How to Fix and Ride Those Clunky Classic Motorcycles

Despite having an almost serial obsession for old motorbikes, I will readily admit: Some of them are death traps ready to reap. They have lousy suspension and worse tires and brakes. Their lights are dimmer than Scrooge’s candle. They’re often deficient in acceleration and cornering, and the controls work slower than a congressional caucus. Lovely as they are aesthetically, the sad truth is they’re nowhere near as dynamically capable as modern iron. And whenever you ride one, the responsibility for dealing with this rolls straight downhill to you.

You wouldn't fly a Piper Cub like a HondaJet or ride a Matchless like a CBR1000RR. So the best approach is to understand what these enticing old crocks can and can't do—and then ride accordingly. In particular, dialing down the hustle factor and then opening up your following distance to other traffic buys space and time. These become huge assets when you fly into a corner too hot or when a gnarly-ass Aztek swings across your bow.

Bottom line: While that Ace Cafe replica might look amazing, in reality not even the best vintage Triton will outmaneuver an average late-model sportbike. So the next time you’re blazing the boulevard on your Bultaco, cruising for coffee on your Commando, or attacking apexes on your Avenger, here are some tips to keep it K70s down.

1) Pick your shots. If you can't match or exceed the speed of traffic, you're at risk because it's harder to control your relationship to other vehicles. Choose a route, and a ride time, appropriate for your bike's abilities.

2) Make it reliable. It's fun telling how that Motobi stranded you in the Eisenhower Tunnel—and your ensuing Hooters limo rescue. But in reality, breaking down alongside fast-moving traffic is dangerous as hell. Make sure your ride will keep on running.

3) Two big mirrors. Old bikes might have one dinky rearview mirror, beautifully placed for a view of your Belstaff jacket logo. Make sure that you get two decent mirrors onboard so you can have a clear view of any Panzers on your tail.

4) Twelve volts after dark. Old six-volt lighting systems may keep you from spotting road hazards—or maybe even the road itself. Likewise, cars won't see you as well. Consider upgrading to a 12-volt system (with LED bulbs too) for night rides.