Written by Laura | Updated 11th June 2021
Motorcycles can be a lucrative investment, but where do you begin? With every new release hailed as an “instant classic” it can be difficult to parse the 1988 BMW K1 from the 1995 Ducati 916. Our motorcycle experts Davide Marelli and John Searle are here to share the motorcycles that are destined to become future classics.
Yamaha XTZ 600 Ténéré
A real off-road classic with a simple concept, beautiful execution and a great history: the Yamaha XTZ 600 cc Ténéré rides just like you’re in Dakar. The models to invest in are the ones from between 1984 and 1988 with the high mudguards, single headlights and typical Yamaha colour schemes at the time: blue with white and yellow or white with red. Our experts expect the value of this model to increase by around 146% over the next ten years.
Yamaha XTZ 600 Ténéré
Suzuki GSX1100 Katana
Making its first appearance in the 80s, the Suzuki GSX1100 Katana is a motorcycle that speaks to the imagination. There were various versions of the Katana, but the 1100 remains the most evocative model. Suzuki built other versions in the same style with the same name, but the original is the best investment. Our experts expect the value of this model to increase by around 176% over the next ten years.
Honda CBR900RR Fireblade 1992
The Honda CBR900RR Fireblade 1992 reshaped the landscape of motorsports; much as the CB750 did 23 years earlier. Our experts recommend investing in a Fireblade in original condition to save money in the long run. Because Honda only makes parts available for 20 years, any parts that need replacing will only become more difficult to find and more expensive. Our experts expect the value of this model to increase by around 176% over the next ten years.
BMW R80 GS
The BMW 1980 R80GS is the archetypal model of the GS series and it is still one of the best selling motorcycle series in the world. This is a smart investment because the value of an early model has more than doubled in recent years and our experts say that this will only increase further. Our experts expect the value of this model to increase by around 187% over the next ten years.
Honda CB1100RD 1983
Many people would say that the CB1100RD 1983 is not the most beautiful bike Honda has ever made, but it was one of the first superbikes. Whether you like it’s looks or not, the Honda CB1100RD 1983 is a shining example of what the one-litre CB series meant. Our experts expect the value of this model to increase by around 187% over the next ten years.
Honda CB1100RD 1983
Yamaha YZF-R1 1998
One of Yamaha’s biggest milestones when it comes to motorsports was the launch of the YZF-R1 in 1998. Following this launch it took several years for Yamaha’s competitors to catch up. Even today the design feels quite contemporary. When investing in one of these models, it’s important to look for one with original windows, indicators and exhaust. Additionally try to find one with less than 50,000 km, anything above that will only decrease the value. Our experts expect the value of this model to increase by around 205% over the next ten years.
Kawasaki ZXR 750R
The exclusive R version of the Kawasaki ZXR was perhaps not one of the faster motorcycles of its generation, but it is one of the best 750 cc sports motorcycles. This race-oriented version has the most potential to increase in value compared to other ZXR models. Our experts expect the value of this model to increase by around 210% over the next ten years.
Ducati 900 Supersport
A Ducati on the verge of becoming a classic is the 900 Supersport. Although there were other models aimed at the overseas markets, the 900 has the most potential for becoming a classic and increasing in value. Our experts expect the value of this model to increase by around 214% over the next ten years.
Triumph Speed Triple 1994
Back in 1994 the Triumph Speed Triple was intriguing and imposing, and still casts a long shadow today. Copies are emerging thanks to the revival of the café racers and streetfighters, but nothing beats the original. The liquid-cooled 885 cc 3-cylinder T309 was the only version of this motorcycle with carburetors. In 1996, Triumph introduced fuel injection in the T509, but the original version is the one to invest in. Our experts expect the value of this model to increase by around 225% over the next ten years.
____________________
Are you looking to invest or cash in your investment? Check out our classic motorcycle auctions or register as a seller with Catawiki.
Discover more Classic Motorcycles | Motorcycle Barn Finds
You might also like:
Trend report: what's happening in the classic car market?
The enduring popularity of SEAT’s classic cars
A history of Mercedes-Benz in three cars