Insurance: 5 bikes you'll never believe are now classics

You may not know this, but many insurance firms classify a classic bike as a machine that is over 15-years-old.

On the face of it this doesn’t sound that interesting, but wait one minute and consider what machines were released in, or before, 2003 and now count as classics and are therefore surprisingly cheap to insure.

Here are our top five…

2003 Honda CBR600RR

The first of the ‘new generation’ of CBR600 models with a full-on track focus, the RR moved the supersport goalposts in 2003 when it landed. Rev-happy and lacking in mid-range, the RR makes up for this slight annoyance through stunning handling and a mini-RCV look.

2003 Suzuki GSX-R1000 K3

The first update to the GSX-R1000 saw it gain radial brakes, a new look and a bit more power. In 2003 the GSX-R still ruled the litre bike roost and you can insure this 164bhp missile as a classic!

2003 Ducati 999

Prices to buy this visually-challenging Ducati V-twin are sky high, but should you stumble upon one that isn’t too over-priced, at least you can afford to insure it under classic insurance. If you like the 999’s look, you will love the way it handles and sounds.

2003 Aprilia RSV-R

The updated ‘twin-pipe’ model was released in 2004, so you will have to wait until next year for that to be classed as a classic, but you can get an original ‘single pipe’ RSV. The last generation of RSV-Rs come with a more powerful motor, Öhlins suspension and lightweight OZ wheel.

2003 Kawasaki ZX-6R

The 2003 ZX-6R marked Kawasaki’s re-emergence as a serious player in the motorcycle market after a fair few years in the doldrums. Packing a big-bore 636cc motor, inverted forks, radial brakes and even an RR-sibling, it’s a brilliant bike with a kick of mid-range that rival’s like the CBR600RR lack.