72 BSA

[Needabike]

Looking for info on this bike. It has been sitting.
What kind of money and what to look for if buying.
Thanks for any info.

[arkline]

I guess it all depends on how badly you want it and how much you want to put in it...

Check all the rubber to see what is going to need replacing. If you can do a compression and leak down test to see if the top end is within range. Check to see if it will fire, you don't say how long it has been sitting. Make sure the numbers match. Be sure to get a clear title, otherwise it can be a hassle.

There are tons of sources for British Classics, both NOS and aftermarket.

[Dallara]

~


Having restored a few bikes along the way over the years, allow me to pass along a good rule of thumb an old mentor of mine graced me with...

"Any vintage bike restoration, no matter how nice, or how poor, it is to start... Will cost you almost exactly TWICE as much as you think it will... Both in time and in money."

I have bought junkyard dogs over the years and restored 'em, and I have bought nearly mint, literally fully restored and ready examples of vintage bikes I have wanted over the years, and the adage above has always been absolutely true...

You will end spending both twice as much time and money on any of them as you originally estimated.

But hey, it's still all good... And you're really lucky. You live in Keller, Texas, where the Cafe's own Dave/Darthrider resides, and he knows a ton of guys who probably know more about British bikes than anyone else in the country. You should drop Dave/Darth a PM and have him put you in touch with folks like Keith Martin... :028:

Cheers!

Allan (Dallara)





~

[Spider-eyes]

And let me add, when you decide to sell it (and you will) it will only appeal to an individual who dreamed of having that exact machine as a youth. There are three such individuals in the country. One does not have the money to make an offer but would like to trade you for, essentially, junk.

The second would like to have your machine but thinks the market price is about what a new one cost 'way back then. He doesn't care that you restored the thing to as-new, because the only ones he ever saw were as-new.

The third individual is retired, collects your type machines, is quite wealthy, knows that your machine is worth every penny you ask and is appreciative for the work and time you have spent in your restoration.

Unfortunately, he bought two pristine examples last year and is not interested in yours.

[DarthRider]

And let me add, when you decide to sell it (and you will) it will only appeal to an individual who dreamed of having that exact machine as a youth. There are three such individuals in the country. One does not have the money to make an offer but would like to trade you for, essentially, junk.

The second would like to have your machine but thinks the market price is about what a new one cost 'way back then. He doesn't care that you restored the thing to as-new, because the only ones he ever saw were as-new.

The third individual is retired, collects your type machines, is quite wealthy, knows that your machine is worth every penny you ask and is appreciative for the work and time you have spent in your restoration.

Unfortunately, he bought two pristine examples last year and is not interested in yours.

Oh Spidey...you've been down this road before!
I'm really glad to be out of old bikes after all those years...but I'm sure glad there are guys still doing it and new guys coming in. :eusa_clap:

[Spider-eyes]

Yup, both cars and bikes. Several times, but I'm an awfully slow learner and not real bright.

[Dallara]

~


But Darth...

Did you notice that Needabike is from Keller, Texas???

Right in your neck of the woods. You can probably steer him to the right folks to help him out, eh?

Cheers!

Allan (Dallara)




~

[Needabike]

Thanks for all the words of .........
well thanks for all the words.

I don't have a thousand bucks anyway.

[DarthRider]

Thanks for all the words of .........
well thanks for all the words.

I don't have a thousand bucks anyway.

John -
Unless that bike has some serious, major problems it's a pretty fair bargain at $1K! Not that I would recommend it but it would part out on eBay for $2-3K I imagine. What it would bring parted out, intact at auction, intact on eBay, etc. are all good benchmarks of "value".
I'm not seeing the image now but the only non-stock items I recall are the mufflers. And I think it was missing tank badges.
These "oil in frame" models are not as popular as the earlier models...they sit a little higher, are heavier, and are just not as "pretty" where those side panels are.
None the less, they are not making any more BSA's and all the Brits are going up in value & price.
BSA = Bastard Stopped Again, or
Best Scooter Available...depending on point of view.

Where do you live in Keller? You should join us for the Friday evening "Peckerhead Motorcycle Racing" meeting sometime. We meet at my shop on Simmons Drive most Fridays, about 5-5:30PM, until...? There is also sort of an "early shift" group of P'Heads that "meet" at Up-N-Smoke BBQ from ~3-5:00PM, then migrate over to my place.
Send me a PM if you're interested and I'll tell you more. Most Fridays there is at least one BSA owner there. He'll be the guy limping on his right leg...:104: