Collectors Are Loving These Vintage Motorcycles: Let the Buying Wars Begin
Collectors pursue vintage motorcycles for their distinctive style, rich history, and the thrill of owning a rare and iconic bike. Many of these classics never go out of style, and some are so rare that demand continues to rise. Let’s take a look at 35 iconic motorcycles that enthusiasts are eager to own.
1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead
The Knucklehead put Harley-Davidson on the map. The engine was groundbreaking at the time, and collectors loved its raw style. It’s not just a motorcycle - it’s a piece of Harley history that screams old-school cool. Collectors still chase them for that vibe today.
1951 Vincent Black Shadow
The Vincent Black Shadow was the fastest bike of its time. It looked incredibly mean. Its blacked-out engine gave it performance that was way ahead of its time. Now, collectors chase them because they’re rare, powerful, and still one of the most iconic bikes ever built.
1969 Honda CB750
This is the Honda that changed everything. It was affordable, reliable, and powerful, and it was the first true “superbike.” It had what most bikes didn’t - four cylinders and disc brakes. If you want history and rideability, the CB750 is a must for your collection.
1957 Harley-Davidson Sportster
The Sportster was Harley’s hot rod bike. And the 1957 model kicked off a line that still exists today. It was light, fast, and fun to ride. Today, collectors want the early models because they capture Harley’s rebellious spirit perfectly.
1973 Kawasaki Z1 900
The Z1 was Kawasaki’s answer to Honda’s CB750. It had a big, powerful engine that blew people away in the ‘70s. It’s one of those bikes that still feels special today, and collectors love its mix of speed and style.
1950 Triumph Thunderbird 6T
Triumph’s Thunderbird was all about classic British style and smooth performance. It had a cool name, a tough look, and great handling. The fact that Marlon Brando rode one in The Wild One made it even more legendary. Collectors love that movie-star appeal.
1969 BSA Rocket 3
The Rocket 3 was BSA’s attempt to keep up with the superbikes. It was bold and different, and that’s what collectors love. BSA didn’t last, but the Rocket 3 is still a hot collector's item that stands out as a rare gem in the motorcycle world.
1957 BMW R90S
This bike was BMW breaking out of its comfort zone. The R90S has bright paint and real speed. Yes, it was a café race, but it had that German precision that collectors love because it’s reliable. This was the bike that proved BMW could be exciting and not just practical.
1948 Indian Chief
Collectors practically climb over each other to get their hands on the 1948 Indian Chief. Why? Because it’s pure American muscle on two wheels. It also had big fenders and a smooth V-twin engine that was built for the open road.
1971 Norton Commando
Norton’s Commando had it all - looks, speed, and handling that riders loved. It was one of the best British bikes of its era, and it won awards for its performance. Collectors compete for them today because they’re iconic and represent the golden age of Norton before it faded away.
1974 Ducati 750 Super Sport
The Ducati Super Sport was born to race. It had Italian flair written all over it. It’s the kind of bike you didn’t just park - you displayed it like a piece of fine art. Now, collectors love it because it’s rare and tied to Ducati’s racing heritage.
1962 Matchless G12
The Matchless name says it all - this bike was built to stand out. The G12 has incredible engineering and a reputation for being tough. It reminded collectors of Britain’s once-booming motorcycle industry. Yes, they’re not as flashy as Triumphs, but they’re rare.
1969 Honda Z50 Mini Trail
Honda’s tiny Z50 is tiny but fun. It wasn’t built for speed but for play, and people loved it. Today, they remind everyone of childhood rides and backyard adventures. The Z50 is proof that sometimes the smallest bikes make the biggest memories.
1991 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide
The Electra Glide was Harley’s big touring bike. And it brought an electric start to the lineup. Collectors today want early versions because they mix classic looks with more modern features. It’s the Harley icon that started a new chapter in touring.
1958 Ariel Square Four
Ariel’s Square Four had a unique four-cylinder engine that made it stand out from other bikes in the ‘60s. It was smooth and powerful, and had clever engineering. Collectors love it because it’s a bike that shows off Britain's creativity in motorcycle design and creation.
1972 Kawasaki H2 Mach IV
This Kawasaki was nicknamed “the Widowmaker” for a reason. It was insanely fast, and it had a two-stroke engine that demanded respect from riders. It’s rare, wild, and unforgettable, and that’s why collectors still chase it today. With this bike, it’s all about speed.
1954 BMW R68
BMW’s R68 could hit 100mph with ease. This bike was rare and high-performance. It also represented BMW’s push into faster, sportier bikes. Now, collectors love it because it’s scarce, beautiful, and more powerful than you’d think it is when you look at it.
