 for $5000. Smooth,fast,comfortable,shaft drive,sweet handling,utterly reliable.Had the valve clearances checked at 60,000 but all spot-on. Oil,filters,tyres and plugs my only expense.
60 mpg in normal use.Over 100,000 on the clock now. I keep going into showrooms thinking “that’s nice….I could afford a new one of those….I really should upgrade..” .Then I take the XJ for a ride ,maybe a long trip, or through city traffic, or on a dirt road, and it takes it all in its stride.
Must have owned 35 or so bikes over the years – and I usually have 2 or 3 to choose from – but this one has a permanent home.
Jayguy says
I’ve had my ’94 Ducati Monster since it was new. 2 miles on it when I picked it up, over 43K now.
I still get that warm feeling when I see it in the garage, and can’t wait for a chance to take it out of town and on some great road or another.
DESMOVALUE says
I owned ducati998CR (2002).
I will never sell her.
harry darer says
still got my 750 h2a
michael says
i still have my old 1975 h2 that i bought in 1978.i don’t ride it anymore.i turned it into a cafe style in the early 80’s and now it would beat me up.my most regrettable sale would be my 2000 klr650,the only bike i’ve had that i could ride all day.sold it to fix up my wife’s car which i should of junked instead.but my h2 is my crown jewel.
john says
Harley Super Glide standard:
I bought brand new 8 years ago and modified it with some sportster and buell parts and engine/brake/suspension upgrades of course. The only thing I ever saw that turned my head briefly away from my Super Glide was a modern Triumph Bonneville. I didn’t look long enough to switch rides though.
Past bikes I THOUGHT would be my last ride to last me forever:
Honda CB400-4 super sport, original mint condition(stolen)
Honda GL500 silverwing standard modified with some GL650 parts
(horrible handling with a passenger)
Harley Sportster sport(girlfriend didn’t like the back seat)
Al says
I still have my 1973 that I bought new. I was at the International Motorcycle show in dec. 72, when I saw my first Z1. I ordered one that same week. Pretty cool motorcycle for a 20 year old! I’ve been riding a 2001 FZ1 for the last 9 years, and It is one of those “does everything well” motorcycles, that I can’t imagine ever selling.