MOTION, or others, Tips for selling My 1930 Rudge Whitworth Motorcycle

[Hugh R]

I'm divesting my self of stuff. I have this 1930 Rudge Whitworth Grand Prix Ulster, its a factory "knock-off" racer that "may' have competed in the 1930 Isle of Man TT races. Its a true factory "knock-off" racer. My Dad bought it like 70 years ago. I put some air in the 50 year old tires which held for an hour or so and ran it up and down the block a few weeks ago, it started 3rd dump of the compression release (doesn't have a kick starter). The cables are stretched out and need replacement, otherwise, I wouldn't delve into the engine, or trannie, they seem to work fine. Lots of parts like pistons, valves, springs and miscellaneous bushings and stuff.. He re-painted it with a brush and lacquer about 50 years ago. How best to sell it? You can find a link to an article on it here. My 1930 Rudge Whitworth in a British Bike Magazine (Pics!)

[Baz]

eBay.............with a super high reserve?

[SCadaddle]

Pitch it to these guys, at least you might get to go see it every now and then.

Barber Motorsports Museum: Home

[Chocaholic]

Hate to see you part with it. Seems like an heir loom. Any offspring that might appreciate having it? Just seems like you'd lie awake the night after selling it and regretting it.

Yep, just laying on the guilt a bit.

[motion]

Hugh, you need to do the necessary due diligence to document the history. Spend some time to create a good story about the bike. Do research on comp sales. Dig around Bring A Trailer, Ebay and Classic Sport Bikes For Sale | Rare SportBikes For Sale. Try to find some completed auctions.

Put it on Ebay with a super high price and a "Make an Offer" option. Have a price in mind and see what happens.

[Hugh R]

Thanks, rejoining the Rudge Club today and am going to check out their comps and see if I can document the bikes history..

[porsche4life]

Why sell it after so many years Hugh? None of the family wants it?

[javadog]

A few things I'd do...

First, don't ride it on 50 year-old tires. Too much risk. Keep it parked.

Second, clean it up. I don't suggest removing all of the patina but clean and polish the paint, carefully clean up the metal bits (clean, don't change their character) clean up residue from old leaks, etc. Make sure it's properly serviced. Grease or oil what needs those things. Adjust things that can be adjusted. Fix anything broken, using period-correct replacement parts. Can't find a part? make it, if possible.

Third, document, document, document. History, current condition, etc. No amount of information or photographs is too much.

Fourth, do as much due diligence on value as you can. Ask the people that know these bikes the best. There's usually a best way to sell anything, whether that is a particular broker, or a particular auction, or whatever. Make the effort to get the bike to that guy, or place. That might mean shipping it across the country, or across the pond. So be it.

The notion of offering it to Barber is worth exploring, too.

Good luck,
JR

[Seahawk]

Interesting.

Bonhams : c.1930 Rudge 500cc Racing Motorcycle Engine no. 4368

https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/18221/lot/291/

[motion]

Originally Posted by Seahawk

Interesting.

Bonhams : c.1930 Rudge 500cc Racing Motorcycle Engine no. 4368

https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/18221/lot/291/

Unbelievable that something like this in concourse condition sells for only $11,000.

Hugh, do you have children you could pass it down to?

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by motion

Unbelievable that something like this in concourse condition sells for only $11,000.

Hugh, do you have children you could pass it down to?

The date(s) of the auctions wasn't clear, but I was surprised by the pricing. Perhaps things have changed or the potential for the bike to have raced on the Isle of Man will make a significant diefference in price.

Hugh, you can store it at my place!

[MRM]

The inchoate grandchildren may appreciate great grandpa's motorcycle and grandpa's story more than the money they'll inherit from it. I have nothing from any of my grandparents and little that was my farher's other than his watch which will go to
My oldest son when he graduates from college. Why don't you keep it under a tarp, don't touch it and hand it down when the time comes.

[speeder]

Originally Posted by Seahawk

The date(s) of the auctions wasn't clear, but I was surprised by the pricing. Perhaps things have changed or the potential for the bike to have raced on the Isle of Man will make a significant diefference in price.

Hugh, you can store it at my place!

That auction was in 2010. If you click on, "all lots", the details and other bikes that sold are featured. There were some real treasures, several Vincents, etc...

[stomachmonkey]

Just call up Leno or Billy Joel.

They'll show up with checks in hand.

[Noah930]

Have you looked on the back (classifieds) of Classic Bike magazine?

[tevake]

There was a resent Mecum auction for classic Bikes in Vegas.
Even tho there seemed to be a small audience there, the prices on some of the bikes of special interest were good for the sellers.

Might there be a better market for it in England ?

I can appreciate the desire to simplify, it can seem like our stuff owns us at times.

Cheers Richard

[Sarc]

With its unique history and (eventual) solid documentation, seems like it would get a lot of love on BaT...

[MBAtarga]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

Just call up Leno or Billy Joel.

They'll show up with checks in hand.

You are right there in Leno's neighborhood. Best idea yet!

[Chocaholic]

Leno is the self proclaimed President of the more-money-than-brains club. He's your guy.

[varmint]

Put tires on it. Trailer up to mulholland, then ride to the rock store some Sunday morning.

Sit back and entertain offers.