1971 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport
The V7 Sport gave Moto Guzzi its sporty reputation. But it’s the bike’s looks that collectors love. Add in a unique engine layout and great handling, and you have one of the world’s most desirable vintage Italian motorcycles anyone has ever seen.
1978 Suzuki GS1000
Suzuki showed the world it could build superbikes when it released the GS1000. It was reliable, fast, and ready to take on anything Honda or Kawasaki made. Collectors love it because it’s tough, and a very big part of the superbike wars of the late ‘70s.
1952 BSA Gold Star
The Gold Star was built for two things: speed and racing. It dominated tracks and road races and became a symbol of British racing glory. Each one feels like a race bike with a license plate, which makes them incredibly special collector’s items.
1964 Honda CB77 Super Hawk
The Super Hawk was one of Honda’s first real sport bikes. It showed the world that Honda wasn’t just about cheap, small bikes. Today, collectors love it because it has a twin-cylinder engine and reliable performance. This bike never says die.
1970 Triumph Bonneville T120
Triumph’s Bonneville is a legend in the motorcycle world, and for good reason. The 1970 T120 is one of its best versions and has a powerful twin engine and a reputation for being cool. They’re still one of the most famous British bikes ever built.
1970 Velocette Thruxton
Collectors chase the Velocette Thruxton because it’s rare and tied to racing history. It’s a bike that combines performance with serious vintage charm. The Thruxton was built for racing, and looked the part with sleek lines and a fast single-cylinder engine.
1975 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing
Honda released the GL1000 Gold Wing in 1975, changing the game for touring bikes across the world. It was big, smooth, and designed for comfort on those long rides. Collectors are always looking out for the Gold Wing because it’s like a luxury couch on wheels.
1959 Ducati 125 Sport
Ducati has always made incredible bikes. And the 125 Sport was no different. It was small, but mighty, and packed a punchy little engine that made it fun to ride. This bike shows Ducati’s true roots and is a hot collector’s item today.
1940 Indian Four
Ever wondered where the Indian Four got its name? It might have something to do with the smooth four-cylinder engine. It was expensive and rare even when it was new, which makes it a collector’s dream now. Some even call it one of the most beautiful American bikes ever made.
1973 Harley-Davidson XR750
Harley’s XR750 was built for racing. And, boy, was it a flat track legend. Fast forward a few generations, and collectors still chase it not only for its record-breaking history, but also its link to Evil Knievel. Imagine owning a bike that’s the epitome of daredevil culture!
1969 Benelli 750 Sei
The 750 Sei shocked everyone with a whopping six cylinders in the late ‘60s. It sounded amazing and showed off some serious Italian style. It proved Benelli wasn’t afraid to take risks in both design and performance. It’s a collector’s must-have.
1979 Yamaha XS650
Yamaha’s XS650 was reliable, smooth, and simple. It became the bike to have for everyday riders and custom builders. Collectors love it now because it still offers that vintage styling and great performance. It also doesn’t have a sky-high price tag.
1957 NSU Sportmax
The NSU Sportmax was built for one reason - winning races. To achieve this, it had a lightweight frame and a single-cylinder engine. But, make no mistake, this bike was anything but slow. Today, it’s historic and rare and a real racer’s dream.
1974 Laverda 750 SFC
The Laverda 750 SFC was pretty hard to miss with its bright orange bodywork. It stood out on the track and quickly earned legendary status. It was bold, fast, and unmistakably Italian. Collectors will do anything to get their hands on this superbike that still demands attention decades later.
1962 Norton Manx
Norton’s Manx dominated the Isle of Man TT. It had a lasting reputation as one of the greatest race bikes. Its speed, handling, and history are one of the biggest drawcards for collectors. It represents pure motorcycle racing tradition now.
1969 Husqvarna 400 Cross
The Husqvarna 400 Cross became famous thanks to riders like Steve McQueen. It was built for those serious off-road adventures, and everyone who rode it loved it. It has an excellent motocross and Hollywood pedigree with vintage style and dirt in its DNA. What a combination!
1975 MV Augusta 750S America
The 750S America was one of MV Augusta’s crown jewels. It was rare, fast, and packed with Italian flair - everything a good bike should be. It stood out as exotic and beautiful. Today, collectors want it because it blends racing heritage with pure style.
1971 Harley-Davidson FX Super Glide
The FX Super Glide was Harley-Davidson’s first real factory custom bike. And, boy, it was a beauty! It blended a touring frame with Sportster looks, creating a whole new style that collectors pay big money for today if they can find one.
