Motorcycle delivery van that failed to deliver for its designers for sale with Silverstone auctions on may 14th.
“Probably the most interesting bike I’ve ever dealt with, I love it.” Mark Bryan, Silverstone Auctions
Mark Bryan of Silverstone Auctions on the By Van, a short-lived experiment in deliveries
Featured on American Pickers, the cult reality TV show, this Turner By-Van was launched by the Turner Manufacturing Company in the late 1940s under the new “Light Delivery Vehicles” banner as an alternative to a van for smaller businesses and sole traders. It is now for sale with ‘No Reserve’ at Silverstone Auctions on May14th at The Devitt MCN Festival of Motorcycling.
Mark Bryan of Silverstone Auctions says: “The engine turns with compression but will need restoring or recommissioning. But as it is being auctioned at ‘No Reserve’ it could provide one of the biggest surprises in the sale. Probably the most interesting bike I’ve ever dealt with, I love it”
The machine is powered by a Turner Tiger 168cc two-stroke engine driving the front wheel via a two-speed gearbox. But not every idea is commercially viable and this one joined many other clever ideas in the dustbin of automotive history, making it today one of the most collectible of motorcycling items.
1950 Turner By-Van 168cc – No Reserve – 20 recorded miles
Sold at a price of £120 in the 1950s with a claimed 30mph, it never really took off and subsequently production ceased with only a handful produced. This example appears to have never been registered and shows just 20 recorded miles. It has been in the same family ownership for the last 40 years and is in original and unrestored condition.
The American Pickers show follows antique and collectible ‘pickers’ Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, who travel around the United States and abroad, now and then, to buy or “pick” various items for resale, for clients, or for their personal collections. This very rare By-Van was featured on an episode of the show where Mike and Frank on the hunt here in the UK, tried to buy it.
Silverstone Auctions is to offer a rare and curious By-Van in their next stand-alone auction of Classic Motorcycles. This recently discovered house clearance gem was launched by the Turner Manufacturing Company in the late 1940s under the new ‘Light Delivery Vehicles’ banner, as an alternative to a van for smaller businesses and sole traders. The By-Van is powered by a Turner Tiger 168cc two-stroke engine driving the front wheel via a three-speed gearbox and can reach highs of 30mph.
Despite being an ingenious space-saving invention capable of carrying a load of up to 1.5cwt, the ‘speedy mechanical errand boy’ concept was slow to take off and so very few were produced, making this an extremely rare, if not unique, opportunity to acquire a piece of Midlands automotive history.
The example soon to be offered by Silverstone Auctions has been in the same family ownership for 40 years, is in original unrestored condition, appears never to have been registered and shows only 20 recorded miles.
However, it is not the first time this By-Van has seen the light of day in recent years, as the team from Antique Archelogy, who feature on The History Channel’s ‘American Pickers’ show, tried and failed to buy the vehicle back in 2015 from its late owner. Despite being offered a high price, the owner couldn’t bear to part with it. The show footage can be seen in full on YouTube.
Silverstone Auctions is the official auction partner of Devitt MCN Festival of Motorcycling which takes place at the East of England Showground, Peterborough on 14th and 15th May. The rare By-Van is amongst 50 other Classic Motorcycles already been consigned for sale on 14th May at what is certain to be an action-packed event featuring bike displays, stunt shows, racing and of course, new for 2022; the auction.
Parties interested in consigning for the auction or registering to bid should visit www.silverstoneauctions.com or call 01926 691141.
For more information on Silverstone Auctions head to the official website: silverstoneauctions.com/
Punters packed into Telford International Centre last weekend to celebrate the start of the off-road season at the Classic Dirt Bike Show sponsored by Hagon Shocks.
All-rounder Arthur Browning, and nine-time Enduro class winner Derrick Edmondson attracted the crowds as they were interviewed over the weekend by supreme commentator John McCrink. The iconic duo left crowds wowed as they recounted memories of their past adventures and the incredible machines they rode.
Polished to perfection, off-road machines from enduro, motocross and trials bikes to sidecars were admired by enthusiasts throughout the weekend while visitors also kitted themselves out ready for the season ahead, purchasing new riding gear, off-road parts and even complete machines.
Show sponsors Hagon Shocks selected Mark Ramplee’s Hedlund Wasp outfit for the renowned Best of Show award. This recently restored outfit also won the Best Sidecar class and has a long history in competition, being first campaigned by Willie Davenport and Gary Salt and then raced by the previous owner, Peter Wootten.
