I am the owner of a Honda motorcycle [CBX1000] who lives in Hiroshima City, Japan. I am posting about FCR carburetor and CBX1000 customization. I also post about things other than cars and motorcycles. We will post information that will make bikers around the world happy.
Is it true that classic cars are prone to breaking down? As long as the engine is intact, it can be managed.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan, the prices of classic cars were high. Have the owners who bought classic cars within the last five years encountered any mechanical issues? This is likely a concern for those contemplating the purchase of a classic car. In this post, I will write a column about whether classic cars are prone to breaking down.
To share my conclusion upfront, as long as the engine is running, it can be managed. The approach matters, but if you think that a classic car must faithfully reproduce the look and performance it had when it was new, maintaining it is almost impossible. In my opinion, as long as the car can still legally drive on public roads with its original registration papers, it's reasonable to say that the classic car is being maintained.
The engine is the most important component of a classic car. If the engine is in good condition, even if the tires, suspension, or exterior have been replaced or modified, or the gauges have been changed, the car is still considered a maintained classic.
Let’s talk about classic car engines. Do engines break down? The answer is no, as long as the oil is properly maintained. Of course, parts do wear out over time. You won’t be able to keep riding the same motorcycle forever. If rotating metal parts suffer from metal fatigue and break, or if a perfectly round part deforms into an oval shape, the engine has reached the end of its life. However, as long as replacement parts are available, the engine can continue to run. As long as you properly manage the engine oil, the engine will generally be fine. As long as the parts are not discontinued, the engine won't reach the end of its life.
Other issues besides the engine can usually be repaired. As someone who has owned a CBX1000 for over 20 years, I’ll share some advice.
Now, let’s get started!
If you were to install a modern motorcycle engine into a CBX1000, would it still be considered a CBX1000?
The theme of this column is: As long as the engine is intact, a motorcycle can somehow keep going! I'm writing from a highly personal and extremely radical perspective.
If you put a Z900RS engine into a CBX1000, is it still a CBX1000? I don't think so.
The most important part of a motorcycle is the engine. Of course, it depends on the model, but I believe that the engine is the core of a motorcycle, and I will proceed with my discussion based on this idea.
90% of classic motorcycle breakdowns are caused by the deterioration of consumable parts.
Oil leaks from the front fork? That’s just the seals deteriorating. Not charging anymore? That’s the generator wearing out. Speedometer stopped working? That’s the meter itself degrading.
And here’s the key point—everything except the engine can be replaced. You can use parts from newer models. If you're willing to source from other motorcycles, you’ll never run out of parts. As long as motorcycles exist in the world, there will always be a way to keep them running.
Of course, swapping parts requires some effort and knowledge. But with enough determination, you can always make it work.
Take a good look at your motorcycle. Are the wires crumbling? Are plastic parts breaking down? Are rubber components dried out?
These aren’t breakdowns—they’re just deterioration. They happen because of lack of maintenance. Never confuse maintenance issues with actual failures.
In the 20 years I’ve ridden my CBX1000, the only real problems I’ve faced were due to wear and tear.
Metal fatigue in the frame.
What if the frame suffers from metal fatigue, cracks, or bends...?
In that case, you can remove the engine and repair or reinforce the frame—it’s not the end of the road.
Taking it to the extreme, even if you swap the engine into another motorcycle, you can still make it run.
In the end, as long as the engine is running, you can always find a way to keep going.
The engine is the one thing that, in some cases, simply cannot be restored.
Some engine parts can only be restored using original components from that era—there are cases where no modern substitutes exist.
A frame can be welded, cut, and reinforced to keep it going. But when an engine is damaged or shattered, some parts are simply impossible to replace.
The way you define a motorcycle’s identity depends on whether you see its uniqueness in the engine or in the entire machine.
One thing is certain: there are situations where an engine simply cannot be repaired through conventional means.
If you install a CB750F engine into a CBX1000 frame, it’s no longer a CBX1000.
Is it broken? Or just a lack of maintenance?
If you separate the concept of "being broken" and "lack of maintenance," you'll find the answer to whether old motorcycles are prone to breaking down.
Personally, I believe that, except for the engine, most issues can be resolved with parts replacements. All problems are a result of maintenance neglect.
If you encounter an issue that cannot be resolved within the premises of a motorcycle shop, then it can be considered a breakdown.
Classic motorcycles are easier to repair and maintain.
When it comes to part replacements, classic motorcycles are generally easier to repair and disassemble than modern ones.
One of the appeals of old bikes is how accessible they are for owners to maintain themselves. You can often handle maintenance tasks on your own, which is a big plus for enthusiasts.
Even when you think there's an issue with the engine, in most cases, the problem often lies with the carburetor rather than the engine itself.
How to Diagnose a Poorly Running Engine
While it’s true that the engine can be repaired or maintained, for DIY enthusiasts, it can be quite a high hurdle.
So, I’ll briefly describe some symptoms that indicate an engine might not be running well.
A large-displacement motorcycle that can’t reach speeds above 180 km/h is likely not in good condition. That’s a big red flag, and just checking this would be a significant task.
A simpler way to check is by looking at oil consumption—both oil burning and oil leakage. If the exhaust gases are a whitish purple or if a piece of paper turns black when held near the exhaust, it could indicate that oil is mixing excessively with the exhaust. This could point to issues with the piston rings or cylinder head. Such problems are often due to wear and tear—one form of deterioration.
Of course, poor oil management might be the cause of these symptoms, but generally, they are repairable or adjustable issues. The severity of these symptoms can help determine whether the engine is in good or bad condition.
If the symptoms are unusually severe during normal operation, it’s likely the engine has had some past issues. Most engine troubles stem from either over-revving or running out of oil.
Is it true that classic cars are prone to breaking down? As long as the engine is intact, it can be managed.【summary】
If proper maintenance is performed, the likelihood of an old bike breaking down is low. The idea that old bikes are prone to breakdowns is a myth. If you ride normally, store it properly, and replace parts that are expected to degrade over time, you’ll almost never face issues. Of course, racing on a track or poor storage conditions can lead to wear and breakdowns.
In my 20 years with the CBX1000, there’s no part I haven’t replaced or removed. That might go beyond just maintenance. The key to maintaining an old bike is not to constantly ride it but to get into the habit of doing long-term maintenance during the winter or summer, when the bike is parked and inactive. For example, if you’re replacing a wiring harness, you’ll need to dedicate plenty of Sundays for the task. When I bought my CBX1000, the availability of spare parts and online resources was limited, but now, it’s much easier to find what you need. Back then, I knew little about motorcycle repairs and maintenance. But after working on the bike myself, I realized it was much easier than I initially thought, even for a beginner. I also realized while writing this that, at least in terms of regular maintenance, older bikes require more frequent attention than modern bikes.
Old bikes are easier to maintain, but that means they require more frequent maintenance. Luckily, it’s now much easier to get information and parts. If you’re considering buying an old bike, feel free to do so with confidence. With a bit of effort, you can easily handle minor issues. If anyone has recently purchased a CBX1000, I’d be happy to hear from you, so please drop me an email. One golden rule: always be super diligent about oil maintenance. See you again!
CBX1000 – Photo Gallery
My profession is a programmer. It’s a job that’s far removed from motorcycles and cars. However, if I research or have the motivation, there are many things I can manage on my own. I have relied on others or asked for guidance in the past. If you have any concerns, I am happy to share whatever information I know to the best of my ability. I believe that maintaining the engine’s condition is all about oil management. Please, everyone, be very careful with oil checks.
