ABOUT PURCHASING AN ANTIQUE MOTORCYCLE

      Purchasing or building an antique motorcycle can be fun. It is always an adventure and always a tremendous learning experience. Notice I said that it “can” be fun?  Unfortunately it can also be much less than fun. Human nature being what it is, there are those willing to take advantage of a person trying to purchase or restore an antique motorcycle, especially a first timer.

     O.K. then, how will a first time buyer, restorer or a person just becoming interested in antique motorcycles keep from having a bad experience? The answer is that you need help, anyone shunning help from other enthusiasts will nearly always get involved with the wrong type of person, get bad advice, wrong parts or pay far more than he or she needs to. This happens most often at the very beginning. Enthusiasm is high, knowledge is low and that beautiful antique motorcycle, that pile of parts, the rolling chassis or the so-called basket case looks really good.

     The greatest reason enthusiasts get in trouble is their mindset at the very beginning. Usually that mindset is that understanding antique motorcycles can’t be that difficult, after all they look much less complex than a car. Add to that a feeling of challenge to obtain a really nice antique motorcycle for a bargain price, and you have a person who is almost certain to get taken.  Paying a large sum for an antique motorcycle is not a guarantee either. Very few of these are correct as to make, year and model but they sure look pretty and usually demand a high price but deep down aren’t really that valuable. 

     What makes an antique motorcycle valuable? The most valuable of all is the “Original” or an antique motorcycle that has survived with all its original parts and its original finishes. Even though the paint has deteriorated and the plating has lost its brightness, this is the most valuable of all the antique motorcycles and is considered the “gem” of all finds.  It is nearly priceless and most owners won’t consider selling it at any price even though they usually can’t ride it due to the original tires being so old. They can’t restore it either without cutting its value considerably but they do own a piece of history and can anyone put a price on that!

     The next most valuable is the “Restored” antique motorcycle and most are in this category. In this case the restored machine must look new and fresh as well as containing all of the parts correct for that make, year and model that it had when it came off the line. Lots of owners will advertise their antique motorcycle as restored but few are restored correctly and you could spend a lot of money on one, bring it to an AMCA meet and find that you need to spend additional money and time to get it correct.  Some times it will not be possible to get it correct, as all parts are not being reproduced and some parts impossible to find at any price.

     Next down the line is the “Runner.”  This antique motorcycle is usually un-restored but runs good and is a lot of fun to own, ride and bring to meets. This may be a good machine to get started with if you know what is correct for make, year and model. 

     And then we have the “Rolling Basket.”  This is a motorcycle loosely assembled, usually from parts.  Here again, if you really know what parts are correct you could have a starter bike.

     Last is the “Basket Case” antique motorcycle.  Usually you are sold a frame, fork, wheels and several boxes of parts.  Here you really need to know your motorcycle in order to come out ahead on a deal like this.  The seller usually doesn’t know how much of the motorcycle is really there. 

     My advice is to lay low for a minimum of a year and up to three years. Join any antique motorcycle club relating to your particular interest. The Antique Motorcycle Club of America, Inc. should be foremost on your list. After that, join the Four Cylinder Club, The 101 Association, Inc., the Scooter Club or other club specific to your interest.

     You are now learning, paying your dues so to speak. Time and a little money here will pay big dividends when you finally decide exactly which antique motorcycle you wish to own. Perhaps the best learning you will ever encounter takes place each Sunday morning at every AMCA meet. As a member of the AMCA, you may show up at the judge’s breakfast and apprentice judge in any of the several judging categories. The AMCA is always looking for persons willing to give a few hours as an apprentice judge. I have encouraged and apprenticed many antique motorcycle enthusiasts over the years, all ages, from various countries and yes, women to.  With a few meets under your belt, perhaps some apprentice judging and hearing all those bad experiences from fellow enthusiasts, you will not be easily taken advantage of.  Your obtaining the antique motorcycle of your dreams will be a pleasant experience because you paid your dues, not very expensive dues either, before you put down all that money.