Buy high, spend lots of money, then sell low. That, my friends, is our lot in life...
Now, tell me how much being part of a worldwide community of wonderful, like-minded people is worth? what would you pay to belong to this exclusive club?
Well, I now have to go to work, on my old WM Wheezer as I do every day. Its a slow ride because invariably someone will want to bend your ear about what you're riding. They will be amazed you ride that thing every day. Maybe I'll get that elusive last accessory I've been chasing - a speeding ticket!
FWIW Harry Beenham , a multi millionaire rode a surplus LE Velocette every dau to work from St Ives , where every second car was a Bentley to Chippendale.
His one concession was to fit it with a canvas oil skin lap rug.
Every day rain hail or shine, originally bare headed then finally wearing a WWII surplus helmet & goggles.
Riding atire was a pair of odd plastic "roman sandals".
When he died it took over a month to sell off his hoard.
It was the biggest auction of surplus WWII supplies since the 50's
I got sent there to bid on radio valves, some of which went for over $ 2000 each for a friend ( no he did not buy any ) but we digress.
However there were something like 20 or so LE velos and pallet loads of bicycles.
Seller: I have receipts for 5000 pounds and have spend 500 hours working on the bike at 25 pounds an hour. A bargain at R7500 pounds.
Buyer: I will have to employ a specialist for 100 hours to overhaul the bike at 50 pounds an hour and spend a further 5000 pounds on parts. I can only offer you R100 pounds to take it away.
The real truth is somewhere in between and depends on how badly you want one or wish to sell one. Just don't buy one as an investment unless, in the most unlikely event, you come across an absolute bargain that no one else has heard about. Also, don't buy one if you intend to employ someone else to maintain it. Certainly buy one if you wish to experience the joy of riding a classic motorcycle when you are not in a hurry.
