Opinions requested regarding vintage motorcycles

[Ncdan]

Hey guys, I’m seeking honest opinions on a subject which I hope does not become controversial due to a motorcycle brand, it’s simply about vintage bike ownership regardless of make, just about age.
Ok, that out if the way. I’m buying a 1983 Honda CB1000 Custom which is 1100 miles away in MN. I’m trying to get a hauler now to do the transporting.
These bikes were only made one year and the last of the duel High/ Low transfer case CB line. They were made from 1980-82 as 900cc then in 83 bumped up to 1000cc. They were discontinued the next year due to the Regan era tax’s placed in all jap bikes which was intended to save HD and that was not a hidden factor but announced by President Regan personally.
This bike is showroom mint condition with 4K documented miles from the original owner. I rode two CB 900C as police bikes as a motor officer in the early 80’s and loved these bullet proof work horses and vowed in later years that if I ever found a nice 83 CB1000C, I’d own one. Well, I found one.
Here’s my question and I would like some heart felt sincere responses.
I realize that in the worse case scenario, if things go bad,  parts can be near impossible to find or affordable. Fortunately I have a 40+ year certified Honda mechanic that worked on our police bikes 35 years ago, as a friend and my personal mechanic and that helps a lot.
Bottom line, is these old vintage bikes worth the expense and effort to keep up and own them? Thanks in advance for your response.

[twodogs]

Go for it ncdan, just remember it was from your past and it will ride like a 83? I'm in Iowa if you need a break along the way 
Twodogs

[Dave Swanson]

If it moves you it's worth it. 

The Honda is rare, but not highly sought after.  Hopefully that plays into your hands for a reasonable price.  We are not talking sandcast 69 CB 750s here!  At the end of the day pay what you are comfortable with.

[Turin]

What Dave said.

Have you looked for owners clubs or other resources? The internet has made guzzi ownership a lot easier than it used to be, and I'd guess you are not the only cb1000 custom fan.

[Dave Swanson]

Plus 1 what Turin said.  There are a lot of classic Honda forums out there.   I don't think you will find a shortage of resources to keep your bike running. 

[yogidozer]

83 CB1000C vintage?
Oh God, I'm old 

[Ncdan]

83 CB1000C vintage?
Oh God, I'm old 

Lol, I was referring to the accepted time for a motorcycle to be considered an antique, which is 35 years old but I hear your point:)

[Ncdan]

If it moves you it's worth it. 

The Honda is rare, but not highly sought after.  Hopefully that plays into your hands for a reasonable price.  We are not talking sandcast 69 CB 750s here!  At the end of the day pay what you are comfortable with.

I hear ya Dave. I’m thinking that the 83 CB1000 is a one year only bike so could be a possible collector. I have spent a lot of time and searching for this particular year and model and have been unable to find but a handful and none anywhere near the integrity of this one. Just my luck it’s 1100 miles away.

[swooshdave]

It doesn’t sound like you work on your own bikes. As long as you have a mechanic and parts you’ll be ok. Just plan to spend more than you anticipated.

[Ncdan]

For the record, my 1400 tourer is going nowhere. This is just a small luxury and a long time bucket list thing:)

[swooshdave]

I hear ya Dave. I’m thinking that the 83 CB1000 is a one year only bike so could be a possible collector. I have spent a lot of time and searching for this particular year and model and have been unable to find but a handful and none anywhere near the integrity of this one. Just my luck it’s 1100 miles away.

Rare does not equal valuable. Don’t make that mistake. Desirable equals value.

Desirable Hondas are few and far between.

[Ncdan]

It doesn’t sound like you work on your own bikes. As long as you have a mechanic and parts you’ll be ok. Just plan to spend more than you anticipated.

Yea I found that out a couple years ago on a, low mileage, 1983 Honda GL650 Silver Wing Interstate. Cost me 1600 bucks to get it up to spec and it only had 7k and was a one owner.

[Ncdan]

It doesn’t sound like you work on your own bikes. As long as you have a mechanic and parts you’ll be ok. Just plan to spend more than you anticipated.

