KIWI RIDER 03 2020 VOL1 | Page 79

owner of a Honda 305 CB77, or CB750. There are current models that after the passing of another thirteen years may be edging towards that most prized title as well. Some of the motorcycles that have graced the pages of Kiwi Rider over the last thirteen years are either on the scrap heap, being polished and pampered for the next classic sale, or being prepared for the next gathering, be it a race meeting or an exhibition of rare and desirable classic motorcycles. The following is a selection of the beauties that have graced these column pages during those thirteen years. It is not meant to be a ‘best of’, but simply a random selection. When the column began in 2007, there was a noticeable tendency to anoint British bikes with the title of classic. This was not an editorial decision, more a response to readers who either offered bikes for photos, or simply expressed their opinions on what constitutes a classic machine. The very first was a Triumph Tiger 100, followed by a Mac Velocette, BSA B31, and Norton Model 18. Six months into the year, however, came the first Japanese classic, the widely celebrated Honda CB750. The weather was about to change. As 2009 and 2010 came around we had a Kawasaki ZXR400, Yamaha XS1100, and Suzuki GS1000 joining the already growing ranks of Japanese classics. By 2012 and 2013 change was rampant. Ken McIntosh brought us, Yamaha XS1100 1978 BSA Bantam 2-stroke single 1963 BSA-Triumph triple race bike 1970s Francis-Barnet 1956 Cruiser Sharing your passion facebo ok.com /Caffein eAndCla ssics