Do Unofficially Imported Classic Motorcycles Have a Lower Value Than Officially Imported UK Classic Motorcycles?

Back in the day, when I used to scour Ebay looking for classic motorcycles, I would often read the sentence “Official UK bike, none of this imported crap”. Let’s just deconstruct this sentence and see if such “Ebayers” have a… Read more »

Why are first year of production classics the most valuable?

Looking at nearly all classic motorcycles, you will notice that a first year of production run of any model is the most expensive and hard to find. A Kawasaki Z1 900 from 1972 will cost 50% more than a Z900A… Read more »

Kawasaki Z900A5. Original or Updated?

[caption id="attachment_153" align="alignleft" width="850"] A very trick Kawasaki Z900A5[/caption] This beautiful Kawasaki Z900A5 looks quite original at first glance, but look further and you will see that it’s been updated and improved in key areas. But, in essence, it looks… Read more »

Honda CB750 K series. To buy sandcast or die cast?

When looking at a classic motorcycle for investment, the first year of production is usually the most expensive and most sought after. For example, the Honda CB750 took the world, and Kawasaki, by surprise, in 1969. The first year of… Read more »

The Royal Enfield India Motorcycle Rally 1999 Part 2

On Tuesday I wake up to Louisa, from GS promotions banging, on my door and in her happiest, smiley voice proclaiming it’s time for breakfast. What? At 4.00am? Why? How come she’s so chipper and chirpie like a little morning… Read more »

The Royal Enfield India Motorcycle Rally 1999 Part 1

THE INDIA ENFIELD CHALLENGE 1999 It’s nine in the morning on Saturday January 23rd 1999, one hundred and thirty people meet at Heathrow airport’s terminal 3 to embark upon a 1,000 KM motorcycle rally. We will be riding Royal Enfield… Read more »

The perils of using auction houses to buy and sell classic motorcycles

I have never actually bought or sold a classic motorcycle at a classic motorcycle auction. There are numerous, well known auction houses in the UK and abroad that sell art, classic cars and classic motorcycles. In the heady days before… Read more »

Buying and selling on internet auction sites Part 2

As I have already said in part 1 of this blog, I have not bought or sold any machines in my personal collection for some time. Selling classic motorcycles is an art. Anyone can give a machine away, but achieving… Read more »

Buying and selling motorcycles on internet auction websites Part 1

I now very rarely buy or sell machines, involving my personal collection, on auction sites that might rhyme with flea spray. I used to, but in the last few years it has become more and more frustrating and also open… Read more »