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Roaring single-cylinder or whispering four-cylinder.

Plus a lot of chrome and little plastic.

Historic motorcycles still have their charm today.

But as beautiful as the old sheet metal looks, very few two-wheeled oldies drive without any problems.

And there are other things to consider as well.

Thorsten Rechtien recommends taking an expert with you who is familiar with the model or classic machines.

For the expert at Tüv Rheinland, the overall impression is what counts, i.e. what condition the machine is in: "Flash rust or small rust spots are not bad, but a warped frame, a defective engine or missing parts are."

Old-timer motorcycle: Wouldn't it be a complete renovation?

Historic two-wheelers do not have typical weak points, but if they are not used for a long time, defects can occur in the carburetor, tires, wheels, brakes and in the tank.

In contrast to oldtimers with four wheels, a stamped maintenance booklet is less of a purchase decision for oldie bikes.

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"Interested parties should rather take a look at the seller's environment and pay attention to how the machine has been maintained, serviced, converted or restored," says Klaus Herder.

A moderate patina is more in demand than over-restoration.

“Is the machine original?

Or is that indifferent to the interested party? ”, The editor of the magazine“ Motorrad ”mentions other aspects.

With modified machines, some parts such as tanks or trim parts may no longer be available for purchase.

Practical when you can lend a hand in the care and maintenance of your old motorcycle

Source: dpa-tmn

Right would refrain from total renovations, as it would reduce the value in the event of a possible resale.

“But if the original parts are included when you buy, there is nothing to be said against a conversion.

Provided that all technical changes are registered. "

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According to Tüv Rheinland, what counts for a possible classic car appraisal is as original a condition as possible or up-to-date accessories.

Owners can apply for an appraisal report regardless of whether they are registered with the classic car.

Take a flashlight with you on a motorcycle tour

In the case of historical machines, it is essential to look into the tank with a flashlight.

If it rusts from the inside, it can damage the carburetor and engine via the fuel.

Old, hardened, porous and cracked tires should be exchanged directly.

A test drive is essential.

Rechtin sees a big difference in the driving behavior of historical machines: “Old machines often have weak drum brakes.

Pilots should therefore be proactive and take into account the current technical condition when driving. "

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Interested parties should be aware that historical machines cannot be compared with current motorcycles in terms of assistance systems and braking performance.

With up-to-date tires and serviced brakes, pilots do not drive unsafe on machines from the 1970s or 1980s, says Oliver Runschke.

The ADAC spokesman for motorsport and classic cars advises you to think carefully about how you want to use the machine before buying: whether for a long tour or just for short weekend trips.

Old motorcycles are unreasonable

Old motorcycles are a bit unreasonable per se.

“It's also about the fact that owners are happy to see their dream motorcycle in the garage,” says Klaus Herder.

"If prospective customers dream of a Honda CB 750 Four, they should also buy this model and not the smaller machine," says the editor of the "Motorrad" magazine.

“Machines built in the 1970s are mostly fun to drive.

With the Japanese superbikes, motorcycles became sportier, and they still ride well today with the latest tires, ”says Klaus Herder.

Models like Honda CB 750 Four, Kawasaki 750 H2 or Suzuki GT 750 have long since ceased to be an insider tip and are therefore relatively expensive.

The Honda CB 750 Four is the first mass-produced motorcycle with a four-cylinder in-line engine

Source: dpa-tmn

Classic machines from 1950 onwards from NSU, Horex or DKW are becoming cheaper because demand is falling due to the target group.

There are enough spare parts for an NSU Max and machines are available for around 4,000 euros.

British café racers like those from AJS, Matchless or Triumph, on the other hand, are more expensive and the supply of spare parts is a bit more difficult.

BMW full swing models such as the R 60 (from 1955) offer a good chassis and an extensive supply of parts.

But the boxer models usually cost over 10,000 euros.

A few cheap tips for beginners

The GDR single-cylinder two-stroke MZ ES 175 (from 1957) and ES 250, on the other hand, are still relatively cheap.

"Today's underrated models are the BMW R 45 and R 65 from 1978, both of which drive well and reliably with the latest tires and do not cost much," says Herder.

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But machines from the 80s such as the Yamaha XS 400, Honda CX 500 or the two-stroke Yamaha RD 250 and RD 350 would offer a lot of driving fun for comparatively little money.

Those interested will find the K-series from 1983 built by BMW as K 100 or K 75 in good condition for little money.

The K1 sports machine, which was moderately successful in her active time, was a bit more expensive.

With the K 100, BMW dispensed with air-cooled boxer engines in the early 80s and relied on water cooling

Source: dpa-tmn

According to the expert, Harley-Davidson Sportsters from 1985 onwards are just as interesting as the MZ / MuZ 660 Scorpion with a Yamaha engine from the early 1990s.

The Trident 750/900, Trophy 900/1200, Daytona 750/1000 or early Sprint and Tiger (from 1993) motorcycles from the British brand Triumph are now almost 30 years old and are a tip for future classics.

But also the tubular frame models from the US company Buell (from 1997) such as the S1, S3, M2 or X1 are great motorcycles according to Herder.

What happens after you buy a motorcycle

With extensive research on the Internet, at clubs or in specialist books about the respective model, differences can be quickly identified.

"Before making a purchase, interested parties should read the machine thoroughly and ask for tips at clubs or in forums," says Herder.

A dry parking space in a garage or hall is decisive for the later purchase.

Temperature fluctuations such as under a carport can damage an old machine.

"Technical understanding and a feel for technology are usually sufficient to operate a historical motorcycle," says Herder.

"Owners do not have to be hardcore screwdrivers, but at least know a specialist for their machine and a reliable source of spare parts."

"Water buffalo": The Suzuki GT 750 got this nickname from the 70s because of its large-volume, water-cooled two-stroke engine, which already gave a good boost from the low revs

Source: dpa-tmn