Robert, this is a beautiful result of your hard work. You gotta pat yourself on the back. I am 67 years old, riding for 50 years..I love naked bikes. I have never ridden a modern-day sport bike ! We had the naked 650 Seca, then the 600 like yours. This was before the 600 became a hot class. But for it's time it was pretty fast and good handler. Living on an island state, that imports everything, it is extremely difficult to do restorations Importing anything is a very expensive affair. Then too people of my country do no like motorcycles. So do the math. I cannot say what is considered in your country as a "Classic", but for me it is. Trinidad & Tobago. West Indies.
It might not be classic for us who grew up with these bikes, but for someone born in 2010 or later they would for sure consider it a retro classic! Either way lovely bike and great channel.
I was born in 03, and I'd consider something from the 80's/90's "classic". When I got into motorcycles and their culture I was already a teen, so at the earliest I'd have come into contact with these types of bike when they were around 30 years old. Absolutely love these machines and am planning on upgrading my little cbr125r to a 98 cb500 soon (not so old but still an absolute classic in my eyes).
Here in Ireland for insurance purposes 15 yo is classic policy 30 yo is vintage road tax is standard motorcycle a little cheaper on vintage I have a stock 1994 xj,in Ireland and uk they are considered a cheap runaround "hack" but I really like mine and keep it maintained myself I'm an old biker and have had many bike's in the past the diversion (seca 2) is a great utility no frills reliable bike but you have shown that it's possible to build a special personal bike 😎🇮🇪
Well in the car world, 90s Japanese cars are bringing a fortune on Bring a Trailer. “Classic” is determined by which generation grew up lusting over a particular vehicle and now has money to realize their teenage dream. I say, it’s definitely a classic.
Great video, Robert! I'd say if your DOT says it's old enough to be a classic, it qualifies. 😁 Otherwise, "Classic" with bikes usually refers to styling - in my opinion, that's a standard style bike with a single headlight. Yours (or my naked-ized Seca) wouldn't qualify as factory classic, but classically styled. Tough argument! Similar to what defines a sports car: nobody agrees. Especially when you get to the more modern era - the same might be said about bikes. I'd say the XJ is old enough to pre-date that, though. To me, yeah it's a classic.
I have the XJ600N here in 🏴. Saved it from a dark barn and recommissioned it, with the help of your carbs video’s ! I view it as a workaday bike today as it was ‘in the beginning’. However, the first ride surprised me in how lively and very easy to ride it is. I do not view it as a Classic bike because it found me and was not a ‘dream’ of mine to own one. On the other hand, my insurance company may have a different viewpoint by offering a very reasonable annual premium. I am glad that we found each other, whatever it’s status 😉
I would call it a bobber just off the cuff. I still ride my 96 heritage classic. And still think its new lol love to ride. But take safety of them to the top of my mind every time I get on. Seen way to many not make it home. Like machine tools there no joke!!!!!
Interesting bike, gives me some good ideas for when I get one of these in the next year or so. One thing about riding nearby trails these days: I like doing it too, BUT more and more, I find people using them to dump garbage. Grrr!
English is not my native language so we might not have the same definition of classic but here's how I see it. It's not just about how old a vehicle is it's also about its impact and how it is perceived. A 1994 Honda CB 500 is now a classic and it is reflected on the used market prices. It started its life the same way the xj 600 did as a cheap commuter and the yamaha never became more than that. The Honda on the other hand became the learners bike of choice, it had its own race series and it was an obvious pick if you wanted to do track days on the cheap. I have ridden both and think the XJ is the better bike and yet I have to admit that it's not seen as a classic. If I show up on one at my local motorcycle meet it won't turn any heads while a cb 500 will start a conversation for sure. It's unfair but a classic needs a reputation, even if it's a bad one.
Here in the UK some 80's bike are now considered classics, particularly the larger 2 strokes. Classics start at about 40 years old (depending on desirability), so another 10 years it may be one. Most of the 70's bikes are now considered classic.
It's off of a Kawasaki KZ1000P. (Police Edition). I used the speedometer from that same bike, too. Any of the 4-cylinder electronic tachs from Yamaha will work too (Radian, XJ600, Seca, etc).
Let me say you've turned it into a way better looking bke, but the plastic fantastic mid to late 90s middle weight/ heavyweight fours festooned with sticker telling of latest techno treats will be the ones that will take people "back". The Suzi RF fours are a good example 1995 personified!
I think I agree with you there. What about restomods? Would you consider, say, a 1969 Camaro that has been modernized (maybe an LS1, larger tires, whatever) to be a classic? It goes against the 'unmolested' idea.
Robert, this is a beautiful result of your hard work.
You gotta pat yourself on the back.
I am 67 years old, riding for 50 years..I love naked bikes. I have never ridden a modern-day sport bike !
We had the naked 650 Seca, then the 600 like yours. This was before the 600 became a hot class. But for it's time it was pretty fast and good handler.
Living on an island state, that imports everything, it is extremely difficult to do restorations Importing anything is a very expensive affair. Then too people of my country do no like motorcycles. So do the math.
I cannot say what is considered in your country as a "Classic", but for me it is.
Trinidad & Tobago.
West Indies.
A classic really is classic by nature as much as age. A bike that everyone remembers for being a legend in it's own time.
It might not be classic for us who grew up with these bikes, but for someone born in 2010 or later they would for sure consider it a retro classic! Either way lovely bike and great channel.
