Cars and bikes I’ve come across in my travels

Ian Short said:
I recall having a conversation with the owner of the red Comet back in 2019 and he indicated to me that it was indeed a verified "Chinese Red" Comet as built in Stevenage and documented by the VOC. That would make this an exceptionally rare factory delivered Comet.

The red Rapide with the open timing chest is not an original colour as delivered from Stevenage.

Incidently "Gunga Din" also resides in southern Ontario.
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You need a certificate from Slaters attesting that it's an original Red Vincent.
Adds a few $ to the value.
Paul
 
Paul Marx said:
You need a certificate from Slaters attesting that it's an original Red Vincent.
Adds a few $ to the value.
Paul
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Especially in the case of a Comet. I will do some sleuthing over the next few months to see if the all of certifications are present. I never thought to take a photo of the serial #'s, case #'s etc. The owner wasn't around the bike at the time I took my photo. The first time I saw that particular bike was in 2019 and I hadn't realized that the factory produced "Chinese Red" Comets. I had known of the production of red Rapides though.

Vincent's seem to out number Laverda's by 10-1 at this event. Although the gentleman that brought the 250 Bennelli four owns 5 or more Laverda's along with at least 30 other Italian bikes.
 
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Ian Short said:
Especially in the case of a Comet. I will do some sleuthing over the next few months to see if the all of certifications are present. I never thought to take a photo of the serial #'s, case #'s etc. The owner wasn't around the bike at the time I took my photo. The first time I saw that particular bike was in 2019 and I hadn't realized that the factory produced "Chinese Red" Comets. I had know of the production of red Rapides though.

Vincent's seem to out number Laverda's by 10-1 at this event. Although the gentleman that brought the 250 Bennelli four owns 5 or more Laverda's along with at least 30 other Italian bikes.
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When Vincent closed in 1955, people, and the owners club started thinking ahead about parts supply.
Now, all parts are available.

Laverda owners, and clubs, over the last few decades have watched as dealers and parts supply disappear and that in spite of warnings about what was to come.

One reaps what one sows.

Paul
 
Paul Marx said:
Laverda owners, and clubs, over the last few decades have watched as dealers and parts supply disappear and that in spite of warnings about what was to come.

One reaps what one sows.

Paul
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Owners buy parts when they need them. If the factory closes down, obviously dealers will no longer be dealers for a bike that isn't made - they may continue on as parts suppliers. The number of bikes in use doesn't warrant a huge network of suppliers, but we are fortunate that there are some who are there to help us out. Personally I haven't had any trouble keeping my bikes on the road for lack of parts in 51 years of ownership. The remaining years that we or anyone else will be riding these bikes is diminishing rapidly (Rapidely? :cool: )
 
Paul Marx said:
When Vincent closed in 1955, people, and the owners club started thinking ahead about parts supply.
Now, all parts are available.

Laverda owners, and clubs, over the last few decades have watched as dealers and parts supply disappear and that in spite of warnings about what was to come.

One reaps what one sows.

Paul
Click to expand...
Big difference between Vincent and Laverda is when Vincent finished in ‘55 they were still the fastest bike/ most powerful engine for at least another fifteen years. They were used in drag racing, sidecars, record attempts, specials etc so they are the guys you have to thank. Also, being British there was always a love for the brand - most British bikes, however obscure, there is always a little shop in Yorkshire that has a box full of left hand thread, low ratio , South African model only, gears for a 1903 Studleigh Burgess Supreme. If you want Laverda parts you go to Australia, Scotland or America but not Italy…Fun fact- more Lambrettas in UK than anywhere else in the world, biggest stock of spares- UK. Jay Leno said he phones Vincent shop in UK and they tell him he’ll have the bits in two weeks time, they’re being made now.
 
