Some people buy a classic motorcycle as an investment, but for most it’s more about nostalgic indulgence. Middle-aged men are supposed to buy a sports car and run away with their secretary, thankfully most of us buy drum kits or motorcycles and the only running is from the reality of growing old.

The sensible argument is this. If you've got the money… and the space… and the ability to fix them, a shed full of well-chosen motorcycles will pay better than a savings account and be much cheaper than anything involving sports cars, secretaries or divorces. Prices of a classic anything tend to rise, then plateau, and rise again. Get-in early or at the plateau points and you can make money while enjoying the machine of your dreams.

Ducati 916s are currently on the rise, Honda RC30s have plateaued or maybe even dropping in value (selling price, not asking price) and Yamaha RD250/350LC values have been rising again after stalling for a year.

Air-cooled Suzuki GSX-R values (the 1100s especially) continue to rise, while early Honda Fire Blades are currently overvalued and anything that was a first bike in the 1980s is getting expensive – even old MZs.

Buying a Classic Motorcycle - Tip Top:

1. Choosing a modern classic bike.

2. Researching a classic bike purchase.

3. Setting a budget for a classic motorcycle.

4. Finding the perfect modern classic bike