Will a classic of my generation be a classic for my son's generation?

developer

developer

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I read lots online about classics of our time becoming irrelevant to the next generation, as they won't have the same nostalgic attachment to them as they do to us.

It's therefore suggested that if, in the future, they're no longer a classic, then they won't hold their value.

To provide some context, I'm contemplating buying an RC30 (which I appreciate isn't a typical motorcycle), well in excess of £30K - I'll ride it, but not very often, and eventually (let's say in about 20 years) it will belong to my son.

What do the panel think - am I being unwise?
 
developer said:
I read lots online about classics of our time becoming irrelevant to the next generation, as they won't have the same nostalgic attachment to them as they do to us.

It's therefore suggested that if, in the future, they're no longer a classic, then they won't hold their value.

To provide some context, I'm contemplating buying an RC30 (which I appreciate isn't a typical motorcycle), well in excess of £30K - I'll ride it, but not very often, and eventually (let's say in about 20 years) it will belong to my son.

What do the panel think - am I being unwise?
Click to expand...
You're a long time dead,I really don't think that the RC will ever lose money over the years due to its almost mythical racing heritage.
Old British bikes are dropping in value as people who craved them get too old to ride them/die off.
Dare I say it that my lovely little kettle will drop in value as the years go by and my generation get older/die but that's how it goes.
I'm pretty certain you'll be ok with the Honda.
 
developer said:
What do the panel think - am I being unwise?
Click to expand...

do what suits you, don't worry about his inheritance, but I don't agree with Bravo. I think most classic vehicles including an RC30 will tank in value, unless it is one with a specific provenance such as setting the Isle of Man lap record.

my son is 34. He has no interest in engines and has not even passed a driving test (his partner drives and she has just bought a new Hyundai). He collects vinyl records and weird bourbon. He seems to have ear buds in 24/7 so I doubt he actually listens to the vinyl, although I did contribute to buying a record deck for his 30th birthday.
 
FWIW
The DVLA will easily transfer vehicle ownership to an offspring with a letter and proof of your passing.
 
wessie said:
do what suits you, don't worry about his inheritance, but I don't agree with Bravo. I think most classic vehicles including an RC30 will tank in value, unless it is one with a specific provenance such as setting the Isle of Man lap record.
Click to expand...
I agree

I sold a 59 DBD34 to a dealer just before the arse fell out of the 'classic' market

I sold an 888 SP5 to another dealer who had it 18 months and lost around £8k on it

I'm a fucking Jinx :D
 
I think it’s generational….

My old man’s ‘34 and ‘37 Nortons are awesome family heirlooms, my brother has them and his own ‘58 Norton and I admire the bikes, I’m happy with the pictures I have because of the sentiment with them.

Like leadfarmer I hanker after 80’s & 90’s bikes more.

@developer you can leave your RC30 to me, purrrlease.
 
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wessie said:
do what suits you, don't worry about his inheritance, but I don't agree with Bravo. I think most classic vehicles including an RC30 will tank in value, unless it is one with a specific provenance such as setting the Isle of Man lap record.

my son is 34. He has no interest in engines and has not even passed a driving test (his partner drives and she has just bought a new Hyundai). He collects vinyl records and weird bourbon. He seems to have ear buds in 24/7 so I doubt he actually listens to the vinyl, although I did contribute to buying a record deck for his 30th birthday.
Click to expand...
Similar to mine - although he does drive an old banger
No interest in cars except to go from AtoB and no mechanical aptitude
Had off-road bikes as a kid - but not really interested now at all, never ridden on the roads
All his mates in their 20’s are the same and have no interest in old vehicles whatsoever and even less interest in motorcycles
 
leadfarmer said:
No

An RC30 means something to me as does an OW01, because of my age, I lust after RDs and RGs, GSXRs, Fireblades and FZR Genesis

But a Golstar or a Triton doesn’t have the same effect, that was my dad’s generation

Classics are definitely age related
Click to expand...
This ^^^^^

I have no knowledge and zero interest in old British bikes whatsoever
Jap bikes from the ‘70’s ….yes (but best left in the 1970’s, as they haven’t improved with age)
Definitely age related
 
Don't listen to the Debbie Downers,bloody buy it.
In my case the kettle is already dropping in value as the market is being flooded with imports from the USA,luckily I didn't buy it as an investment just to ride and have fun on.
The RC30 didn't have a huge production run and there ain't that many about that haven't been raced and probably crashed so yours won't drop in value,make sure your Son knows the value of it so he never sells it cheap.
It'll will always be worth a lot of money to someone and that someone will be prepared to pay it.

