Classic Bike Guide - Real rides, real riders

Japanese bikes in CBG

I agree with your columnist Mark Zimmerman in that there is no such thing as a ‘classic Japanese bike’. Over here, for the most part, old Japanese bikes are just that – old Japanese bikes. They were made, as most Japanese consumable goods are, to be used and discarded when used up, no longer needed or no longer in fashion. Parts availability for old Japanese bikes is very poor over here, and when found, (often in Europe), they are very costly. It costs just as much, if not more, to restore an old Japanese bike. Parts are difficult to source and when done the bike is essentially worthless, (at least that’s the situation here in the USA), so why bother with them?

I love your magazine – it’s my favourite of the UK classic motorcycle publications – but please, stay away from Japanese bikes. I specifically buy your magazine for articles on UK and other European bikes, history, events, trends, technical articles, products, photos, restorations etc. Though my hair is thinning away due to head scratching trying to understand the often unfathomable language!

Your magazine costs about double that of the USA-based magazines, unless you subscribe, but is well worth the price. That said, if I want to read about Japanese stuff, I can just buy ‘Cycle World’ at the supermarket; all Japanese, all the time.

Strangely, they are without fail never in a vertical position, but rather leaned over so far that the only thing really visible in the photo is the top of the rider’s helmet.

Douglas Kowalske
Via email