Exhibition manager Nick Mowbray said: ‘We’re delighted to be back at Telford International Centre celebrating all things off-road after unfortunately having to cancel the show last year due to Covid-19. We’ve received some cracking feedback from visitors and traders and look forward to being back out on the track this year!’
Keep an eye out for the dates for the 2023 show. The next event in the Classic Bike Shows calendar is the Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show on February 26-27 at the Royal Bath & West Showground in Shepton Mallet.
For more information, please visit www.classicbikeshows.com. The International Dirt Bike Show 2022 will also be held at Telford International Centre on October 28-30, 2022. For more information about this show, please visit www.dirtbikeshow.co.uk.
Irishman Phillip McCallen (Honda) at Quarter Bridge: 1994 Formula One TT
TT legend Phillip McCallen will be guest of honour at the Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic Show in a new year treat for motorcycle fans.
The popular Irishman will be joining the crowds at Newark Showground on January 8-9 and be interviewed over the weekend by Lincolnshire racing star-turned-presenter and fellow TT winner, Steve Plater.
There’s even a chance to meet him!
Phillip McCallen is synonymous with Honda, road racing… and winning! He is without doubt one of the most gifted road racers of the modern age; 11 times a winner at Isle of Man TT, multiple winner at the North West 200 and the Ulster GP, winner of the Macau Grand Prix and British Supersport.
At the peak of his power ‘Supermac’ collected 1st place trophies at almost all road race meetings. In 1992 at the North West 200 McCallen had five race wins from six starts. At the 1996 Ulster GP he took five wins in one day and perhaps his crowning glory was winning four races out five at the Isle of Man TT, a record which stood unbroken for 14 years.
Supermac retired after nearly two decades of motorcycle racing in which he demonstrated a take-no-prisoners approach to his racing. Through the highs and lows of his career he became the poster boy for road racing fans the world over in one of the few golden ages of the sport.
COMPETITION! >> Advance ticket buyers have the chance to win one of four copies of Supermac – Phillip McCallen’s autobiography – with the opportunity to get them signed by the man himself at the show! Anyone who buys an advance ticket before January 3, 2021 will automatically be entered and notified shortly after this date. Terms and conditions apply.
Showgoers can expect to see the usual attractions that make this season opener a stand-out event. Motorcycle owners’ clubs will return with their impressive displays alongside a large indoor and outdoor trade and autojumble section, and a large collection of privately owned motorcycles will be on display. There will also be live firing-up sessions of a selection of bikes and scooters, leading on to the large and music-filled Scooter World and Custom Bike Halls.
Tickets for the event are on sale now at an early bird price of £10 until January 3.
Silverstone Auctions will celebrate their tenth year at The NEC Classic Motor Show in just a months’ time. This is their final auction of 2021 as well as their first car and motorcycle sale at the show! Their Lot list is rapidly growing with some exceptional examples confirmed. The catalogue for the sale will close a week today on Wednesday 20th October so do not miss your chance to submit your classic car or motorcycle.
1999 KTM LC4 660 Rallye
Confirmed in Silverstone Auctions catalogue is this fabulous, 1999 KTM LC4 660 Rallye. With only 25 of these factory race bikes built in 1999, this is a rare opportunity to acquire a now fully restored rally bike. This ex-Factory KTM LC4 660 Rallye bike was raced in the UAE Desert Challenge for a couple of years by British rider Dave McBride. Guide price: £6,500 – £8,500.
2000 Jawa-Aprilia 72cc Race Bike
Going under the hammer on Friday 12th November is this Championship-winning 2000 Jawa-Aprilia 72cc Race Bike. This striking bike was in the JRA Phoenix Cup in 2006 with Jonathan Cunningham and has had a bodywork restoration with a recent chassis. This Lightweight racer is ideal for a display bike or parade and is on offer from a private collection. Silverstone Auctions have guided this bike at: £3,000 – £4,000.
