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A beginner’s guide to buying a bike at auction
Thinking of raising your hand at a classic bike auction? Mark Bryan, Motorcycle Manager at Iconic Auctioneers, shares his essential advice for first-time buyers.
Whether you’re a long-time motorcycle aficionado or new to the scene, buying a bike from a specialist motorcycle auction can be incredibly rewarding. In recent years, it’s been great to speak to many first-timers at our motorcycle auctions. I’m always happy to meet newcomers and answer any questions they have when it comes to specific bikes or the auction process in general.
Recently, I’ve noticed a few recurring themes in the conversations I’m having, so I thought this was the perfect opportunity to cover some of those topics.
View the bike before the auction
The best advice I can give is to attend one of our preview sessions, usually held the day before or on the morning of the sale. Seeing the bike in person lets you check the numbers, turn the engine over on the kickstart if it’s an older machine, and get a feel for its condition.
Equally important is the paperwork. A 1950s or 60s bike should ideally come with receipts, MOTs and logbooks. A solitary V5C often suggests a thin history. For newer bikes, the provenance may be simpler, but still worth reviewing.
Check the maintenance history
Not all motorcycles demand the same paperwork. Older machines from the 20s through to the 60s will usually have been restored at some stage. In these cases, photographs or receipts are the most useful kind of documentation.
With later bikes, history becomes critical. Ducatis from the 90s onwards are a good example: their belt-driven cams mean service records are essential, as neglected belts can cause costly damage. On bikes from the 70s, 80s and 90s, mileage is also important, and MOTs should support the odometer reading. Records only became digital in the mid-2000s, so earlier bikes rely on paper evidence.
Do some basic preparation
Before the auction, set a budget and stick to it. Remember the buyer’s premium is added to the hammer price, and payment is due the next working day. It’s easy to get carried away once the bidding starts, so having a limit in mind helps.
Check the auction location and timings beforehand. We hold sales at major motoring events such as the NEC Classic Motor Show and The Silverstone Festival. And don’t forget your ID – whether bidding in person, online or by phone, you’ll need a driving licence or passport to register.
Buy the bike to enjoy it
A frequent question is whether certain bikes make good investments. My answer is always the same: buy a bike because you want to ride it, restore it or admire it. Prices rise and fall. Some buyers who paid £80,000 for a Vincent Black Shadow a decade ago now see them worth half that. If you buy something you love, the value is secondary.
Go with your gut
Sometimes instinct is the best guide. If you see a bike and it feels right, others are likely to think the same. If it doesn’t sit well with you, trust that instinct too.
Buying at auction should be exciting and enjoyable. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, the key is to ask questions, set a budget, and choose a bike that makes you smile every time you see it.
Iconic Auctioneers’ next Iconic Motorcycle Auctions are The Shuttleworth Sale on 19th April and Kempton Park Autojumble Sale on 18th July. To find out more go to https://www.iconicauctioneers.com/auction/upcoming-auctions-motorcycles.
