European motorcycles are characterized by their styling, handling, and in the case of classics, by their unique riding experience.
Any list of motorcycles is subjective, but for someone new to classic motorcycles looking to purchase their first bike, they are invaluable—if it’s on the list, it is a well known and proven classic with a big following.
7. BSA Bantam
Not all classics have big engines or staggering performance. The little BSA Bantam was one of the most successful motorcycles ever sold in Europe, in terms of number sold. Although there are no official numbers available for Bantam production, it is known that BSA produced more than 50,000 units by 1951.
The D1 Bantam was first offered to the public in 1948. The design of the Bantam was based on the German DKW 125 2-stroke. The BSA factory had acquired the design as part of the Second World War reparations. The machine was designed by German engineer Herman Weber. A 1948-D1 example in good condition is valued at around $3,500.
6. Moto Guzzi Le Mans
Every manufacturer has a loyal group of supporters, and Moto Guzzi is no exception. The company celebrates 90 years of production in 2011 and one of their most well known bikes is the Guzzi Le Mans. The 850-cc Le Mans was first offered to the public in 1975. For Guzzi enthusiasts, the Le Mans had all of the classic manufacturer’s features and also a competitive performance against the Japanese bikes of the time.
The shaft drive V-Twin had a number of shortcomings (fast action clutch, torque reaction from the crankshaft, easy rear wheel locking if down changes were not synchronized with engine revs), but became popular with street bike riders and racers alike. Today there are clubs supporting the brand all over the world, including a Moto Guzzi world club. An early example (1976) carries a value of around $7,000.
5. Norton Commando
The Norton Commando (named after the elite British soldiers) was designed by a group of Norton engineers, namely Bob Trigg, Dr. Stefan G Bauer, Bernard Hooper, and John Favill. The 745-cc inclined parallel twin was first shown to the public in 1967 at the Earls Court motorcycle Show.
The engine was a development of the earlier Atlas unit with increased capacity. However, the large twin cylinder engine became known for its tendency to vibrate. To counter this problem the engineers rubber mounted the engine in a new frame for the commando. This new frame was a major departure from the tried and trusted featherbed, but proved to be another Norton with exceptional handling (something the company had become famous for). Early examples (1967) of the Commando are valued at around $7,200.
4. Triumph Bonneville
Triumph motorcycles were first offered to the public in 1902, but their most famous machine has to be the Bonneville. Taking its name from the world record setting of Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, USA, the Bonneville name is still in Triumph’s line-up today.
Then original Bonneville was first offered to the public in 1959. Early examples fetch around $14,000. However, the rarity of the early machines ensures their prices are both stable (no massive jumps, or falls) and increasing.
3. Triton
The early Triumph Bonneville’s major competitor was Norton, at least as far as handling was concerned. Motorcycle riders of the time (1960s) wanted the power and performance of the Triumph Bonneville engine and the superb handling of the Norton featherbed frame–combining the two produced the renowned Triton.
For much of the 60s, tritons could be seen outside most cafes’ in the UK and soon became the bike to have for café racing.
Prices for a Triton differ considerably depending on their condition, history, and build quality. For the inexperienced buyer, it is recommended that a qualified mechanic inspect the bike before purchase.
2. Vincent Black Shadow
Considered by many to be the first Superbike, the Vincent Black shadow was a development of the Rapide. The ‘C’ series was first introduced in 1948. The 998-cc 50 degree V-Twin engine in the Black Shadow produced 55 hp and was Capable of propelling the 455 lb. machine to 125 mph. Interestingly, the Black Shadow deployed a cantilever rear suspension system which was made popular many years later by Yamaha.
Prices for a 1949-series ‘C’ Black Shadow are around $43,000. However, the rarity of these bikes tends to push the price up, especially for an original example in good condition.
1. MV Agusta 750 Sport
Loosely developed from the company’s Grand Prix racers, 750S is a DOHC (Double Over Head Camshaft) in-line four cylinder 4-stroke with shaft final drive. The actual engine capacity was 790-cc. However, the original engine was a 600-cc unit that had been developed for street use from the Mike Hailwood and John Surtees 500 GP winning racers.
Considered by many to be one of the best looking classics of all time, the MV attracts classic collectors everywhere, which keeps the prices relatively high. A good example will cost in the region of $45,000. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES]
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