06-09-12, 06:11 PM
In my view although I personally would not like to own a particular bike, nor even find it attractive, it can still be considered a classic by others for a multitude of reasons. It's a question of perspective. For me the things to look for are innovative design, ground breaking or quirky technology, or if all else fails downright simple rarity make them so. For this reason I think the Yamaha GTS of the early 90's with it's front wheel steering is a classic but no one else appears to think so, nor did they find the Suzuki RE5 rotary one until recently.
Nostalgia also has a bearing on a vehicle gaining the classic tag, or perhaps it's a bike that defined an era - which is why the FS1 -E, RD350LC, or the original CB750 are included. Look at a Honda CB750 K a few years ago and they were considered as dull as ditchwater, but look at them as the ground breaking first Japanese inline four of 1969 and they're a classic. Same bike, different perspective.
Nostalgia also has a bearing on a vehicle gaining the classic tag, or perhaps it's a bike that defined an era - which is why the FS1 -E, RD350LC, or the original CB750 are included. Look at a Honda CB750 K a few years ago and they were considered as dull as ditchwater, but look at them as the ground breaking first Japanese inline four of 1969 and they're a classic. Same bike, different perspective.