Exmoor beast said:
Big difference between Vincent and Laverda is when Vincent finished in ‘55 they were still the fastest bike/ most powerful engine for at least another fifteen years. They were used in drag racing, sidecars, record attempts, specials etc so they are the guys you have to thank. Also, being British there was always a love for the brand - most British bikes, however obscure, there is always a little shop in Yorkshire that has a box full of left hand thread, low ratio , South African model only, gears for a 1903 Studleigh Burgess Supreme. If you want Laverda parts you go to Australia, Scotland or America but not Italy…Fun fact- more Lambrettas in UK than anywhere else in the world, biggest stock of spares- UK. Jay Leno said he phones Vincent shop in UK and they tell him he’ll have the bits in two weeks time, they’re being made now.
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The big difference is that stocks of Laverda parts from dealers and importers are going to the tip.
There are plenty of Laverda clubs out there, with important membership, busy organising shows and a yearly reunion.
You can find Laverda parts in Italy, you simply need to speak Italian. Jay Leno orders his parts in English.
Paul
 
Exmoor beast said:
Big difference between Vincent and Laverda is when Vincent finished in ‘55 they were still the fastest bike/ most powerful engine for at least another fifteen years. They were used in drag racing, sidecars, record attempts, specials etc so they are the guys you have to thank. Also, being British there was always a love for the brand - most British bikes, however obscure, there is always a little shop in Yorkshire that has a box full of left hand thread, low ratio , South African model only, gears for a 1903 Studleigh Burgess Supreme. If you want Laverda parts you go to Australia, Scotland or America but not Italy…Fun fact- more Lambrettas in UK than anywhere else in the world, biggest stock of spares- UK. Jay Leno said he phones Vincent shop in UK and they tell him he’ll have the bits in two weeks time, they’re being made now.
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Canada apparently. The world´s biggest stock of Jawa parts is in a "barn" in country Norway, and he often sells to Czech restorers.
 
Paul Marx said:
When Vincent closed in 1955, people, and the owners club started thinking ahead about parts supply.
Now, all parts are available.

Laverda owners, and clubs, over the last few decades have watched as dealers and parts supply disappear and that in spite of warnings about what was to come.

One reaps what one sows.

Paul
Click to expand...
Talk about reaping, this scandal involved the VOC a few years ago.

thevintagent.com

Death, Taxes, and Old Bike Fever | The Vintagent

Prosper Keating investigates how to protect your estate from unscrupulous collectors suffering from Old Bike Fever, who just might steal your collection on your deathbed
thevintagent.com thevintagent.com
 
Moto Social 2026 #2, downtown Vancouver. Sketchy weather, only 100 or so bikes showed up, normally 450-500. IMG_3491.jpegIMG_3494.jpegIMG_3505.jpegIMG_3507.jpegIMG_3503.jpegIMG_3502.jpeg
 

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gpzkat said:
Big HD gathering going up the road from the local hangout. Heading out, I noticed this parked next to me. Sort of hard not to.

View attachment 105736
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Did this thing physically arrive with a rider ? I am am not a mechanical engineer but I just can't believe this bike is capable of being
ridden or navigating a corner. Perhaps the trailer was way off-site and the jacket was positioned to appear as it was part of the
subterfuge...and we haven't talked about the handlebars...
 
EncinoBoy said:
Did this thing physically arrive with a rider ? I am am not a mechanical engineer but I just can't believe this bike is capable of being
ridden or navigating a corner. Perhaps the trailer was way off-site and the jacket was positioned to appear as it was part of the
subterfuge...and we haven't talked about the handlebars...
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Here’s the trailer used to get it there.
 

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EncinoBoy said:
Did this thing physically arrive with a rider ? I am am not a mechanical engineer but I just can't believe this bike is capable of being
ridden or navigating a corner. Perhaps the trailer was way off-site and the jacket was positioned to appear as it was part of the
subterfuge...and we haven't talked about the handlebars...
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I saw him ride by with a group a while earlier, either missed the place or went to get gas.
 
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