Reliability of 40 year old Japanese bikes

[sm0129]

We're early 1980's Japanese bikes reliable? The reason I ask is I have a house in France and whenever I am there I would love to go for a blast on a bike. 

 

I have a Motolug trailer but wouldn't want to travel over at 60mph- also the cost of repeat trailer crossings would soon add up.

 

I debated buying a 10-year-old bike, but I would have to bring it back once a year for an MOT. It then dawned on me that 40-year-old bikes are mot and tax exempt.

 

There are quite a lot of American imports going pretty cheaply CB900's etc. I would give any bike I purchase a good going overhaul- ultra sonically cleaning carbs etc.

 

My question is, would an overhauled 40 year old Japanese bike be reliable? I appreciate things will always crop up, but the idea would be to spend more time riding than repairing.

 

Any thoughts would be appreciated

 

I meant to say to leave it in France rather than ride it over everytime

[Ian Frog]

As with all secondhand items "caveat emptor" but from personal experience I can see nothing wrong 70`s Japanese bikes, in fact get yourself a copy of the book "Superbikes of the 70`s " from the team at the old publication Motor Cycle containing tests by John Nutting and a good connection to Fleabay and spend your kids inheritance !

Cheers

Ian

[Mississippi Bullfrog]

Just wondering what the rules are in France about older bikes? If you're keeping it there surely it's the French rules that apply rather than UK MOT regulations.

[skyrider]

well early 70's  rd 250's are 5 grand plus so there cant be much wrong with them

Edited July 19, 2022 by skyrider

[oldgrump]

Hi @sm0129 I believe from mate who lives in Wales and France, the 90 day rule still applies, so he keeps a French reg Yamaha Mt-09 over in France, otherwise the insurance is invalid on UK bike.

Edited July 19, 2022 by oldgrump

[Breezin]

4 hours ago, sm0129 said:

We're early 1980's Japanese bikes reliable? The reason I ask is I have a house in France and whenever I am there I would love to go for a blast on a bike.

Your question is past tense, and the answer is that yes they were. That Japanese magic worked then, as now.

 

My beloved Seca XJ 750 never missed a beat, but still I sold it too soon to buy a fuggin car. All my friends' inline fours ran brilliantly.

 

Just don't buy a  Suzuki 250 twin from that era... rubbish electrics.

 

Edited July 19, 2022 by Breezin

[S-Westerly]

Why not buy a French registered bike as if you keep a British reg one in France you'll soon be in a welter of red tape woes. Probably cheaper too.