Vintage Motorcycles: Your Guide to Buying in NZ

New Zealand’s vintage scene is a mix of rugged British steel, precision German engineering, and the "Universal Japanese Motorcycles" that changed the world.

• Triumph: The quintessential British icon. From the iconic Bonneville to the Tiger, Triumphs are famous for their parallel-twin engines and timeless style.

• BMW: If you want German reliability and a bike that can handle a tour of the South Island, look for an air-cooled "Airhead." They are built like tanks and hold their value incredibly well.

• Suzuki & Kawasaki: The kings of the Japanese revolution. Whether it’s a screaming two-stroke or a bulletproof four-cylinder, these bikes brought performance to the masses in the 70s and 80s.

• Indian: For those who love American heritage. These bikes are rolling pieces of art, often turning heads at every stop.

Before you go full ‘Burt Munro’ on the open road, you need to sort the paperwork.

Registration (Rego): In NZ, if your bike is over 40 years old, you might be eligible for a lower "Vintage" registration rate. Keep in mind that if a bike has been de-registered (its records have lapsed in the NZTA system), you’ll need to go through a re-vinning process. This involves a thorough safety inspection to get it back on the road - so factor that into your budget if you’re buying a "barn find."

Insurance: Standard insurance doesn't always cut it for classics. Look for specialist vintage motorcycle insurance. These policies often offer "agreed value" rather than "market value," ensuring that if the worst happens, you get back what the bike is actually worth to collectors, not just its scrap value.

A vintage bike is a labour of love, and you’ll likely need a few bits and pieces to keep it humming. Whether you need tyres and headlights to pass your WOF, or you’re looking for period-correct helmets, boots, and goggles to match your ride, we’ve got you covered.

1. Check the numbers: Ensure the engine and frame numbers match the paperwork.
2. Look for rust: Especially in the fuel tank and on the chrome rims.
3. Ask for the history: A bike with a known service history or a documented restoration is always a safer bet.
4. Join a club: Kiwi bike clubs are full of legends who know these machines inside out.