owner of a Honda 305 CB77, or CB750. There
are current models that after the passing
of another thirteen years may be edging
towards that most prized title as well.
Some of the motorcycles that have graced
the pages of Kiwi Rider over the last thirteen
years are either on the scrap heap, being
polished and pampered for the next classic
sale, or being prepared for the next gathering,
be it a race meeting or an exhibition of
rare and desirable classic motorcycles. The
following is a selection of the beauties that
have graced these column pages during
those thirteen years. It is not meant to be
a ‘best of’, but simply a random selection.
When the column began in 2007, there was
a noticeable tendency to anoint British
bikes with the title of classic. This was not
an editorial decision, more a response to
readers who either offered bikes for photos,
or simply expressed their opinions on what
constitutes a classic machine. The very first
was a Triumph Tiger 100, followed by a Mac
Velocette, BSA B31, and Norton Model 18.
Six months into the year, however, came the
first Japanese classic, the widely celebrated
Honda CB750. The weather was about to change.
As 2009 and 2010 came around we had a
Kawasaki ZXR400, Yamaha XS1100, and Suzuki
GS1000 joining the already growing ranks of
Japanese classics. By 2012 and 2013 change
was rampant. Ken McIntosh brought us,
Yamaha XS1100 1978 BSA Bantam 2-stroke single 1963
BSA-Triumph triple race bike 1970s Francis-Barnet 1956 Cruiser
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