I look forward to seeing photos of the bike and you grinning like a Cheshire Cat after you've bought it.
 
What does your son think ? Does he want it in 10,20,30 yrs or will it be a bit of weight round his neck?
 
You only have to look at what were collectible classics 10 years ago to see how values have dropped. Its a generational thing - the wants/desires of the previous generations, don't roll over as much as they did and its a much smaller network of people who want these Vehicles.
Unless it is a rare/sought after item which collectors go after it'll lose money.

So buy what you want, because you want it and don't look at the value and expect it to do anything but lose it.
 
At the weekend I was talking to a guy who bought a couple of Velocettes at a bargain price a few years ago, recently tried to sell them and he cant give them away.

If you love the bike and want it buy it and enjoy it
 
I remember back in the 90's when they were selling them off and read a review on them. As you know it's effectively a race bike with lights and indicators as they were built as a homologation for WSB. As I had a VFR750 at the time I lusted after one but gaving read a review decided not to get one as it would be rather impractical on the road with its close ratio gear box. If you want one just to scratch an itch then fine, but if you're thinking it'll be an investment then you've likely missed the boat on that one and based on what I've seen on the likes of Bangers and Cash you'll probably loose (quite a bit of) money on it and as has already been said will your son be interested in it
Have you seen this review?

www.bennetts.co.uk

Honda VFR750R RC30 (1988-1990) - Review & Buying Guide

Built to win WSB, Honda’s VFR750R RC30 was a road going version of the TT-F1 RVF750. Values, what to look for, best model to buy
www.bennetts.co.uk
 
Thanks for all your replies guys (y)

I think an RC30 isn't a "typical" 80's/90's bike - not from the mainstream if you like - having already achieved cult status, reflected in the asking prices north of £30K for a good one.
My view is that there will always be a market for stuff like this, which will only become more rare over time.

You raise an interesting point about if my lad will want what I'm planning to leave him (he's already gonna get the 1100R and the H2 :DD)

It would be nice to think there will be value for him when I'm gone, however, it isn't the reason for me looking to buy one - they are just so desirable (in my eyes) (y)
 
developer said:
I read lots online about classics of our time becoming irrelevant to the next generation, as they won't have the same nostalgic attachment to them as they do to us.

It's therefore suggested that if, in the future, they're no longer a classic, then they won't hold their value.

To provide some context, I'm contemplating buying an RC30 (which I appreciate isn't a typical motorcycle), well in excess of £30K - I'll ride it, but not very often, and eventually (let's say in about 20 years) it will belong to my son.

What do the panel think - am I being unwise?
Click to expand...
Having ridden an RC30 first and foremost buy it for your enjoyment and then let time decide it's worth or investment for your son.
 
developer said:
What do the panel think - am I being unwise?
Click to expand...

There is no inheritance tax on vehicles, which is a plus point. That though might not be relevant.

As to future value? Good luck guessing that one. Today’s value for a mint (and unfecked around *) RC30 is roughly £25,000 to £30,000 which is already nearly a 20% swing. Even if it halves, the fellow would be looking at a ‘free’ twelve to fifteen thousand, less the inflationary loss, which won’t manifest itself on his books, as he won’t own it apparently, until you sort of snuff it. Not bad, for zero work on his part. If it goes up, great.

If though you want to just buy one for yourself to enjoy over the next 20 or so years, just do it and stop using the inheritance thing as an excuse or strange justification….. though by all means tell your wife, they believe anything…. Or at least they pretend to.

Me? I’d buy it if I really wanted it, fairly sure that if, sometime over the next 20 years, I needed to or wanted to sell it, I’d be able to. The gain / loss would be whatever it was on the day. Nobody can predict the future; maybe you’ll really value the £20,000 or £35,000 the thing produces in 2035 more than the lump of plastic and metal…. And your son will never get it at all.


* It took me four or more years to find the one I owned, so be patient.

PS You’ll need a will or it’ll just be lumped into your estate, all be it with zero tax implications.
 
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