Auctions

Hi

I'm interested in one of the Mk3's that is being auctioned next week - not sure I understand what you mean by V5 not matching the records here?

Could you explain please

I assume Ashley means the factory despatch records held by Andover Norton: https://andover-norton.co.uk/en/factory-records/

@ Buyer beware @

It would be useful to know a bit more to be honest

Is it simply a case of a bike being originally a Roadster but now dressed as an Interstate etc or

is it a case of something more sinister where the new owner could lose money and or have the bike seized / crushed by the authorities ?

Thanks for replying

Thanks for your responses. I was worried that there was something specific in the records that was an issue.

Agree that lot 299 is far from standard and will not appeal to many. Lot 320 on the other hand does look pretty standard (apart from a couple of replacements - shocks/silencers).

I guess it all depends on the hammer price and whether originality is important.

For the benefit of those who don't know, here they are:

https://www.handh.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-299---1975-norton-commando-850-mk3/?lot=59295

https://www.handh.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-320---1974-norton-commando-850/?lot=59114

https://www.handh.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-352---1975-norton-commando-850/?lot=59011

I though about putting a "commission bid" on lot 352 but it would have been a waste time 'cos it went for more than twice what I was willing to pay. Just as well really, I don't need any more Commandos...

As for lot 320 - too much. Indian tank, wrong exhausts, looks like it's been thrown together from a 'shed find'. Bet it takes a lot to make decent, reliable and useable bike out of it.

And this one: https://www.handh.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-311---1972-norton-commando-750/?lot=59269 didn't sell. Guess the owner thinks a bike with bolts missing is worth far more than it is.

Have you seen how much "commission" these auction houses charge? What a rip-off. Parasites.

Typically:-

15% sellers fee....?

15% buyers fee....?

By the time the poor auction house has finished they're taking a massive cut. Far too much in my opinion.

I will never mucky their catalogue pages with my big oily mitts.

Sell your bike through the club and Roadholder. 0% commission.

Rant over.

Duncan.

I think you’ll find thats 15% plus VAT !!!!

I agree commission is often high. But then look at the margins dealers make. Some years ago I sold a Velo Venom via ebay to a well known numbers dealer in the North West for £4,800 - which at the time was a decent price. I later saw it on his website at £8,000+. Later I almost bought a Scott at auction for £5,000. Again, it appeared shortly afterwards at a dealer for £10,000 or so. People sometimes talk about "supporting local bike shops". Well I might if the favour was returned. 

As regards auctions, I prefer the smaller ones like Pugh's who only charge 8% (+VAT) commission. And their hammer prices are usually lower than the "prestige" places.