Mark Bryan, motorcyclist specialist for Silverstone Auctions, added “We have a superb catalogue confirmed for this auction including the bikes previewed and many more on our website. Don’t miss your chance to sell in our final sale of 2021 and have your motorcycle alongside these great examples”.
c1962 Greeves 24ME 250cc Starmaker Scrambler
Heading to The NEC Classic Motor Show Sale also is this c1962 Greeves 24ME 250cc Starmaker Scrambler. This special bike is one of 89 bikes that were produced to this specification in period. With correct numbers which are checked by the Greeves Riders Association, this example has been restored to a high standard and serviced by Sammy Miller. In good running order, this motorcycle has a history file which contains original Villiers Starmaker Manual. Guide Price: £3,500 – £4,500.
1968 Moto Guzzi 175cc Stornello
The final motorcycle to be previewed from their exceptional lot list so far is the super rare, 1968 Moto Guzzi 175cc Stornello “Fraire”. This UK-registered bike has been enlarged to 175cc and is now in good running order. Typically known as the ‘Italian Rickman’, Michele Fraire made his name by turning standard road bikes into winning motocross machines. Guide Price: £1,200 – £2,500.
There are now just a few days left to submit your motorcycle or classic car into their sale. If you are interested in submitting an entry, the auction house are inviting you to join their growing lot list for the sale. To talk to a member of the team, you can email enquiries@silverstoneauctions.com or contact them on 01926 691141.
1960 Greeves 24TCS Scottish Trials Bike 250cc
2021 AUCTIONS
The NEC Classic Motor Show Sale: 12th – 14th November
For more information on Silverstone Auctions head to the official website: silverstoneauctions.com/
Five Reasons Why You Need To Be At The Stafford Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show on 9-10th October 2021
SUMMER has come and passed…however, in the world of classic motorcycling it can only mean one thing – Stafford Classic Bike Show is just around the corner!
After a tough 18 months, show organiser Mortons Media Group shares its top five reasons why you need to be there!
1) Road Racing Royalty: Michael Dunlop!
Nineteen time TT winner Michael Dunlop is set to take centre stage during the course of the weekend, with opportunities for fans to take photographs, have Michael sign their merchandise and listen to interviews with fellow TT star Steve Plater. The Irishman will also be bringing two of his bikes to display on both Saturday and Sunday.
2) Joey Dunlop Bike Collection!
The Dunlop dynasty presence continues out into the halls with a fantastic display of machines ridden and owned by Michael’s late uncle and TT record holder, Joey.
The Joey Dunlop Foundation will be filling its stand with an incredible collection of Honda RC45s; including the original Honda 750 as ridden by Joey in the 1994 TT, where he achieved third place in both the Senior race and Formula 1 race. The charity, which was established in 2001, is also planning to bring the lap record-holding 1999 Jim Moodie Honda RC45 750, which he famously rode at 124.5mph!
Visitors can also expect to see a further collection of RC45s and CBR 600s as ridden by Ian Simpson, Michael Rutter and Steve Hislop in the Competition Hall.
3) Bonhams is back!
Bonhams returns to Stafford with another barnstorming two-day sale offering more than 300 collectors’ motorcycles including two ‘fresh to market’ important single-owner collections.
The Phil Morris Road Racing Collection of 24 machines is offered direct from the collection in Oswestry: a treasure trove – and one of the world’s largest collections – of motorcycles, leathers and trophies raced, worn and won by some of the most famous names on two wheels and dubbed ‘The Church’ by TT rider Rob Barber.
This landmark collection is led by no fewer than five MotoGP machines, the entire fleet from the Paul Bird Motorsport team which campaigned in the top-flight series from 2012 to 2014. All Aprilia machines, three are to full Moto GP prototype specification and include the number 1 and number 2 motorcycles from the 2014 season.
The second collection comprised more than 40 important motorcycles owned by the late acclaimed German film critic Hans Schifferle, led by a rare 1974 Ducati 750 SS; estimate £90,000 – £130,000.
Known for his work for Süddeutsche Zeitung as a film critic and essayist, Schifferle, who died last year, was also a motorcycle connoisseur, building up his collection over two decades.
Offering a range of motorcycles from sports bikes to café racers, the collection represents the great Italian, British and American marques, including MV Agusta, Vincent and Indian.
More than 130 lots of motorcycle spares and memorabilia will also be offered.
4) LIVE Music!
The show is making full use of the bandstand this year. As well as using it for interviewing Michael Dunlop, visitors can enjoy multiple sets from a couple of live bands in there too!
