While it is far from an exact science, we put on our thinking helmet to try and predict what recent motorcycles are likely to become future classics.
1| 2015 Indian Scout
Sometimes a famous nameplate is all you need to book a spot in history.
The 2015 Indian Scout was the first time the iconic Indian Motorcycle badge returned to the lineup in the 21st Century and brought with it thoroughly modern construction methods and performance.
With an all-aluminium frame and water-cooled V-twin engine the 2015 Scout has since spawned two other variations on the chassis.
But it’s the original 2015 bikes we reckon will be worth holding on to.
2| Harley-Davidson Street Rod 750
Today‘s orphan surely makes for tomorrow’s classic collector's item, does it not?
The Harley-Davidson Street Rod 750 was a brilliant idea, sadly it was poorly executed with its flaws putting people off this otherwise great motorcycle.
Built on the Street (XG) platform with 17-inch wheels, great cornering ability and powered by a hot-rodded version of the 750cc Revolution X engine, the Street Rod on paper was a brilliantly sporty model from Harley-Davidson.
However, with compromised ergonomics, which was thanks in part to the wide Street family fuel tank and awkwardly placed centre-set footpegs, the Street Rod's performance wasn't enough to win over riders – with dealers finding it very hard to move stock, meaning there are very few of these bikes out in the wild.
Prices have fallen as low as $12,000 for a still brand new example making them good value if you can look past the weird rider position.
3| Suzuki DR650
We move from a bike that barely sold in NZ to one that was so loved it stuck around for well over 30 years of production.
While the Suzuki DR650 may be basic in its construction, it is nigh on bulletproof as a result of its strong 1980s design. There are no fancy electrics to fail and with a carburettor feeding fuel and air into the 650cc single-cylinder engine, this go-anywhere machine is simple to keep on the road long-term.
While its epic production run is yet to end, bikes simply aren’t made like this anymore and with increasing regulation coming into force around the world - including the new requirement that all bikes sold in NZ over 125cc will need to feature ABS from 2021 - the days of being able to stroll into your local Suzuki dealership and grab a new DR650 are, sadly, coming to an end.
With its near cult-like following there are already plenty of fans of the old DR.
Special mention to the Honda XR650 and Kawasaki KLR650 for the same reasons.
4| EBR 1190RX
From the mind of the motorcycle world’s bad penny - Erik Buell - the Erik Buell Racing brand was Buell’s return to the forefront of motorcycling after Harley-Davidson killed off the Buell sub-brand in 2009 which Erik had founded in the early 1980s.
Buell must have seen the writing on the wall, because within a month of the last Buell Motorcycle rolling off the production line his next venture was announced.
The 1190RX was the Halo bike of the EBR range and was - and still is -unlike any other American made motorcycle with its superbike chassis and thumping V-twin power plant.
5| Any Victory Motorcycle
The Victory Motorcycle brand was the brainchild of Polaris Industries as the industrial giant worked to enter the motorcycle market at the turn of the century.
Producing a wide range of modern American cruisers, Victory had its own unique style with a decent driveline to back them up.
Sadly, after Polaris Industries acquired Indian Motorcycle in 2011 and successfully relaunched the brand with an all-new lineup, the Victory brand was deemed surplus to requirements and was shut down in early 2017.
With factory support guaranteed by Polaris until 2027, now is a great time to grab one of the many stunning Victory motorcycles, stock up on parts and hide it away in the back of the shed.
As a sidenote be prepared to pay a decent price as Victory Motorcycles have generally retained their price well.