Could it be possible for someone to come up with a comprehensive guide for pricing PENTON motorcycles? A common question seems to be whats it worth? I know there are a lot of variables like condition, location, model, whether its restored, original stock or original with period upgrades. Also is the idea of how bad do you want it,or how bad you want to sell it. In no way would it be a cut in stone list, just a guide. That way people would have a better idea if they are getting ripped off or getting a good deal. COMMENTS??????[^][^]
Thrownchain,
I like that name...we have all suffered thrownchains.
Since no one else has commented I will just make a few comments. I do not believe that one guide could be developed and be useful in the arena of vintage and/or antique motorcycles(including Pentons). I just missed a 125 Penton Six Day on ebay two weeks ago for $4500.00+ and had just purchased one not as nice(close) for $600.00 several months before. There are so many variations in the way a bike is as far as condition and accessories. I have bought Pentons that were total junk, but had a racing history of a Friend and payed dearly to get a bike back to its original owner when the same bike on the open market wouldn't bring $50.00.
I think other variables are location of the bike, in relationship to how much it costs to ship it to a buyer, has a effect on the price. Enduro equipment on a Penton adds to the retail price if it is original equipment. Also, prospective buyers of Pentons tend to want help on knowing how and what they need to do to keep their bikes in top shape. I have helped many of people, who have either bought bikes from me or somewhere else, repair or set their bikes for racing or just trail riding.
In closing I think that a person needs to study the market and buy only what they enjoy. It isn't easy to put down in words all the ways there is to proof a bike to determine what I think it is worth to me. I bought a roller last night on ebay that is going to cost me almost 40% of the cost to get it delivered to me....mistake, maybe, but it is worth it to me. Again I enjoy my bikes and I can actually have more fun building these old warriors than I can going to high priced football, basketball and baseball games then reading the next day of some athelete being paid 5 million dollars a year tell us why he didn't have a good game. I will take a Cycle News instead. Just my take.[8D]
Ron Carbaugh
Hey Ron, Thanks for the input,did you find it odd that two near identical machines varied so much in price? And do you think E Bay is a good guide for prices? It seems to me most E Bay bidding happens in the last half hour. And in other words simply pay what your comfortable paying if you really want that particular bike?
TC,
I don't think it is odd about the difference in prices since I have seen auctions bring varied prices on just about any type of item you can imagine. I don't think it is what I think about prices on ebay, instead it is much more what the general public thinks about the prices. Ebay has brought buyers and sellers much closer around the world and I for one like it.
I agree with your last statement....pay what you are comfortable paying. Great subject.[^]
Ron Carbaugh
As for the name thrownchain, wasnt my first choice, but my original idea was taken, which means I wasnt very original. And hopefully I wont cause anyone any greif, unlike a thrown chain. Thanks for chatting.
Thrown chain,
You will love chatting on this site for many reasons. The technical expertise one gains is unparalleled and that is what I need. The maturity of the interaction insures it will have a long life in my opinion.
Many people dont even realize (I didn't) that POG is an organization that can be joined if desired for a mere $20 annually. Being that I spent $20 on lunch today I think that is a great value.
In the mid 80s I had an instructor of Aviation Maintenance that had a memorable line he always used "The only dumb question is the one that does not get asked" These guys seem to live that creedo.
I bought my 1st Penton 2 years ago (73 - 125cc) for $1200 and now I would not sell it for $3000.
By contrast a few years ago I began dumping over $3000 into a 74 - 250 Honda. I will soon give it away for a start price of only $1000 and hope I atleast get that.
If you look at the vintage car market as a guide, the marks with succesful racing careers are always worth more than the rest of the pack.
Penton's should continue to grow in value, the rules of supply and demand are at play here along with many other factors. A classic racing Thoroughbred, excellent handling and power, beautiful to look at, with a limited production run. Couple that with the outstanding support this group and it's members provide and you have a real winning situation. I got back into dirt bikes 4 years ago and payed less than $250 for my first 2 Six Days. Both are now restored and worth many times more. Sure certain models are worth more than others, but any Penton 68' through 77' will raise in value. As they get harder to find and more people buy them or part them prices will continue up. just look at the spare parts situation, clutch actuators, speedometer brackets and magura ISDT levers are at a premium now.
I agree with Bentrims.I paid $710.50 for my 1st Penton. If someone were to offer me $3000 for it I would probably say NO.
Also I also had a 74 Honda XL 250 that I bought last year for $700 for my son. I thought this would be my winter project but I soon realized that before dumping all that money in it I would still have a ill handling, heavy 1974 Honda XL 250. I sold it for $700.
Rod Whitman
1972 6 Day (Rider)
1972 6 Day (Project)
My project is a DKW motorcrosser, supposedly an ex dealers machine. I traded a QA 50 honda I payed $10 for. A basketcase but seems to be all there. Will be looking for advice when I get rolling on it.[^]
TC,
The DKW MX is a neat bike and really a nice handling bike. Which frontend does it have the regular or the springer frontend?
Ron Carbaugh
DKW has the Betor front end. I've also got two sets of fenders, one Preston Petty, one metal. Who's the best source of DKW parts and info? A friend of mine has a DKW dirt bike with the leading link front end. He did a real nice job of giving it a face lift. I'll post some pictures if I can get some decent ones. Every one have a happy holiday season.
One thing with eBay is the timing issue. I've watched various auctions on another older, unusual bike I've had and have sen what appears to be very comaprable bikes go for $1200 and the next one a month later, virtually identical go for $2100. When you only have 7-10 days for a sale window you are susceptable to having flucuations that may be influenced by no more than who happens to be in teh market that given week.
As for value. I bought my '71 ISDT for $400...now that was in 1972. It is currently on display at a KTM dealer. I asked about insurance coverage as the bike was out of my immediate possesion and they said it was covered under their policy covering all contents of their shop. They estimated its value at $4000-$4500.
Even at that price, I'd be hard pressed to consider selling it.
Charlie T,I know what you mean.I've talked to people who have picked up really nice stuff for next to nothing. I've done it myself a couple of times. Hey you want to part with that? You want it take it! Doesn't happen often enuff.[^]
[8D]Does anyone else have any wisdom they would like to impart here??
These old bikes are worth what people are willing to pay for them. When I got started collecting DKW stuff in 87 nobody wanted the bikes and I could buy them all day for 20 bucks or so.It is fun to have a piece of history but unfortunatly the demand has gone way up for a rare product. I am lucky in the fact that I have enough spares to last me-man, I gave away TONS of stuff over the years!
I have to shake my head in disbelief when I see a rusted hulk selling for $500.00 on U-Pay. Honestly, I don't think I could afford to do it again.
Email me if you need help on DKW stuff.:)
I'll put you on my list of people to contact. THX[^]
Quotequote:Originally posted by cubfan1968
I agree with Bentrims.I paid $710.50 for my 1st Penton. If someone were to offer me $3000 for it I would probably say NO.
Also I also had a 74 Honda XL 250 that I bought last year for $700 for my son. I thought this would be my winter project but I soon realized that before dumping all that money in it I would still have a ill handling, heavy 1974 Honda XL 250. I sold it for $700.
Rod Whitman
1972 6 Day (Rider)
1972 6 Day (Project)
That is the difference of a bike with "SOUL" and without.
EURO bikes usely increase there value while the SOUL LESS "OTHER" bikes,..decreasing.:D[:p]:)
Helmut Clasen KTM
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