classic motorcycle forum

Motorcycle Discussions => American Bikes => Topic started by: JFerg on July 30, 2020, 02:58:56 AM

Title: 1914 two speed American X
Post by: JFerg on July 30, 2020, 02:58:56 AM
Just dragged out of a garage after 40 plus years in hiding.  Needs tyres and a wipe over with the oily rag before it's ready to use.  Shannon's Auctions, Melbourne, on-line auction starting 11 November.  When will you see another one?
Title: Re: 1914 two speed American X
Post by: john.k on July 30, 2020, 04:50:09 AM
Same remarks as Stanger.......Wonder if the Oz govt would ever put an export order on a bike?
Title: Re: 1914 two speed American X
Post by: Rex on July 30, 2020, 08:44:02 AM
They're too sensible for that, surely?
Title: Re: 1914 two speed American X
Post by: 33d6 on July 30, 2020, 09:31:34 AM
Well technically you do have to ask permission to take an old machine out of the country but I don't know if they ever refuse permission.

Some time ago I wanted to ride my '51 James around the Alps. Because of its age I had to apply for a permit to do so. It was no drama just bureacratic bumf but it was a necessary step in freighting it out.

Cheers,
Title: Re: 1914 two speed American X
Post by: Rex on July 30, 2020, 03:13:45 PM
I would have thought the Antipodeans would have been far too sensible for such bureaucratic shite. Even the "we love form-filling" Germans don't go that far!
Title: Re: 1914 two speed American X
Post by: 33d6 on July 31, 2020, 12:51:09 AM
Every country has its share of bumf loving bureaucrats. The trick lies in how you deal with them. Unfortunately sometimes you can’t avoid them.

The classic example is the English DVLA. Just look at all the rubbish that they generate. The rest of the world isn’t interested but every bike forum gets stuck with their rubbish sooner or later. English insurance runs a close second.
Title: Re: 1914 two speed American X
Post by: Rex on July 31, 2020, 09:53:07 AM
Some people like to moan when things don't go their way for whatever reason. I've had dealings with the DVLA since the 1990's and I've had no problems, but it's usually when people don't follow the guide, hope to shortcut the process or even pull a flanker that things go awry.
Compared to continental Europe, some US states etc the DVLA is a breeze.
Title: Re: 1914 two speed American X
Post by: R on July 31, 2020, 10:58:04 AM
Nice bike John, I'll bet that'll go for a few $$

but it's usually when people don't follow the guide, hope to shortcut the process or even pull a flanker that things go awry.

Indeed. Bureaucracy these days has a whole lot of boxes that the computer needs to see filled in to say 'done'.

I transferred a bike to another state, and a young lass came out with a clipboard and several pages flapping on it.
I thought here we go.
She said 'seat' and I pointed to seat (!)(she did look).
Mufflers, horn, good tyres, brakes, mirror, blinkers, blah de blah.
All done, that was easy, collect some $$, here is your certificate.

I'm sure if I'd taken say in an Aardvark, and it had never been registered, it may have been different...
Title: Re: 1914 two speed American X
Post by: john.k on July 31, 2020, 12:31:41 PM
I seem to recall the Excelsior came from the Milledge collection.....when it was auctioned ,there was some surprise at the prices some machines fetched at that time .
Title: Re: 1914 two speed American X
Post by: cardan on November 19, 2020, 07:54:28 AM
Some good prices there, jferg!

https://www.shannons.com.au/auctions/2020-shannons-spring-timed-online-auction/

Perhaps the Excelsior was the under-performer - I suspect that if a reserve were set it would be higher than the selling price.

Number plate prices always amaze me.

Cheers

Leon

Title: Re: 1914 two speed American X
Post by: TGR90B on November 19, 2020, 09:31:21 AM
Interesting selection, thanks for posting. Remember, Aus. dollars are about 1.8 to the pound.
Title: Re: 1914 two speed American X
Post by: R on November 19, 2020, 09:50:36 PM
Perhaps the Excelsior was the under-performer - I suspect that if a reserve were set it would be higher than the selling price.

Someone got a bargain there.


(Reserve not met)
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/143852037812