The roar of a motorcycle has been heard on the American roads since the 1940's. With all of its history, it's no wonder that motorcycles continues to attract fans and collectors alike. But the motorcycle has undergone numerous changes since it first joined the road. Enthusiasts these days know that motorcycles come in thousands of different models, shapes, and builds. But the vintage motorcycle still reigns as the ultimate collectors piece.
Now, not everyone is a die-hard fan of classic and vintage motorcycles. Newer models are often faster, easier to repair, and arguably more reliable as transportation. However, that doesn't get in the way of many people appreciating the look and feel of vintage motorcycles. There's a huge market out there for rebuilding and repairing vintage motorcycles, both as a hobby and as a serious restoration industry. This community of restorers is keeping the classic and vintage motorcycle world thriving.
Collector Edition Motorcycles: Trends and the Market
Since the launch of the first model by the Metz Company in 1898, motorcycles have become a staple in the United States. Consumers in the U.S. bought an estimated 780,000 motorcycles in 2020 alone. While sales climbed, the average price of two-wheelers remained stable despite the COVID-19 pandemic, at around $11,894 per motorcycle.
The global vehicle market seems to have followed the lead of the U.S. as well. And while the worldwide motorcycle market saw an estimated dip in revenue from 117 billion U.S. dollars to 109.1 billion in 2021, 2022 is projected to see a recovery.
Popular Classics: The True Stand-Outs
Every collector is looking for something different. That being said, there are a few models the collector community can agree upon that qualify as top of their class.
The 1947 Harley-Davidson EL/FL Knucklehead
The 1962 Triumph Pre-Unit Bonneville
The 1989 Kawasaki KX60, KX80
The 2006 Ducati 999R
The 1955 Vincent Black Shadow
The 1953 Indian Chief
The 1980 MV Agusta 750 S America
The 1984 Honda XR500
Who's rebuilding the classics?
One Man's Trash is Another Man's Treasure
The classic and vintage motorcycle industry gets this job done. The art of converting old motorcycles into road-ready rides is booming. Vintage motorcycles from the U.S., Japan, and Europe are in high demand, especially when compared to their collector car counterparts. The prices are also much more affordable: high end motorcycle restorations are well within a new collectors grasp. For instance, last year, a restored 1936 Indian Four sold at a low $77,000 at the Mecum auction in Glendale, Arizona.
The barrier to vintage restoration yourself is also quite low. Whether commissioning the services of professionals or taking a go at a new hobby, there are plenty of resources available for the first time restorer. Find a list of some classic rebuilders here in the U.S. below.
Restorers in the U.S. that build and rebuild classic motorcycles:
If you're interested in getting a vintage motorcycle on the road today, let LLCTLC help. Register your motorcycle with your own LLC, and start saving!