If you hanker for a bike that won't depreciate and you can fix-up or fettle yourself then you're best looking at old bikes that haven't yet acquired the 'classic' title.
You're probably also looking at a bike that'll cost under two grand, has carbs (none of this expensive and complicated fuel injection, thank you) and will still induce a grin of anticipation when you pull open the garage door.
The choice is pretty impressive. Here's ten bikes that fit our bill. Are these the next classics?
Suzuki GSX-R750 WT
We sniffed out a 20,000 mile '96 model that looked well cared for for just £1250 on Bike Trader. The beam-framed WT is still a hoot for track days and even if it barrel rolls through the gravel trap on the exit of Paddock Bend, you're not going to be too upset as eBay has all the parts you need to repair it...
Yamaha FZ750
Yamaha's five-valved 750 is a sweet motor and to the cash strapped biker, a torquey, flexible, powerful 600 alternative. How about a nice late model J-plate example for £995? Why not Superstock it with some 17in racing mag wheels, a rattle can Loctite paint job and Lockheed/Brembo brakes?
Cagiva Mito
One of the prettiest bikes around (still), Cagiva's little 125 two-stroke will make a very lively 30bhp with not much work. They may take a lot of TLC to keep in tip-top condition but riding round the outside of people down Craner Curves makes up for it. £1295 buys you a '99 V-reg model with an Arrow pipe and 14,000 miles on the clock.
Kawasaki ZXR750
How can you not fall for those Hoover pipe air intakes, even if they are a fake? Rock solid suspension, enough power to terrify yourself and we found a few tatty examples for under a grand. Could this be your first 'classic' restoration piece? Send us your pics as a before and after, please...
Kawasaki ZZ-R1100
We rode Triumph's new Sprint GT a few months ago and it was amazing how much it felt like a ZZ-R1100. Then we looked at the specs back-to-back. The ZZ-R1100 was lighter, more powerful and much, much faster. The cost of retro-progress? £1795 buys you a really tidy ZZ-R on an S-plate with 29,000 miles under its sturdy belt. 175mph top speed here we come...
...and here's another five
Ducati Monster
The bike that saved Ducati's financial skin is worthy of attention. The Monster introduced new people and new sales to the brand by offering super-cool looks and an affordable price tag. The first 600s may feel a bit wheezy by today's standards but with so much part interchangeability, tuning for more grunt is a blank canvas. And when you can pick one up for under a grand an early Monster is definitely worth a shufty...
Honda CR500
The perfect cure for constipation. Honda's CR500 may not be road legal but pound-for-pound you will not swing your leg over anything as vicious in this lifetime. If you're feeling brave and live near a big field, these nasty bustards can be picked up for as little as £400. £2000 buys you a minter - and probably a broken tib and fib.
Suzuki 1200 Bandit
Often overlooked. Wrongly. An awesome, unburstable engine with probably more tuning potential than most. We spotted a sweet 1200 Bandit for just £1600. Sensible previous owner has fitted a rack, gel seat, heated grips and a chain oiler. Judging by that spec list, it's probably never been thrashed.
Aprilia RS250
We're nearly too late with Aprilia's beautiful RS250 V-twin two-stroke. Dealers have started to clock onto their potential 'classic' status but, privately, you can still get a respectable and well cared for RS for under £2,000. That's a whole lot of powerband rush for the money. Before buying you should stock up on top end gaskets, pistons and rings, little ends and plugs. You'll also be needing a lot of very expensive synthetic two-stroke oil. And probably RAC breakdown cover...
Honda Africa Twin
This list wouldn't be complete without at least one left-field adventure bike. Honda's Africa twin seems to be attracting the chancers who already think it's a classic. It isn't, don't be fooled. Prices vary massively as a result. One seller thought his 98 model was worth £2,000, another £6,000. Which one would you ring up about?
