Want to buy a motorcycle? Classic or vintage Japanese type?

Here are some things to consider before you buy a motorcyle

What kind of riding will you do?

Are you a classic bike track-day monster or a touring enthusiast?

Maybe you like to go for broke carving up cottage country and then idle into town to show your classic bike off at the local coffee shop.

What classic Japanese bike suits you best?

Are you mechanically inclined?

Can you repair simple stuff like busted light bulbs or can you do valve adjustments on a Ducati in your sleep?

You need to be honest with yourself so you can buy the best classic Japanese bike for you!

Vintage, classic or regular motorcycle insurance.

Motorcycle insurance may be the make-or-break on your deal. Can you get reasonable classic motorcycle insurance on your Honda CB400F in Michigan or vintage coverage in the UK on your Honda Dream musclebike?

We'll take a closer look at classic and vintage motorcycle insurance issues.

Availability of parts.

Japanese maufacturers have mostly had a reputation for stocking OEM parts for their older classic and even vintage motorcycles. Anything classic Japanese and you'll likely find a ready source of major stuff.

But be sure if you're dead-set on buying a Hondamatic something-or-other that parts are there for you.

Reliability/durability of your proposed new ride.

Do your research and make sure your classic Japanese bike isn't in fact a bust.

A few minutes researching your ride will pay off huge rather than buying say a Kawasaki KZ1000 on spec and finding out that 2-ring Moriwaki pistons are only meant to be drag-raced twice before a full motor tear-down is required like me! DOH!