Classic or not

[esspee51]

I have a question that I would like an answer or opinion on. How do you find out if a motorcycle is considered a classic.
I own a 1979 XS1100 Special and was told by a freind it is a classic and another freind said it is not. Who is right.

[Jerry]

I own a 1979 XS1100 Special and was told by a freind it is a classic and another freind said it is not. Who is right.

Answer: It depends.

In the automobile world. Classic (capital C) is defined by the Classic Car Club of America. www.clasiccarclub.org. To bad they don't do motorcycles.

From a motorcycle insurance page:

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What are classic and vintage motorcycles?

The terms "classic" and "vintage" (and "antique") are often used interchangeably, and their exact meaning can vary.

In general, if a motorcycle is over a certain age, it is considered classic and/or vintage. (For example, one insurer defines vintage as over 30 years of age, while the Antique Motorcycle Club of America defines antique as any motorcycle 35 years or older.)

More specifically, vintage refers to the year of production. On the other hand, classic can imply a standard-setting model. (The old Knucklehead Harleys, for instance.)

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So, if you have a '78, next year it will be "vintage" and in 2013 it will be 'antique'. If you think the XS11 is a "standard setting model" you can call it a classic (small c). A Classic (capital C) designation is reserved for autos designated as Classic by the CCCOA. There is no group that classifies motorcycles the same way.

[Jerry]

Sorry, mis-typed the Classic Car Club of America link. Should be:
http://www.classiccarclub.org/

[esspee51]

Classic or not

Thanks for the info, I appreciate it.

[79XS11F]

The 1978 standard model is a classic being the first over 1 liter bike from japan. The XS1100 is considered by popular biking mags to be one of the all time classic muscle bikes of the 70s. it is considered to be one of the top 10 best bikes every built. We of course think it the best ever built.
Rob

[esspee51]

I'd have to agree thibike is fast, and comfotable to ride.

[STEPPENWOLF]

. it is considered to be one of the top 10 best bikes every built. We of course think it the best ever built.
Rob [/B][/QUOTE]

Wow,did not know this,what were the other nine bikes below the 1100 if you know.

[fredintoon]

Classic?

There's Vincent of course, with Velocette tagging behind, BMW (but only the boxers, of course) and any Britbike vertical twin from the 50s or 60s, Scott for the truly discerning and the Hesketh LOOKED classic, pity about the transmission. That's the snob's list. The awesome power list has to have the XS11 at or nearly at the top. But the REAL classic? The bike that's taken more riders more miles than any other in history? The lowly Honda Cub. 50,000,000 of them and counting.

[79XS11F]

Originally posted by STEPPENWOLF
. it is considered to be one of the top 10 best bikes every built. We of course think it the best ever built.
Rob

Wow,did not know this,what were the other nine bikes below the 1100 if you know. [/B][/QUOTE]

I don't recall the list but I do know that "Classic motorcycle mechanics Mag" did a multi page write up about the XS1100 versus the Laverda Joto 1000 and the 1100 held it's own very well. The 11 was picked by them as the bike they would use day in and day out. That's a pretty good report given that the Jota was a very costly,exotic bike.