My capabilities don’t get much past regular Maintenance and add on equipment. And you are right about unseen cost.

[tazio]

Sounds like a wonderful period piece! Plenty of fellow admirers would love to catch a glimpse of her on a bike night or vintage Japanese gathering.
My 1982 cb900c is in beautiful condition and a joy to take out on occasion.

[Idontwantapickle]

You should buy it. If it makes you smile when you see it and ride it then mission accomplished! 

[yogidozer]

Yea I found that out a couple years ago on a, low mileage, 1983 Honda GL650 Silver Wing Interstate. Cost me 1600 bucks to get it up to spec and it only had 7k and was a one owner.

That is one fine looking bike. I can't understand why they didn't sell well.
I guess too many are caught up in bigger is better.

[Cam3512]

Vintage bikes are very rewarding to work on and ride.  Parts are usually available, especially Hondas.  Once sorted out, you can ride that sucker cross country.  You'll love it!

[Gliderjohn]

Agree, just do it. I have probably put too much money into my T-3 over the years but it still puts that smile on my face that says it was more than worth it. I bet you will feel the same way.
GliderJohn

[Travlr]

Rare does not equal valuable. Don’t make that mistake. Desirable equals value.

Desirable Hondas are few and far between.

The old Japanese "customs" aren't holding their value well.  I once asked a guy who appraises for Bonhams if he thought any of them would become collectible.  He said "maybe a Yamaha Midnight Special.  But probably not."

Buy it because you want it, not because it will appreciate a lot.

Mike

[Dave Swanson]

One thing you never do is tally up receipts. Just buy it! Fix it when it needs fixin' and never think of the money you spent on it.

My exact approach.  I used to save the receipts for a restoration, but would never add them up.  In the end I didn't want to know how illogical the spending was.    

[Ncdan]

Sounds like a wonderful period piece! Plenty of fellow admirers would love to catch a glimpse of her on a bike night or vintage Japanese gathering.
My 1982 cb900c is in beautiful condition and a joy to take out on occasion.

Pictures please!!!! I’ve had 3 CB900s

[MiLD GRiSO]

Dan so if you will enjoy owning it buy it if you will love riding it buy it  and ride it if you are concerned about resale value seek help from a qualified professional.

[Ncdan]

Thanks guys for all the advice and moral support. You guys have great insight and that’s the reason I ask your opinions 👍👍👍

[RinkRat II]

      Plenty O' Parts out there. My buddy and I recently finished a 82 900F and sold it for  a tidy sum to a collector in Japan. You should have no problems getting all
   the wearable parts if needed. Congrats and good luck on your find!

         Paul B

[Ncdan]

Here she is.

[tommy2cyl]

Clean machine.  How can you not?

[Scud]

That's cool. I'd ride it. My first bike was a 1972 Honda CB350-Four. I found a super clean one a while back and bought it. I enjoyed it briefly, but then remembered why I upgraded. For a while it gave me the "young again" feeling. But the 350 was just too slow for my current tastes. You should not have that problem with the 1000.

And for the record, the CB1100F is pretty collectible. They were made for a short time, but it is one of Honda best sport bikes of the era, which lends to the desirability.

And in general, owning an older bike can be a real pleasure, especially when you're out riding meet others who appreciate it.

Have fun and don't spend more than you can afford to lose.

[Scud]

For comparison purposes. Here is an 83 CB1000 Custom near me for $800.

https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/mcy/d/san-diego-1983-honda-cb1000/6929507937.html

[Sheepdog]

That's a sharp looking bike, Dan.

[Ncdan]

The old Japanese "customs" aren't holding their value well.  I once asked a guy who appraises for Bonhams if he thought any of them would become collectible.  He said "maybe a Yamaha Midnight Special.  But probably not."

Buy it because you want it, not because it will appreciate a lot.

Mike
[/quote
Probably right mike, I don’t expect to make any profit on the CB, my goal is to someday maybe just get most of my investment back and enjoy the machine for a time. After I buy the rest of the vetter package, side cases and tail trunk and have them color match painted I’ll probably have around 5k in her. Actually the NADA is a little over 5k for this bike.