Catch Ignition live on Saturday for three half-hour sets at 11.30am, 12.30pm and 1.30pm. Ignition is a Staffordshire-based Rockabilly band aiming to replicate the Neo Rockabilly sound of the 1980s. It offers high tempo, hard hitting rock ‘n’ roll with a mix of classics from the 1950s through to the present day.
On Sunday, visitors can expect something completely different! The all-singing, all-dancing female close harmony duo The Daisy Belles will be recapturing the authentic sounds of The Andrews Sisters, live on the stage at 11.30am, 12.30pm and 1.30pm.
Showcasing a delightful mix of classic hits from the bygone years and popular modern songs with a unique twist, the girls have been dazzling audiences internationally with their intricate harmonies, cute vintage choreography and fun loving flare!
5) Bikes EVERYWHERE!
Saving the best ‘til last – Stafford really is all about the bikes… and this October promises to be no exception.
Lots of the clubs in particular will be celebrating some of their milestone anniversaries with an extra special collection on display for all to see.
The CBX Riders’ Club (UK) will be celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the CBX Pro-link, this being the third generation of the fantastic Honda six-cylinder CBX 1000. Honda reconfigured the CBX for 1981 as a sports touring bike, with fairing and side panniers. The rear suspension also changed from dual to mono shock, and saw the introduction of the progressive linkage system – hence the name Pro-Link! Visitors can find the club in one of the side halls at the show.
Plans are in place for a full return of all the much-loved aspects of the show including the wall of death, massive indoor and outdoor trade and autojumble and club stands. There’ll be bikes everywhere, live trials action and live music too, with no planned restrictions in place. More details can be found on the website: www.staffordclassicbikeshows.com
Tickets are on sale now at an early bird price of £13 until October 4. Visit www.staffordclassicbikeshows.com or call 01507 529529 to purchase.
Silverstone Auctions return to the NEC Classic Motor Show for their tenth year and introduce a dedicated motorcycle sale for the show.
Silverstone Auctions are returning to The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery, for their tenth year as the official auction partner for the popular motoring event. Taking place on the weekend of the 12th – 14th November, a dedicated motorcycle sale will take place on Friday 12th, followed by their classic car and automobilia sales on the Saturday and Sunday (13th – 14th).
The motorcycle sale is a new addition for the 2021 event at the NEC, this follows the introduction of the motorcycle department within Silverstone Auctions earlier this year – which has already seen a successful sales rate of over 70%. A number of historic and collectable motorcycles are already confirmed for the auction, including this 1950Vincent Series ‘C’ Rapide. With matching-numbers, this Series ‘C’ Rapide has a known history from new and still remains in outstanding condition. This bike had a lengthy feature in Classic Bike 2013 which is included within the history file. Ready to grace any serious collection, it is sensibly guided at £35,000 – £45,000.
Another bike confirmed in the catalogue is this 1939 Brough Superior SS80 with Alpine ‘Petrol Tube’ Sidecar. This outstanding and desirable example is possibly the most complete and original Brough Superior Combination ever to be offered at auction. This distinctive motorcycle has a known history from day one and is a true rarity which is rarely seen on the open market. Estimated at £50,000 – £60,000.
Mark Bryan, motorcyclist specialist for Silverstone Auctions added “We already have a number of unrepeatable examples for our debut motorcycle sale at the NEC. Bikes play a huge part in the wider event so it is fitting that we can now offer clients an opportunity to sell (and buy) at this classic event. If you are interested in submitting your bike, you can join the catalogue next to some truly superb examples with great provenance.”
Well-presented and crossing the block on the 12th is this 1921 Triumph Model H 550cc. This bike has been in the same family ownership since 1968 and has had an older restoration which has aged really well. With correct numbers, it is a great Banbury Run machine and is complete with its old RF60 Buff Logbook. Silverstone Auctions have sensibly guided this bike at £10,000 – £12,000.
This garage find 1978 Harley-Davidson SX125 (pic top of the page) has covered just 712 miles from new! Built by Harley’s former Italian subsidiary, Aermacchi, it is remarkably original and unrestored – having been with the same owner until the start of this year. From the last year of production, this is a rare bike and is estimated at £4,000 – £5,000.
If you are interested in submitting your classic car, collector motorcycle or piece of automobilia, the auction house are inviting you to join their already fabulous lot list for the sale. To talk to a member of their expert team, you can email enquiries@silverstoneauctions.com or contact them on 01926 691141. Tickets for the Classic Motor Show are currently available by visiting their website here.
