Todd's 'GREENIE'.

[BoschZEV]

Sounds like sour grapes to me. ... He made an honest profit, a profit, not a loss

Not sour grapes at all. Monetary profit was the subject mentioned, not personal enjoyment of owning or riding a motorcycle, and if that is the only issue it just needs to be correctly accounted for. Not having the $172k to invest in something else that would have paid a larger return is an 'opportunity cost' which is real, but which we'll ignore for now.

Taking inflation into account, six years ago he paid $172k in inflation-corrected 2020 dollars. His out-of-pocket costs in the meantime were the interest on whatever he had to borrow because of buying the bike,[*] shipping, storage, and detailing costs. It is the difference between $172k plus those costs and the check Mecums gives him that is his profit/loss, not the difference between the raw sales and purchase prices. As a result, he might have made an "honest profit," or he might have made a loss, on selling it this year.

Again, many of us don't own our motorcycles in the hopes of making a profit. But, if the discussion is of profit from buying and selling motorcycles, costs have to be included[**] if it's to be a realistic discussion.

[*]Maybe he had the cash in the bank earning essentially nothing so didn't have to borrow anything but, if he did, a $172k loan at a very low rate of 3% would have cost ~$32k in interest over 6 years.

[**]Including taxes and business tax deductions, which is another level of complexity.

[knuckcrazy]

Could-a, would-a, should-a. Sounds like sour grapes to me. Some people need other people to make money for them, some do not, it all depends on what type of person you are. I personally enjoy making my own money and couldn’t stand having my broker make or lose money for me. Just like there’s really no right or wrong answer on the best path to turn a profit, there will always be someone who will find fault in someone else’s bike. Not because it was a bad purchase, but because of who owns it. Let it go people. He made an honest profit, a profit, not a loss regardless of the spin anyone wants to put on it.

Well said.
I hope the bike disappears into obscurity as I'm tired of hearing about it from both sides.
Think about the time wasted on Facebook, Instagram, Bar room discussions and this forum talking about the dislike for past owner and $hit that don't matter.
BlaBlaBlaBla Blah...
Let the hate begin...

[BoschZEV]

Think about the time wasted on Facebook, Instagram, Bar room discussions and this forum ...

Like it or not, these things matter in the world of buying and selling old motorcycles. Steve McQueen is one thing, but I'll wager few people had even heard of Indian Larry before he appeared on a reality TV show 15 years ago. However, because he had been on TV he was then given mythological status by some people and, coincidentally or not, two of his machines just sold for ~$200k ea. Evidence that these prices weren't coincidental is that other Harley choppers, bobbers and customs without his name attached to them sold for less than 10% of that.

It's fine not to have any interest in celebrity (actual or micro), social media, etc. but, like it or not, such things definitely affect the selling prices of motorcycles at the upper end. Of course, for someone who only wants to ride their bike it can be a waste of time to read about these "extraneous" factors. However, for anyone interested in the broader aspects of our hobby, such things are definitely relevant.

[exeric]

I agree, BoschZEV. It's not just the financial aspect of this hobby, but the cultural picture that makes the old bike hobby so entertaining. If you find it boring, then talk, read, or look at something else. If a topic becomes offensive then that is an issue, but I haven't seen that in this thread.

[BoschZEV]

It's not just the financial aspect of this hobby, but the cultural picture that makes the old bike hobby so entertaining.

From Wednesday to Saturday in Las Vegas I spoke with at least 50 motorcyclists about subjects ranging from the serious to the superficial of the hobby. I saw nearly 2000 motorcycles, but at least half my time was spent talking with people, not looking at motorcycles. Although I've been immersed pretty deeply in motorcycling for over 50 years it's hard to think of any motorcycle-related topic that came up that I was tired of hearing about.

Despite not hearing even one motorcycle started during those four days, let alone seeing any ridden, I certainly feel I was immersed in motorcycling. That said, I can understand why someone who is less interested in the cultural or social aspects of motorcycling might have hated it there.

p.s. Am I the only one who finds it interesting that a full Arlen Ness custom that the Mecum catalog claims to be a multiple show winner sold for only $6600 (lot S303)?

[Steve Swan]

dumb question, but i can be full of 'em. why doesn't Mecum list sold price?

[BoschZEV]

why doesn't Mecum list sold price?

If you register and log in the prices will appear. As will frequent email mails from them that you may or may not be interested in.

[JoJo357]

dumb question, but i can be full of 'em. why doesn't Mecum list sold price?

It's worth getting the e-mails Steve, because on the plus side, You can view 'ALL' Mecum past auctions!

*M.A.D.*

[Steve Swan]

It's worth getting the e-mails Steve, because on the plus side, You can view 'ALL' Mecum past auctions!

*M.A.D.*

thanks for clarifying JoJo357!

[JoJo357]

thanks for clarifying JoJo357!

You're welcome Steve--by the way, Mecum past viewing M/C auctions go back to...2013! *Also, hit the *(AUCTION SEARCH)* on the left side of the itinerary. This will pinpoint M/C's w/o going through the viewing of thousands of Motorcycles.

*M.A.D.*

[JoJo357]

(((p.s. Am I the only one who finds it interesting that a full Arlen Ness custom that the Mecum catalog claims to be a multiple show winner sold for only $6600 (lot S303)?[/QUOTE])))

>>>https://youtu.be/sTd_73Slj3Q >>>Arte Johnson. *YouTube.

Unexplainable Bosch! Both Arlen & Larry were Excellent, Well liked & Respected builders. Each had Boo-Koo exposure. Both are *R.i.P.*
But, then again, how does anyone explain these few examples listed below--and there are Numerous associated with the current Las Vegas 2020 Mecum Auction.

fullsizeoutput_80a.jpg >>>Lot S306 1935 H-D VLD Original, except for updated Power-train. $11,000.00
fullsizeoutput_80b.jpg >>>Lot W62 1930 V with Hack. $19,800.00
fullsizeoutput_808.jpg >>>Lot T285 1920 Indian Powerplus Racer. European restoration/Museum. $27,500.00 *A few years ago--50K and up.
fullsizeoutput_809.jpg >>>Lot S107 1947 Indian Chief--100% Ground Up Restoration. $24,200.00
fullsizeoutput_80d.jpg >>>Lot S303 FLSTC Arlen Ness/PHANTOM. $6600.00>>>?????


*M.A.D.*

[KNUCK]

The auctions tell you what is hot and what is not, like the auctions or not it is what it is. Those Arlen Ness, OCC etc are definitely out!! Crocker, Knuckle, certain Triumph, Brough Superior and any little tiny Honda are pretty hot.

[JoJo357]

I wonder what individuals were running around the Auction telling everyone...NOT to bid on Todd's 'Greenie'. haha

*M.A.D.*

[KNUCK]

Just for fun I brought my paint thickness gauge and measured Greenie, read at 1-2 mil and having an original paint Panhead it also is 1-2 mil. It really is a nice piece of Knuckle history.

[JoJo357]

Just for fun I brought my paint thickness gauge and measured Greenie, read at 1-2 mil and having an original paint Panhead it also is 1-2 mil. It really is a nice piece of Knuckle history.

Say what You will about Todd & 'Greenie'--and many have!!! But, the extensive documentation and Americana have led to the highest payed-out Knucklehead in current history. Mecum's final tally is...$225,000.00 Todd at very minimum, has exclusive Bragging Rights to have owned 'Greenie' and sold 'Greenie' for that amount...

*M.A.D.*