Old motorcycles - these vintage cars are getting attention!

Vintage motorcycles attract attention with their unusual appearance and make characteristic sounds. Years pass, and they are still considered style icons. No wonder many motorists restore old motorcycles. Their appearance cannot be faked in any way, and from a historical point of view they are priceless two-wheeled vehicles. Which models are the most iconic and which most often appear in movies? How much does a pre-war motorcycle cost today? Take a journey into the past that will make you fall in love with these unique machines. Read!

The oldest motorcycle - the first appeared in the XNUMXth century

Old motorcycles are relatively common on Polish roads. However, what is actually the most ancient? The history of two-wheeled vehicles begins around the same time as the history of passenger cars. These cars were created in the second half of the 1868 century. The first attempts to drive the frame with a steam engine date back to 1885. However, one of the first two-wheeled vehicles with a gasoline engine was created only a dozen years later - in 0,5 years. It was created by a duo of German inventors - Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach. The maximum power of this machine was as much as… XNUMX hp. This first motorcycle had an almost entirely wooden structure.

Pre-war motorcycles in our country - what did they ride then?

Pre-war motorcycles could reach speeds of up to 60 km / h. Their engine capacity was about 100 cc and they were really very popular, including in our resurgent country. The 30s were a time of intensive development for the Polish automotive industry. One of the most popular models was the DKW RT 100. A two-wheeled vehicle produced since 1934 was commonly called a "hundred". Its power varied from 2,5 to 3 hp. It was a fairly light build. Production in Chopau, Germany continued until 1940.

Old vintage motorcycles - two-wheeled bicycles with a sidecar

Among the old historical motorcycles, it is worth mentioning those that changed the perception of the Second World War. They are often seen in historical films, so even if you are not interested in this period, you might have noticed them. Here we are talking about motorcycles with baskets. Thanks to them, it was possible to conveniently transport not only goods, but also people. Old sidecars that have made history include the BMW R 75 Sahara or the Jawa 125. Produced in 1941-1946, the model was used in combat operations. He accelerated to 92 km / h. Unfortunately, the ride was difficult. Nowadays, it is rare to find such two-wheeled vehicles with baskets.

Polish motorcycles - that's what they rode in the Polish People's Republic!

In the Polish People's Republic, the market lacked many goods, including motorcycles. Available models immediately sold out. The cars that usually showed up in the country came from Eastern Bloc countries or small local factories. The most famous motorcycles include the Junak M07 two-wheeled bicycle. These old motorcycles were introduced in 1954, but large-scale production did not begin until a few years later. Their engine had a volume of 349 cc and developed a power of 17 hp. Old motorcycles consumed about 3,5-4 liters of fuel per 100 km.

How much do old motorcycles from the People's Republic of Poland cost? What sales can you expect? Is it a good investment?

How much you pay for an old motorcycle from the People's Republic of Poland depends on many factors. The price of a car in need of restoration will be different, and you will also find unique cars prepared for races and exhibitions of historical cars at a different price. For example, a DKW RT from the 50s can be bought for about 15-25 thousand. zloty. However, you should be aware that in the case of this type of two-wheeler, it is difficult to talk about average prices. If you are looking for a specific model, you will have to wait patiently for it. The market for old motorcycles is specific and prices for antiques cannot be tied to new cars.

Motorcycles are old, but still on the road. Automotive gems

The correct age does not always mean that the car will not be in working condition! It is true that the number of rideable examples of many years ago is constantly decreasing, but in our country you can find rare two-wheeled vehicles that, despite having hundreds around their necks, can still safely move on the roads. One of these cars is in the collection of Grzegorz Walahniewicz from Pelczyn. His unique Levis Popular was released in 1919 and is still in working order and continues to impress. He even took part in several rallies. However, such old motorcycles of famous brands are not popular in our country, so this particular model was brought from the UK.

You can restore vintage motorcycles at home.