A really well done video presentation. Excellent work you did on that sweet looking restoration that you can get many "Miles of Smiles" out of.
A sweet bike is a sweet bike. I've never really thought about measuring and validating the word "classic" before.
I was born in 03, and I'd consider something from the 80's/90's "classic". When I got into motorcycles and their culture I was already a teen, so at the earliest I'd have come into contact with these types of bike when they were around 30 years old. Absolutely love these machines and am planning on upgrading my little cbr125r to a 98 cb500 soon (not so old but still an absolute classic in my eyes).
Beautiful bike
Thats a beautiful bike!!!!
mine is 1993 xj600s and its caffe racer style... it runs so good.. fantastic bike..
Here in Ireland for insurance purposes 15 yo is classic policy 30 yo is vintage road tax is standard motorcycle a little cheaper on vintage I have a stock 1994 xj,in Ireland and uk they are considered a cheap runaround "hack" but I really like mine and keep it maintained myself I'm an old biker and have had many bike's in the past the diversion (seca 2) is a great utility no frills reliable bike but you have shown that it's possible to build a special personal bike 😎🇮🇪
Great looking bike, love that look big thumbs up from me 👍👍👍
The bike is awesome! i have the same one in red
You were funny on SNL and the Last man on Earth. Just playing a Really Nice Job on the Bike it Looks Great.
Ha, thanks!
Well in the car world, 90s Japanese cars are bringing a fortune on Bring a Trailer. “Classic” is determined by which generation grew up lusting over a particular vehicle and now has money to realize their teenage dream. I say, it’s definitely a classic.
While I don’t necessarily consider the XJ a classic, it is a great old bike! Love what you’ve done with yours, Robert.
Thanks, Eric.
Great video, Robert! I'd say if your DOT says it's old enough to be a classic, it qualifies. 😁 Otherwise, "Classic" with bikes usually refers to styling - in my opinion, that's a standard style bike with a single headlight. Yours (or my naked-ized Seca) wouldn't qualify as factory classic, but classically styled.
Tough argument! Similar to what defines a sports car: nobody agrees. Especially when you get to the more modern era - the same might be said about bikes. I'd say the XJ is old enough to pre-date that, though. To me, yeah it's a classic.
I have the XJ600N here in 🏴. Saved it from a dark barn and recommissioned it, with the help of your carbs video’s !
I view it as a workaday bike today as it was ‘in the beginning’. However, the first ride surprised me in how lively and very easy to ride it is.
I do not view it as a Classic bike because it found me and was not a ‘dream’ of mine to own one. On the other hand, my insurance company may have a different viewpoint by offering a very reasonable annual premium.
I am glad that we found each other, whatever it’s status 😉
Thank you 👍❤
I would call it a bobber just off the cuff. I still ride my 96 heritage classic. And still think its new lol love to ride. But take safety of them to the top of my mind every time I get on. Seen way to many not make it home. Like machine tools there no joke!!!!!
Interesting bike, gives me some good ideas for when I get one of these in the next year or so.
One thing about riding nearby trails these days: I like doing it too, BUT more and more, I find people using them to dump garbage. Grrr!
Thanks, Rick.
what size tyres you got on it
English is not my native language so we might not have the same definition of classic but here's how I see it. It's not just about how old a vehicle is it's also about its impact and how it is perceived. A 1994 Honda CB 500 is now a classic and it is reflected on the used market prices. It started its life the same way the xj 600 did as a cheap commuter and the yamaha never became more than that. The Honda on the other hand became the learners bike of choice, it had its own race series and it was an obvious pick if you wanted to do track days on the cheap.
I have ridden both and think the XJ is the better bike and yet I have to admit that it's not seen as a classic. If I show up on one at my local motorcycle meet it won't turn any heads while a cb 500 will start a conversation for sure. It's unfair but a classic needs a reputation, even if it's a bad one.
Here in the UK some 80's bike are now considered classics, particularly the larger 2 strokes. Classics start at about 40 years old (depending on desirability), so another 10 years it may be one. Most of the 70's bikes are now considered classic.
Nice job mate,thanks for it,to should to us swall.
I'm holding on to mine just in case :)
Which Electronic Tach did u use? Thans
It's off of a Kawasaki KZ1000P. (Police Edition). I used the speedometer from that same bike, too. Any of the 4-cylinder electronic tachs from Yamaha will work too (Radian, XJ600, Seca, etc).
I have a 94' XJ600N in Hungary for. My first bike. Had a lot off trouble whit the carbs :/ And parts are here not easy to buy....
❤cool Bike
Let me say you've turned it into a way better looking bke, but the plastic fantastic mid to late 90s middle weight/ heavyweight fours festooned with sticker telling of latest techno treats will be the ones that will take people "back". The Suzi RF fours are a good example 1995 personified!
Here in the UK it has to be 40 years old to be classic/historic and then you dont pay road tax and dont need yearly MoT inspection just insurance
Very nice
Thank you!
I have a 1996 model. Its the wierdo of the motorcycle world but I like it😁
in Denmark its on the verge of beeing a Veteran if they go by year .. if they go by month its 5 months into veteran stature :D
I'll take it. We'll call it a classic.
@@RobertAdairWorkshop exactly :D
Classics are unmolested examples over 35 years old.
I think I agree with you there. What about restomods? Would you consider, say, a 1969 Camaro that has been modernized (maybe an LS1, larger tires, whatever) to be a classic? It goes against the 'unmolested' idea.