Topic: The economic of restorations

[Ozzybud]

My stocks,IRA, and 401K is great but you can't drive or ride them around the block.

There are numerous people in the hobby treating antique investments as their retirement vehicle. A self managed portfolio of love has its advantages however liquidation might prove difficult when funds are needed; unless it's for gasoline lol.

The way high end collectable bikes and cars sell on BAT. I believe liquidating will not be a problem.. I will likely gift most of them to friends.
Not sure what a Retirement Vehicle is ? Mine are purely for fun and enjoyment in my golden years.
I just happen to have a spouse that is  all in and supports my hobby.

[MauiK3]

Beautiful collections! You guys are impressive!!
I too am also lucky in that my bride of 48 years enjoys our rides around the island.
It's a great hobby.

[Stev-o]

I too am also lucky in that my bride of 48 years enjoys our rides around the island.

Hey Maui...you live in one of the most beautiful places on the planet but I dont recall seeing any pics of your bike "on the road"?

[BenelliSEI]

At one point I had +12 Honda cb550/750’s in my shop. Four or five of the fully restored bikes were just bundled up, in the back, collecting dust. In the past few years I’ve sold the ‘70 cb750K, 75 cb750F, ‘76 cb750K, ‘77 and ‘78 cb750K’s (and the Benelli SEI). I priced each one of them at easily 2 or 3X the market around here. Lot’s of stupid comments, but eventually someone walked in and said “I’ll take it!”. I miss the bikes and have some regrets, but that is more than offset by seeing them being ridden, back on the road, with people that appreciate them (and my efforts).

I don’t make a living at this, but I don’t lose any money on them either. The S/C is starting to annoy me just sitting there. It may well be next.

[Nasher]

I've spent all my money on women and motorbikes,  apart from a little bit I frittered away

Always had bikes, always customised them - mostly cafe racers

Once retired  bought a run down Honda K4 race bike, I enjoyed restoring it. 2 days after completion I took it to the Classic TT on the Isle of Man and thrashed it around the TT course. (I've been going to the TT races since 1976).

Shortly afterwards, I  was given the opportunity to ride it around the Crystal Palace circuit in south east London, the place I first watched motorcycle racing in 1959.

11 years on, I still have it and take it across to the Isle of Man, thrash it over and around the Brecon Beacons in Wales
Also attended a few shows and won some awrds awards

Money alone can't buy those experiences, so I don't care what it costs or what it's worth!


I've done the same with a 1974 TZ Yamaha and recently completed a replica of Mike Hailwood’s 1967 Senior TT winning Honda RC181. It took 2 years to build and when at the Classic TT this year,  somebody asked what is was worth, my reply was; I haven't a clue, but if you offered me £25,000 ($34,000) for it I'd turn it down, because it means more to me than money

[jlh3rd]

"  somebody asked what is was worth, my reply was; I haven't a clue, but if you offered me £25,000 ($34,000) for it I'd turn it down, because it means more to me than money"

I understand.
That's how I feel about my mint, unrestored bike. The satisfaction I get showing and talking to those interested and amazed at a 50 year old piece of Japanese history is priceless. I do not think there  is another one out there. Too much enjoyment in that.