By VJMC Member Ron Smith

I must admit that I am late comer to the world of collecting vintage Japanese motorcycles. Actually, the term "collector" does not truly apply to me. I'm more of an enthusiast who would love nothing better than hitting the LOTTO just to become ..... a serious, bonafide "collector". Let's face it, I'm just a WANABEE. But, I digress from the purpose of this writing.

Let me provide some background as to how I came to this treatise. My enthusiasm for acquiring vintage Japanese motorcycles began quite simply . It started with the acquisition of one & then a second S90. Neither was much more expensive than a tired beach cruiser (the first) or a very tired automobile (the second). Both were ultimately used (cannibalized and subsequently combined) to become my first restoration project, which is now a gorgeous black 1965 S90 that adorns the local Club collection at the San Diego Automotive Museum.

Those initial acquisitions and subsequent restoration has been followed by many additional bikes (all Honda's). Some are future restoration projects, a few are fine examples of original condition machines, and some are yet just figments of my imagination. My spouse closely monitors the latter category.

As I continue to look for (covet) and determine which additional vintage Japanese motorcycles to acquire, I often ask myself "what makes a bike COLLECTIBLE?" I have had this conversation with "Mr. Honda" Bill Silver, several good friends (Scott S. and Gary T.), and even my own psyche. I have even asked myself what I consider the next logical question: "What will become collectible"? (Certainly, there can be nothing better in motorcycle nirvana than knowing the answer to the latter).

To these great mysteries, which I am certain that all collectors, enthusiasts and WANNABEES (like me) have pondered, I have developed a theory .... or ..... Treatise on "Collectibility" (latter sounds much better than hunch, guesstimate, etc.). It goes like ......

I have observed that collectibility, and likewise pricing, of vintage Japanese motorcycles correlates to the current group of collectors who have the disposable income and the inclination to spend it on ..... vintage Japanese machines. I also believe that collectors are segregated into "generational" groups. As one generation of collectors (who previously owned or lusted over these bikes as kids) moves beyond the collecting phase, the next generation (& their likes and favorites) replaces them. And, as goes my theory, the next generation of motorcycles replaces the previous as collectible.

To back up my theory, I have noted that the "collectibility" of the early CA/CB/CL 72/77's appears to be somewhat on the wane. That means the next generation of bikes (CB/CL 350's) should be NEXT on the collectible horizon. As to what will then become the "next" collectible, I suggest the CB500/550 Fours. Just keep that thought in mind as you consider what may or may not be a reasonable price for an early "mint" 500/550 Four.

There are always exceptions to this theory. I offer the collectibility of the CB92 and CL72, which could be considered bikes of an earlier generation of collectors. That then becomes premise 1a of my theory: "Low number production, popular bikes of any generation can and do become classics, and thereby, highly collectible". I also propose that there is an "upper crust" of the collectible classics (premise 1b?) ...... the limited production racers, both of the street and off road variant. Certainly, no one can contend that the CR93, CR110 and incredibly coveted multi-cylinder road racers of the 1960's, are nothing short of the ultimate collectibles. Just keep that thought in mind the next time you run across an RC30 or RC45 that is for sale. Hmmm, isn't Honda introducing the RC51, a limited production, fuel injected V-twin superbike this coming spring (in April, 2000)?

If my treatise, including premise 1b, is in fact true, should I (you) perhaps contemplate putting a deposit on one of the 1000cc RC51 "Duc-hunters"?? Only time and some currency-courage will tell if my "hunch" (and corresponding sub-premises) are valid.

Ron A. Smith
San Diego, CA.

(P.S. - The author is considering validation of his theory on an RC51)

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