Author Topic: Who knows really old bikes? (Read 1796 times)

zoo mob · « **on:** August 27, 2008, 11:15:18 PM »

Sorry the picture's so small, but any ideas on what the hell this is? I'm guessing its pre-WW1, and that's about all I can tell. Its for sale locally, and the owner knows nothing about it, I'm planning on calling tomorrow. I don't know a thing about the market for bikes this old, but damn it seems cool.

mrbreeze · « **Reply #1 on:** August 27, 2008, 11:19:04 PM »

If you get it.....the internet is your best friend. After you identify what it is.....you can do a search on it and probably be surprised to find a good deal of info on your score. Good luck!!!

dustyc · « **Reply #2 on:** August 27, 2008, 11:38:15 PM »

The local shop has 1911 Yale in for eventual restoration that looks similar.

oldbiker · « **Reply #3 on:** August 28, 2008, 12:02:05 AM »

Looks like a Harley to me $:-\$

pdxPope · « **Reply #4 on:** August 28, 2008, 12:02:29 AM »

It's definitely around WWI. I'd venture a guess of 1919 based on the design of the front forks.

The problem is that from 1900-1925 there were about 5,000 little motorcycle companies in the US that disappeared in the depression. Most of them you've never heard of. Could be a Yale, could be a Pope, could be a New Hudson Autocycle. Hell, it could even be a Harley Davidson or an Indian. They all looked pretty much the same.

It should have some information down on the crankcase cover, however. But be aware that the name on the engine may not be the name of the actual bike mfg. Most of those little companies used bought-in engines. It looks like the typical engine of it's day: an IOE two-stroke, probably 1000cc's, maybe 3.5 HP. Quite the screamer for that era!

Documentation will be scarce to non existant (unless it is one of the more popular brands) and it looks like it's missing a LOT of bits that you will NEVER find, so if you are planning on running it get friendly with the local fabrication shop.

The market for something like this is going to be pretty small. What is he asking & how deep are your pockets?

Put some bicycle tires on it, paint it a pretty cream color & hang it on your wall in the garage.

-JP

mrbreeze · « **Reply #5 on:** August 28, 2008, 12:13:21 AM »

+1 on the fabrication. There are some really cool write ups on the net about people redoing old relics like this and you can bet that they do end up making quite a few parts from scratch......nuthin' wrong with that if you have patience!!!

johnmw · « **Reply #6 on:** August 28, 2008, 12:23:15 AM »

We have an old Sears catalog around here somewhere. Think I saw something like that in there.
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1914-sears-deluxe.htm

Maybe ??

John

754 · « **Reply #7 on:** August 28, 2008, 05:39:36 AM »

It looks like 1910 -1916 to me.

The bars look like Excelsior to me.

Dont piss around, if it is 2k or less grab it quickly..

And STOP TELLING PEOPLE ABOUT it if you want it..

gerhed · « **Reply #8 on:** August 28, 2008, 05:48:42 AM »

These things always sell for at least $1500.
If it's less--grab it.

Johnie · « **Reply #9 on:** August 28, 2008, 05:53:09 AM »

I saw a bike like that at the cycle show 2 weeks ago. It was an old Harley. It had those long handlebars and same style tank.

Raul CB750K1 · « **Reply #10 on:** August 28, 2008, 07:04:35 AM »

I know that bike, have seen many like it.

It is a MONEYPIT...

You will spend a fortune and end up with something similar to a moped.

Unless you have some kind of affective relationship to it, there are many better projects out there.

zoo mob · « **Reply #11 on:** August 28, 2008, 10:38:50 AM »

Well, I called and left a message, we'll see what happens.

Johnie · « **Reply #12 on:** August 28, 2008, 10:46:13 AM »

Hey Zooy...no fair...you have to finish the KO first.

754 · « **Reply #13 on:** August 28, 2008, 11:01:55 PM »

Yes, tank is backwards..

Other than bars and part of the front end looks funny, it looks like Harley. between 11-14.

It did have pedals so it is 14 or down..
by the head it looks like around 11 -14..

Pretty darn nice pile.. more than most start withh... wish I could find a frame in one piece instaed of making one out of 3 different pieces & filling in the gaps for my 14 HD twin motor..

And there was not thousands of US marques.. more like around 300..

zoo mob · « **Reply #14 on:** August 28, 2008, 11:27:52 PM »

Well, I waited too long. It was on the local craigslist for about 18 hours before I called, no price, but from the way the ad was written, and the somewhat naive voicemail I received back from the seller, I'll bet it was sold for no more than a couple of hundred bucks. I snoozed, and I lost. Oh well. I've got a year of grad school, and a bunch of other projects to deal with. Someday.....

754 · « **Reply #15 on:** August 28, 2008, 11:35:02 PM »

you never know on the price..

it was worth at least 5K..

wouldnt last very long at that price at an AMCA swapmeet..

Hush · « **Reply #16 on:** August 29, 2008, 12:55:32 AM »

I'm with Raul, it is definitely a 1919 Moneypit, had a few of those masquerading as real bikes over the years, very similar to the Kawasaki triple Hand-grenades and usually with the same results.
My Bro-in law redoes old machines like that, he has to make most of the parts himself, unless you are an engineer these Moneypits will make your 750 carbs look easy-peasy.

KingCustomCycles.com · « **Reply #17 on:** August 29, 2008, 04:19:50 AM »

That is one of the early Harley Davidsons in original Grey Fellow paint it appears. You don't ride those except at factory open house in front of Willie G and it is worth a fu**ing fortune exactly as it is. It is amazingly complete. It is pre 1915 according to my "100 years of Harley Davidson" book. Rare, Rare, Rare $$$$.

Johnie · « **Reply #18 on:** August 29, 2008, 09:17:55 AM »

What did I tell ya'...

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Author Topic: Who knows really old bikes? (Read 1796 times)

johnmw

KingCustomCycles.com