Mecum Motorcycle Auction in Las Vegas
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swooshdave
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It's pretty complicated.
Here are some of the factors I think are in play.
One, no offense to most of you, but I've suspected that the current owners of these bikes are "aging out" and collections are being sold off, thus flooding the market. Some/most who may inherit these bikes don't care about them or don't know what to do with them.
The economy is pulling back greatly all over. High interest rates mean that some collectors aren't going to put their money into hard goods when you can make way more in other ways. Layoffs are rampant. Plus there is a great unsettling as the US comes into an election year.
All to say the prices did surprise me but as I stepped back they made some sense.
Here are some of the factors I think are in play.
One, no offense to most of you, but I've suspected that the current owners of these bikes are "aging out" and collections are being sold off, thus flooding the market. Some/most who may inherit these bikes don't care about them or don't know what to do with them.
The economy is pulling back greatly all over. High interest rates mean that some collectors aren't going to put their money into hard goods when you can make way more in other ways. Layoffs are rampant. Plus there is a great unsettling as the US comes into an election year.
All to say the prices did surprise me but as I stepped back they made some sense.
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Yes, there seemed to be an unusual number of collections going over. Couldn't help but think these are older collectors who are thinking there is s decline coming and decided to stike while the Post Covid iron is hot.
I'm still having an issue with the H2 prices. A bike that the dealer could hardly give away, it wasn't a great M/C, its also wasn't as bad as reviewed.
Must be the Mystic of 'The Widowmaker.' Being bought with no intention of being ridden.
I'm still having an issue with the H2 prices. A bike that the dealer could hardly give away, it wasn't a great M/C, its also wasn't as bad as reviewed.
Must be the Mystic of 'The Widowmaker.' Being bought with no intention of being ridden.
Jdub
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The generational "wave" that lifts and drops prices is so true. A beautiful 1970 Datsun 240Z going for 60K? Someone my age would say you should have bought a late '70's 911. But then again, I remember my older brother telling me what a rube I was to purchase "Bridge of Sighs" when I could have bought "Are You Experienced?" He did end up borrowing Robin's triumphant LP from me though...memories!
Dam! Love that Goldie and affordable.wow $8k for a rocket gold star. and 25k for the Manx. The sky is falling. https://www.mecum.com/lots/1108934/1963-bsa-rocket-gold-star/?aa_id=533308-0
marshg246
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I know people interested in Norton/Triumph/BSA who were not yet born in 1976 and even more that were under 10 in 1976. Several of them got their first bikes in their early 40s and the bikes were older than them. So, I'm wondering how many Norton lovers on this site are old enough to have ridden a Commando when they were available for sale new.
Logically, those of us in the late 60s or older will die off soon and those with a lot of bikes may well have them auctioned off. In my case, my stepson would fight his sons (all in their 20s) for my bikes if I died now - no auction as they all have//want Nortons and Triumphs with a smattering of BSA dirt bikes.
So, the market may shrink, but then the supply is shrinking (bikes being destroyed/parted out) so I think there's a future, just like there are people who collect bikes that weren't available when I was born.
That said, it will likely never be profitable to restore and sell old bikes except for auctions where things are way overpriced for the non-auction market.
Logically, those of us in the late 60s or older will die off soon and those with a lot of bikes may well have them auctioned off. In my case, my stepson would fight his sons (all in their 20s) for my bikes if I died now - no auction as they all have//want Nortons and Triumphs with a smattering of BSA dirt bikes.
So, the market may shrink, but then the supply is shrinking (bikes being destroyed/parted out) so I think there's a future, just like there are people who collect bikes that weren't available when I was born.
That said, it will likely never be profitable to restore and sell old bikes except for auctions where things are way overpriced for the non-auction market.
Mart UK
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I was 11 in 1976. I sort of remember Commandos.
In my view there will always be a market for these bikes, until it gets too difficult to find fuel.
At the moment, I have 2 mid '70s bikes, for fun riding and projects in my garage. I have one modern for long trips and bad weather. I really fancy a 1930s sprung saddle, hardtail British single. As my workshop skills develop, that may be a possibility. Obviously, they weren't what I rode when I was a kid, nor what I lusted after then. My interest has developed over time and exposure to influences.
The continuing availability of spares and fuel will determine whether these old bikes remain practical. If they're practical, they will be wanted by the next generation. There's always enough dreamers and misfits.
In my view there will always be a market for these bikes, until it gets too difficult to find fuel.
At the moment, I have 2 mid '70s bikes, for fun riding and projects in my garage. I have one modern for long trips and bad weather. I really fancy a 1930s sprung saddle, hardtail British single. As my workshop skills develop, that may be a possibility. Obviously, they weren't what I rode when I was a kid, nor what I lusted after then. My interest has developed over time and exposure to influences.
The continuing availability of spares and fuel will determine whether these old bikes remain practical. If they're practical, they will be wanted by the next generation. There's always enough dreamers and misfits.
pinto2
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Lineslinger
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All of those televised motor vehicle auctions with the babes jiggling around and the screaming dummies in the audience with the glaring stage lighting and the TV cameras pointed at you sure does build up a real level of excitement.
Even with all that glitz and distraction, they all still have one basic element to consider and remember...these auctions are established, managed and manipulated by used car salesmen.
The lipstick on a pig scenario.
My dad took me to a used car dealer one time when I was 17 to look at some car I was in love with. That one visit with my dad as a consultant saved me a lot of money then, and now.
Once again, thanks dad.
Even with all that glitz and distraction, they all still have one basic element to consider and remember...these auctions are established, managed and manipulated by used car salesmen.
The lipstick on a pig scenario.
My dad took me to a used car dealer one time when I was 17 to look at some car I was in love with. That one visit with my dad as a consultant saved me a lot of money then, and now.
Once again, thanks dad.
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swooshdave
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One of the guys who showed up at our last club meeting picked up this Commando at the auction. I didn't think it was a horrible price, there's a $500 auction fee and then shipping. Apparently it takes a while for them to ship all the bikes out.
Winning bid was $6,050. A little high but it's an S.
Winning bid was $6,050. A little high but it's an S.
BERT
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What is an "S"?One of the guys who showed up at our last club meeting picked up this Commando at the auction. I didn't think it was a horrible price, there's a $500 auction fee and then shipping. Apparently it takes a while for them to ship all the bikes out.
Winning bid was $6,050. A little high but it's an S.
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Not sure about it being an 'S', but it does have what appears to be original, angled in head pipes as they exit the head.One of the guys who showed up at our last club meeting picked up this Commando at the auction. I didn't think it was a horrible price, there's a $500 auction fee and then shipping. Apparently it takes a while for them to ship all the bikes out.
Winning bid was $6,050. A little high but it's an S.
This is how the 750's were done. These would have been on the 'Roadster.' Could have been changed out.
Not till the 850 with the cross over did they exit straight out.
According to the info in the link above, it's a bit too late to be an S type.
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