What makes a bike collectible?

[gregp]

I am asking, because I have a line on a very nice 1982 CB1100F, and somebody told me that it was "a collectors bike". That got me to thinking about what makes a bike collectible. There are the older RD350's and 400's, which do not seem to be as collectible as the RZ 350's, and then there are the first CB750 KO's, that I know go for big money, and some GS1000's (Wes Cooley rep.) also seem to be collectible. So, what is it that makes these bikes so desirable? Is it only the limited numbers of production? I think that there were plenty of CB1100F's made, if that is the case...

[jbmass]

Is it all stock? Does it have all of it's documentation? Most important, is it a desirable bike? These are all important in owning a collectable. I considered my H1 and H2 Mach triples to be collectable, but no where near as much as the onslaught of phone calls from collectors I received when I posted them for sale together. If the demand is high than that should answer your question.

As to your model, I have no particular knowledge of that bike.

[gregp]

Apparently, this is a 1983 model, as that was the only year that they were available here (US). This particular bike is still held by its original owner, and is all original, except for the pipes, and a jetting kit. He says that he still has the stock pipes for it, and that they are in perfect condition. I went to look at the bike last year, and the paint is probably an 8 or 9 out of 10. I probably would not repaint it unless it started faking or I discover blemishes later on. Everything else was in great shape, with the exception of a stuck front brake caliper, and 2 flat tires. It has been sitting in his garage for many years, unridden. Being the original owner, he has all of the proper documentation, including the Title, and the owners manual. There is some corrosion on the all-black motor that would have to be dealt with, in order to bring this bike back to its proper glory. I have known this friend for over 40 years, and the bike is not officially for sale unless I want to buy it. He wants $1500 for it, and I think that is a fair price for this machine. With a tank flush, a carb cleaning, a new battery, new tires, and a few other minor procedures, this bike should start up and run just fine. I saw 2 or 3 of them in similar condition at last years Rice-O-Rama. This one is Red and White, although at least one of the others was Blue and White.

[dontpanic]

Collectible seems to mean that
1. I was your dream bike as a kid,
2. It was somewhat hard to obtain, and
3. Now you're all grown up and can afford to buy the bike you lusted after.

I think that's why old Mustangs and Camaros can go for big dollars. So:
1. Was it a lot of kids' dream bike at the time? Mebbee.
2. Was it hard to obtain? Nah.
3. Was it a great bike? Darn right. But it was one of many at that time, like the GS1100 and Katana 1100 from Suzuki; the FJ1100 and 1200 from Yamaha; and the GPZ 1100 from Kawi.

You've got a line on a great, 80s superbike. Buy it and ride the wheels off it!

[Expat]

I have a friend who specializes in theses 80's CB Hondas
I can put you in touch of you decide to go for it, he has one he restored.
They are desirable!

[joeswamp]

My opinion: Collectibility is the ratio of current desirability divided by the quantity currently available. Oftentimes vehicles aren't very desirable when new, which results in few produced. Then when the vehicle becomes desirable later on, it's hugely collectible because so few are available. The AC Cobra is the best example of this.

Not sure how desirable these CB1100s are, but it looks like not many were initially available because they were only sold here for a year. What's unique about them?

[Rossco]

Like others said, it depends on the condition/originality.

I'm quite fond of the older bikes, and I spend alot of time on Craigslist looking at them. You get a sense of what sells for decent money and what sells for scrap by usually aksing some of these questions:

Is the paint/decalwork stock and in good shape? Or has it caught the "hey flat-black Rust-oleum looks badass" bug?

Is the seat in good shape? Or is it ripped and patched together with duct tape?

Is the engine case in good shape with little to no scratches and oxidation? Or are half the cooling fins bent/sheared off?

Does the engine still have most of it's polished luster? Or has it caught the "Hey Rustoleum flat black BBQ paint looks badass!" bug?

Is it overall a stock bike? Or has it been chopped onto a cafe racer/bobber type?