If you're just starting to get interested in old bikes, you might want to look into first recovery parts. In many cases, you will be able to restore the car in your own garage. However, you must remember not to work in public places because many municipalities have quite strict environmental regulations. However, such work does not have to be difficult at all. Of course, repairing an old motorcycle is easier than repairing a car, if only because of its smaller dimensions.

First, don't buy the oldest model!

Planning to buy an old two-wheeler for the first time? You don't have to start with the oldest copy! These are often not only expensive, but also difficult to repair and maintain. Old motorcycles of this type may be too difficult for you at the very beginning.. Bet, for example, on Japanese models of the 80s. There is no shortage of this type of vehicles on Polish roads, so you can get the necessary elements for reconstruction without any problems. Buying such a model will help you in learning. You will learn:

• how to properly restore a motorcycle;
• how to assemble back and paint;
• how to get rid of rust. 

When you get your hands on some really vintage gear later on, you'll know what to do.

Old Motorcycles - Iconic Models Worth Buying

Are you wondering what old bikes to consider at the start of your monument adventure? A good choice would be the Honda CBX1000, which premiered in the late 70s. This is a really powerful motorcycle with over 100 horsepower. Despite this, the engine ran very smoothly right from the start. If you try hard, you can buy this bike for about 20-25 thousand zlotys. This is a really well built machine that should be functional and complete despite the years that have passed. So you can still find motorcycles in good condition. Their condition is not much different from the one in which they left the salon.

Old motorcycles from the 80s - BMW R80 G/S

What other classic two-wheeler can you buy? Sometimes the BMW R80 G/S from the 80s appears on the market. This is a 50 hp touring motorcycle. It was a pioneer in its category. What does BMW say about these engines? They are often not sold as antiques because they can still be used and are efficient vehicles for everyday driving. It shows how good their design is!

Old motorcycles - what standards do they have to meet to be considered historical?

Vintage motorcycles are those that differ not only in their age. If you want your car to have the so-called yellow plates, it must comply with several rules. Here are two of the three main things to look out for:

• must be over 25 years of age;
• production must have ceased at least 15 years ago. 

It's not a particularly restrictive requirement given that cars from the 80s are still widely refurbished. But that's not all. Such old motorcycles must have at least 75% original parts. Interestingly, the minimum age of a car in some provinces has been raised. This applies, for example, to Greater Poland or Silesia, where a motorcycle is considered a monument after the age of 30.

What to do if old motorcycles do not meet all the requirements?

Old motorcycles, especially those that have made history, do not have to meet all the basic requirements. Thus, yellow plates can also be obtained on a car that was associated with an important historical figure, for example, it belonged to the former president of the country. Such a designation may also be given to a motorcycle that is technically exceptional or successful in the sport. Factory restored motorcycles can also get yellow numbers. 

Vintage motorcycles - what do yellow numbers give?

Vintage motorcycles are supposed to be safe on the road. The owner is obliged to keep the vehicle in good condition. However, when a bike has yellow numbers, it does not need to pass an annual inspection. It is also important that the owner of such a motorcycle can only afford to buy temporary liability insurance. Old motorcycles usually spend the winter in the garage. If you drive them only in the summer, for example to participate in rallies and vintage car shows, you can only purchase liability insurance for that particular period.

Old motorcycles - documents required for vehicle registration

Register old bikes and get yellow ones number platesYou need to prepare a set documents. Among them must be documents confirming the ownership of the vehicle. This may be, for example, in the form of an inheritance or a contract of sale. A registration document will also be required, and if he has died in the meantime, a statement about his disappearance must be submitted. You will also need:

• the decision of the conservator to enter the vehicle in the register of monuments;
• owner's identity card;
• certificate of technical inspection of the vehicle;
• registration plates if the two-wheeled vehicle is already registered in our country.

Old motorcycles are indeed a very broad topic. Much more could be written about iconic models and the renovation itself. However, our article can be a good introduction for people who are just starting to get interested in vintage motorcycles. If you are going to hunt for one of the iconic two wheelers, we wish you patience and of course good luck!