For more information on Silverstone Auctions head to the official website: silverstoneauctions.com/
The flagship or halo classic and modern-classic motorcycles that hog the headlines in the media and garner most of the attention at auctions – not to mention fill the daydreams of bikers around the UK – are wonderful, two-wheeled creations but for those in the know there are some fantastic motorbikes that live in their shadows and deserve a moment in the spotlight.
In fact, some experts in the bike trade believe the overlooked motorcycles hiding in the shadows could be a better buy than the usual suspects – namely breakthrough bikes, such as the early crop of Japanese or Italian sports mopeds which will always have a special meaning to older, typical classic bike buyers, or, for their era, eye-opening 250s, or big flagship machines they could not afford back in the day.
Mark Bryan of Silverstone Auctions believes there are great bikes out there waiting to be discovered by a wider audience. “Sometimes unfathomably and unpredictably, particular bikes become collectable or desirable, and that can draw attention away from actually very good or interesting machines which live in the shadow of their bigger siblings,” Bryan told Hagerty.
It’s an undercard of bikes which were seen as second-string contenders back in the day, and remained there for decades – but are now beginning to pique the interest of those in the know while classic heavyweight collector motorcycles slug it out at the top of the market.
They’re almost exclusively Japanese and Italian machines, their motorcycle engineering and marketing nous recognising the range-extension and revenue value of creating a race dominator, and then introducing smaller or more affordable versions that looked the part, and sometimes even proved to be better bikes.
Mark Redfern of Somerset Classic Motorcycles agrees. “There are some cracking bikes out there which have lived in the shadows of their more illustrious siblings but are now coming into their own.
“The Kawasaki Z650, for instance. This was always the Cinderella bike in the range after the Z900s and then the Z1000. Prices are still quite low for the bike you get – very low compared to their bigger brothers – and they look good and ride well. They are just starting to get the recognition they deserve so now would be a good time to get one.”
Bryan of Silverstone Auctions homes in on smaller versions of ’80s and ’90s race rockets. “The ultimate for me is the Ducati 748, the baby brother of the 916. Then there’s the Honda NC30, the 400cc version of the 750cc RC30. They exploited the success and desirability of their bigger, faster and far more expensive relatives, but are fantastic bikes in their own right.
“All the Japanese manufacturers produced 600cc versions of the bigger 750 or 900cc models, sometimes for marketing or licence restriction purposes, sometimes inadvertently producing machines which proved to be far more ride-able and usable than the range-toppers.”
Japanese home market bikes were quite often smaller versions of the bigger US or European models, Honda even producing the screaming near-20,000rpm CBR250RR, the “baby Fireblade”. Mark Redfern concludes: “Overall, I would say that middleweights are more popular now because they are often lighter on the road and lighter on the wallet. Back in the day a difference of 20 bhp was a lot and people wanted all the power they could get. Now, as classics, that difference in power is marginal given the way they’re used.”
So what are the bikes the experts believe are living in the shadows of their brighter star siblings and deserve to have the dust sheet lifted, kick-stand raised and engine cranked into life for miles and smiles of riding? Here are their picks.
Photo: Bonhams
Suzuki GT550.
Price range: £2000 for restoration to £9000 for originals in excellent condition or fully restored.
The 50bhp GT550 (1972-1977) never really sold in the UK as people saved a little harder and bought the 70bhp GT750 instead. They lived in a bit of a no-man’s-land below the flagship and above the GT380 triple, yet these are great bikes and actually very rare – because nobody bought them back then. Values have already rocketed so they are no longer a bargain but they are now coming out of the shadows, and less pricey than the 750. Prices: £2000 for complete restoration to £9000 for originals in excellent condition, or fully restored.
Kawasaki Z650.
Price range: £1250 for restoration; £2750 for fair examples; £5000 for originals in excellent condition or fully restored.
Case in point about smaller versions of flagships being subjectively better: the 64bhp Z650 (1976-1983) was far less of a handful to ride than the Z900 – its power not overwhelming its chassis – even though it was amongst the most powerful bhp per cc machines out there. It looked a bit like the bigger Z, and some versions could actually challenge Suzuki’s GS750 when it came to performance. Cinderella may be on her way to the collector’s ball…
Honda NC30
Price range: £2500 for restoration; £4000 for fair examples; £10000 for originals in excellent condition or fully restored.
