34 things to know before buying a classic motorcycle

Are you thinking of buying a classic motorcycle? Before you take the plunge, consider the advice of these folks who have been there, done that, spent a fortune and survived the wrath of The Better Half...


1. Do You Want To Ride it, or to spend more time showing it?


2. The Best Condition example always works out to be the cheapest in the long term


3. Ignore Marque Snobs and armchair experts


4. A Big Single is perfect for chuffing around the lanes at 50ish


5. A Late Triumph/Bsa or early Jap four is great for tearing along in reasonable safety at speed


6. Suss Out Spares availability cos it's no use buying that Caledonia Purple Majestic if everything has to be made specially.


7. Learn The Art of riding without brakes and invest in a right leg strengthener!


8. Buy The First Bike you fancy - it'll be a dog anyway, so get it over with.


9. Buy Another Bike To Use whilst the first is being fixed.

10. If You Buy A Bike In Bits, make sure you have boxes and boxes of the correct nuts and bolts, especially the special fasteners that hold the engine, gearbox, suspension and frame together

See the remaining 24 tips at Real Classics