Classic Motorcycle Auction - Prices Going Up or Down?

[Buzz Kanter]

Curious what prices will be like for the classic motorcycles at auction with this terrible economy. There are a couple of classic motorcycle auctions in Las Vegas in a few weeks.

http://motorcyclenews.us/?p=49

[exeric]

I asked once before about live auctions for antique motorcycles. There was a general negative opinion about them but apparently many people still run their bikes through auctions so there must be some positive opinions as well. Would love to hear some feedback.

[Chris Haynes]

There are also a lot of sales going on in the parking lots where the auctions are held.

[Ohio-Rider]

The value of any object is determined by its owner. As long as I’ve been paying any attention to the value of old motorcycles I would say they have a return rate about equal to what your local bank would give you on a savings account.

The nice thing about old bikes even in this terrible economy is they still hold their worth. The bad thing is less people have the money to indulge. Auctions are a great thing, it gives the owners a more realistic view of their bikes value. And thats is good for everybody.

[exeric]

Some good points Steve. Great to have you here.

[Chris Haynes]

Banks around here are paying less than 3/4 of a percent interest. I am sure my 1937 EL I bought in a basket for $200.00 in 1970 is worth a great deal more that what bank interest may have paid over the last 40 years.

[Ohio-Rider]

Chris, We all don't have another 40 years to wait.

Edit: I just thought of another thing Chris. Have you done the math on storage for 40 years?

[Chris Haynes]

Chris, We all don't have another 40 years to wait.

Edit: I just thought of another thing Chris. Have you done the math on storage for 40 years?

It doesn't cost anything to sit in my garage with all my other crap.

[rwm]

if a politicain was any lazier he would be an auctioneer

[Rubone]

It seems that rare and desirable bikes continue to rise, run of the mill stuff is dropping or remaining flat. Good time to buy a Panhead, bad time to buy a Crocker!
IMHO
Robbie

[portagepan]

Yo! Wasa madda wid you? Yousa callin' my Panhead "run of the mill"? Dude!
Mike

[Rubone]

That's right Mike, I was specifically referring to your Panhead! Mine is rather special so it doesn't count.
Robbie

[D.Mac]

Hmm, the Panhead parts I'm lookin' for must be "special" also, they sure aren't gettin' any cheaper!
Doug.

[Chris Haynes]

Everybody knows that H-D started their downhill slide with the introduction of aluminum alloy heads.

[Rubone]

Hmm, the Panhead parts I'm lookin' for must be "special" also, they sure aren't gettin' any cheaper!
Doug.

That is correct Doug, but the prices on complete bikes are flat. They peaked a few years back and haven't really changed. Why do you see guys parting out stock bikes? They can get more for the parts than the finished unit. The best thing you can do is try to use as many original pieces as possible and keep it original in appearance. That will hold its value the most. Bobbers, choppers, etc are fad driven and will go up and down depending on popularity. Stock stuff will continue to inch upward. The highest price is going to come from very correct machines, not repop specials. And its a lot more fun than having your money tied up in some investment account. It is real and tangible, always a good thing!
Robbie