What Are Old Motorcycles Called?

They’re most commonly referred to as vintage, classic, or antique motorcycles; in the UK you’ll also see veteran and post‑vintage, and across much of Europe the catch‑all term oldtimer is widespread. Exact cutoffs vary by country, club, and registration law, and “retro” or “modern classic” describes new bikes styled like older machines. Below is a clear guide to the terminology, how authorities define it, and examples riders and collectors recognize.

Key terms and what they generally mean

The motorcycle world uses several overlapping labels for older machines. The terms below reflect widely used definitions by clubs, registries, and enthusiasts; expect some regional variation.

• Veteran: Earliest era machines, typically up to 1914 (pre–First World War). Common usage in the UK and by clubs such as the VMCC.
• Vintage: Often 1915–1930 in the UK club context; more loosely elsewhere for notably old bikes. Implies period engineering and styling.
• Post‑vintage (sometimes “pre‑war”): Roughly 1931–1945. Bridges early engineering and later post‑war production.
• Classic: A broad enthusiast term for older but usable road bikes, commonly post‑war through the late 1970s or 1980s. No universal cutoff.
• Antique: In the U.S., the Antique Motorcycle Club of America (AMCA) regards 35+ years as “antique.” Some DMVs issue “antique” plates from 25+ years; rules vary by state.
• Historic: A registration/tax category in many countries for vehicles meeting age and originality criteria. FIVA (the international historic vehicle body) uses 30+ years.
• Oldtimer: Continental European umbrella term (e.g., Germany, Netherlands) for historic vehicles, typically 30+ years, maintained in original condition.
• Youngtimer: Newer classics—often 20–30 years old—gaining collector interest. More common in Europe but used by some U.S./UK enthusiasts too.
• Retro / Modern classic / Neo‑retro: New motorcycles designed with classic aesthetics (e.g., Triumph Bonneville, Kawasaki Z900RS); not old, but styled to look old.

While enthusiasts broadly understand these labels, eligibility for shows, plates, or tax relief hinges on official definitions where you live, so it’s wise to check local rules.

How different bodies define “old” motorcycles

International (FIVA)

FIVA (Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens) defines a “historic vehicle” as one that is at least 30 years old, preserved and maintained in a historically correct condition, and used in a manner compatible with its heritage (i.e., not as daily transport). Many national clubs and events align with this 30‑year benchmark.

United States (clubs and registration)

The AMCA classifies any motorcycle 35+ years old as an “antique” for its judging and events. State DMVs set their own thresholds for “antique,” “historic,” or “collector” plates—often 25+ years with restrictions on use, special insurance, and occasional inspection exemptions. Always check your state’s DMV and insurer for exact criteria.

United Kingdom (DVLA and club usage)

The DVLA’s “historic vehicle” tax class operates on a rolling 40‑year rule; motorcycles over 40 years old can qualify for vehicle excise duty exemption and, in many cases, MOT exemptions, subject to conditions. UK club tradition often uses: Veteran (up to 1914), Vintage (1915–1930), and Post‑Vintage (1931–1940). Informally, “classic” tends to cover post‑war icons into the late 20th century.

Continental Europe (Oldtimer practice)

Germany’s H‑plate (Historisch) is available to vehicles—including motorcycles—30+ years old in good, largely original condition; it can bring tax and low‑emission‑zone advantages. Similar 30‑year “historic/collection” categories exist in countries such as France, Spain, and Italy, usually requiring conformity with original specification verified by recognized clubs or federations.

Examples of widely recognized older motorcycles

The following examples illustrate how the terms apply across eras and regions; the labels are indicative and can overlap depending on the authority or club.

• 1914 Indian Model F — typically “Veteran” (pre‑WWI)
• 1927 Brough Superior SS100 — “Vintage” (inter‑war icon)
• 1938 BMW R51 — “Post‑vintage” or “pre‑war”
• 1948 Vincent Black Shadow — historic post‑war classic
• 1957 Harley‑Davidson Sportster XL — widely considered a classic
• 1959 Triumph Bonneville T120 — British classic benchmark
• 1960s BMW R69S — collectible classic tourer
• 1969 Honda CB750 — landmark “superbike,” classic/historic
• 1973 Kawasaki Z1 900 — 1970s Japanese performance classic
• 1975 Ducati 750 SS — collectible Italian classic
• 1977 Yamaha RD400 — two‑stroke classic
• 1981 BMW R80 G/S — early adventure “youngtimer”/classic

Lists like these are illustrative, not exhaustive; rarity, originality, and cultural impact often matter as much as age when enthusiasts call a motorcycle “classic” or “collectible.”

Buying, restoring, and insuring older motorcycles

If you’re entering the world of older bikes, these considerations will help you navigate terminology and ownership requirements.

• Registration status: Check whether the bike qualifies for historic/antique plates and whether that limits usage (e.g., shows, parades).
• Originality vs. modification: Clubs and registries often require period‑correct parts for “historic” status; modified bikes may be prized by riders but might not qualify.
• Parts availability: Popular classics (CB750, Bonneville, airhead BMWs) have strong parts support; rare models can be costly to keep on the road.
• Insurance and valuation: Specialty insurers may require appraisals and milage limits; agreed‑value policies are common for classics.
• Emissions and low‑emission zones: Historic registration can confer exemptions in some cities, but rules vary—verify locally.
• Documentation: Build dates, frame/engine numbers, and club letters can be critical to secure the correct age‑related status.

Clarity on definitions and paperwork upfront will save time and money, and help you preserve the bike’s value while enjoying it responsibly.

Summary

Old motorcycles are most often called vintage, classic, or antique, with veteran and post‑vintage used for the oldest eras and oldtimer common in Europe. Official thresholds differ: FIVA uses 30+ years, the AMCA calls 35+ years “antique,” U.S. states set their own plate rules, and the UK’s “historic” class operates on a rolling 40‑year basis. When in doubt, check your local regulations and relevant clubs—terminology matters for registration, insurance, and eligibility at events.

What are classic motorcycles called?

Vintage – This is sort of a nickname for classic bikes. It isn’t really one you’ll hear often, but it is if you tent to go to Vintage bike shows! Antique – According to the Antique Motorcycle Club of America, Antique Motorcycles have to be at least 35 years old.

What are the old bikes called?

Velocipede
The Penny Farthing came after the development of the ‘Hobbyhorse’, and the French ‘Velocipede’ or ‘Boneshaker’, all versions of early bikes.

What was the motorcycle originally called?

The inventors called their invention the Reitwagen (“riding car”). It was designed as an expedient testbed for their new engine, rather than a true prototype vehicle.

What is a vintage motorcycle?

In general, a bike that was manufactured more than 20 years ago is considered old. Of course, for some models, being at least 20 years old makes them vintage. By definition, those that are 35 years old or older are considered antiques. Somewhere in the midst of these two, you have classics.