03-08-2015, 02:07 AM
I've got to agree with Ferret. But I can add: "lose all the Vetter stuff" is easier said than done. I've had friends do that, and it often turns into an electrical nightmare with brittle 35 year old wiring. Classic bikes look good, but are high maintenance and prone to breakdown even with good maintenance. For example, my old '73 CB450 required oil changes every 1,000 miles (that was in the owner's manual) and manual cleaning of the permament centrifugal oil "filter," constant carb synchronization, points adjustments, etc. And, to keep them street worthy (not a collector's piece), you've got to keep running fresh gas through them. Carbs gum up easily, and our modern ethanol infected gas does terrible things all over. It gets to be a chore keeping a bike in insurance and tires and batteries, and you realize you no longer own the bike -- the bike owns you. Finally, buying back a bike you sold is like getting back together with a girl you broke up with. It works out rarely, and usually it just reminds you of why you broke up in the first place. Like that ex-girlfriend, she still looks darn good -- Classic bikes are freaking gorgeous -- but you've got a sweet, accommodating CB1100 who is unlikely to ever give you a lick of trouble. With modern brakes. But ultimately, motorcycles are an emotional pursuit, so do whatever you want, and have fun!