In 1991 a Honda NC30 would have set its original buyer back by £6600, now it’s anything between £2500 for a messed-with ex-trackday weapon to £10k for a mint example. You’ll find good usable examples for around £4000. What’s the appeal? It’s a smaller version of the legendary 750 RC30, one that looks the part, sounds the part with a 14,500rpm 59bhp V4, and goes the part too. However, it does mean a good number of NC30s have seen tracks whether in competitive racing or for trackdays. Dealers and owners caution that some parts like the exhaust are almost extinct, but there’s a hardcore of collectors who recognise the future value of these bikes. Now might be the moment to snap one up.
Suzuki GS550
Price range: £500 for restoration; £2000 for fair examples; £4000 for originals in excellent condition or restored.
In a range of Suzuki GS bikes that spawned 600, 750 and 1000cc sports bikes and race winners, as well as landmark regular road bikes, the 49bhp, GS550 (1977-1984) has been comparatively anonymous. Never really noted for its looks, and last into the 550 market, these bikes have not yet taken off in price as much as the GT550s but they are seen by in-the-know classic-heads as a great middleweight bike that represents good value for money.
Ducati 748
Price range: £3500 for restoration; £5000 for fair examples; £8000 for originals in excellent condition or restored.
Sometime less is more and in the case of Italy’s Ducati, it has a history of building 900-ish-cc machines and then making even better 750cc spin-offs. While the Ducati 916 was the basis for a race machine that conquered the competition on track, the 90bhp 748 (1995-2002) was considered by road riders who’d experienced both to be the better bike, feeling smaller and more sporty because of its freer-revving engine. But here’s the kicker: it currently tends to sell today for way less than its original £10,350 retail price. Maintenance history is crucial, though.
Honda CG125
Price range: £500 for restoration; £1200 for fair examples; £2500 for originals in excellent condition or restored.
Whoa. Where did that one come from? Honda’s seemingly indestructible and timeless CG125 (1975-2004) has always been, well, just there, existing. But the collector market switches on to practical and unexceptional machines often when somebody spots that there’s actually fewer around, in this case because CG125s have become a customisers’ favourite. Sitting in the shadow of the CB125 “sport” version, ’70s and ’80s CGs are increasing in value, use-ables at around £1,200, exceptional originals sneaking towards £2,500.
BMW R65
Price range: £800 for restoration; £2500 for fair examples; £4500 for originals in excellent condition or restored.
After a few engine improvements in early life, the BMW R65 (1978-1992) evolved into a great bike – following the trend, here, of smaller machines actually being more satisfying. BMW 750, 800, 900 and 1000cc machines of the ’80s shared very similar chassis, but the 45bhp R65 and its unfortunately insipid R45 spinoff, had a smaller frame. But the R65 always lived in the shadow of its “bahnstormer” touring and “sports touring” bike relatives. R65s are getting scarce because they too are customisers’ favourites, delivering a light and agile ride that really involves the rider.
Honda CB500-4
Price range: £4000 for restoration; £6000 for fair examples; £10,000 for originals in excellent condition or restored.
Sitting in the shadow of perhaps the most desirable Japanese classic, the Honda CB750-4, the significance of the CB500-4 (1971-74) is sometimes lost, not because it’s a bad bike, but because the 75bhp 750 is so comparatively immense in stature. Equal condition CB500s – once basket cases have been eliminated – are generally around two-thirds the price of CB750s. But the 50bhp CB500, generally 20% less mass part-for-part than the 750, is a better ride. In our view and the eyes of the experts, that makes it an intelligent acquisition.
Kawasaki GPz 550
Price range: £500 for restoration; £2500 for fair examples; £5000 for originals in excellent condition or restored.
The GPz 750 was the fastest accelerating production 750 back in 1982. Follow that. The 54bhp GPz 550 (1981-1985) had its work cut out. Like many 1980s bikes, its looks, today, are less than elegant. But elegance is relative, and we all see beauty differently, and ugly-beautiful classics have their place. The 550 was lauded as being a great all-rounder on twisty roads or motorways, but isn’t out there in huge numbers. But if you cared for bikes back in the ’80s, you may have noticed how many couriers chose to smoke around on these. That’s the indication of a good bike. A bit of an investment sleeper.
This post and images were provided by Hagerty UK, for more information on Hagerty UK products visit Hagerty.co.uk
