Webbs auction

[vfxdog]

I wonder who does the writeups for Webbs- their Tuesday auction guff includes loads of commentary about a B series Vincent Rapide which is very clearly a C series, and they also prattle on about a 1954 350 Manx which is actually a 1951 bitsa with a no-numbers motor from a different model that predates the frame by about two years.

Presumably there could be a pretty good misrepresentation case against them were one unfortunate enough to purchase one of these gems.

[Grumph]

I suspect they take the owner's description at face value and simply don't check.
You'd probably find that the seller signs something absolving Webbs from blame.

False history and descriptions are becoming common - I've seen examples of bikes I've done work on being described as things they're not. If a prospective buyer or the eventual purchaser finds out I've worked on it and comes to me, all I can do is be honest - even if it's not what they want to hear. I think most of the guys in NZ working on this stuff for others would say the same.

[vfxdog]

You'd think someone selling a C series Vincent would know what they had...after all, they're worth more than a B series.

And with the Norton, one of the World's leading Manx experts is just a few miles away....why not give him a few bob to write a factual description of the bike for sale?

I might drop Webbs a note, and see if they fess up to any of the errors when the auction comes around.

[Usarka]

It possible that it could be deceased estate auction, ie. some poor old coot kicked the bucket and the family knew it was a classic but wanted to sell it....

[Voltaire]

Link to Auction:
http://www.webbs.co.nz/auction/classic-motorcycles

wow high estimates on late 60's mid 70's Bonnies.....

big money for trailer queens..... I prefer less skin deep perfection and a good solid runner to ride.
I'd agree that the descriptions should be accurate giving that Webbs do valuations.
You can't go off what the owner said as they may well have bought it like that years ago.

[Kickaha]

Link to Auction:
wow high estimates on late 60's mid 70's Bonnies.....


A BSA Bonneville? http://www.webbs.co.nz/auction-item/1969-triumph-bonneville

[Voltaire]

A BSA Bonneville?

:rolleyes: obviously reading is not a stong point in auctioneering.....

they are about two years too early for that combo.

[Motu]

What about the bikes you don't know about? I'm sure some Douglas anorak would have something to say about the 1928 DT5....

Interesting to see the Cooper there,and not a bad price either.I thought the engines were based on the Yamaha DT1 ...they had sand cast engine outer cases.Len Perry was trying to flog them off for around $800,maybe less if you let him beat you down enough.I was tempted at the time,and again 10 years ago when I saw one for sale and thought I might give VMX a go.

[marty]

if you don't think cars are cool, check this out - view the photos in full screen

http://www.webbs.co.nz/auction-item/1983-lola-t165-70-gullwing-cam-am

[vfxdog]

Sent the guy two emails- one with a general question about online bidding, which he replied to very promptly, then another pointing out some of the issues with the descriptions. No response at all to that one.
I guess he figures that if he replies, he's acknowledging that he knew some of the details were somewhat questionable.

[PeteJ]

I had him on quite some while ago about describing every 30s H-D 350 single as a "Peashooter". I provided reference material.

Not a squeak - and repeated in the present catalogue of errors.

[BIG DOUG]

Fark 18-22k for a b50mx,I think you could pick up some of those bikes cheaper but I suspect they are trying to hook the overseas buyers

[jellywrestler]

I wonder who does the writeups for Webbs- their Tuesday auction guff includes loads of commentary about a B series Vincent Rapide which is very clearly a C series
Why do you think it's a 'C' series??????
later 'B' series were fitted with girdraulics too.
what are the numbers, that'll confirm it's date

[vfxdog]

I wasn't only looking at the Girdraulics- there are other differences.

Someone who knows more about Vincents than I will ever know looked at it on Friday and confirms it's not what they say it is.

Good luck with trying to get numbers out of Webbs.

If it's a B, then like the Manx, it's a bitsa. Is it yours?



Why do you think it's a 'C' series??????
later 'B' series were fitted with girdraulics too.
what are the numbers, that'll confirm it's date

[jellywrestler]

I wasn't only looking at the Girdraulics- there are other differences.

Someone who knows more about Vincents than I will ever know looked at it on Friday and confirms it's not what they say it is.

Good luck with trying to get numbers out of Webbs.

If it's a B, then like the Manx, it's a bitsa. Is it yours? so what else do you say defines it as a a 'C' series?

there's a few non standard parts on it what else do you think points it to being a 'C' series machine???

Webbs are maggots when it comes to describing bikes, they don't want to know nuts and bolts as they could be liable for inaccuracies.

[vfxdog]

There are certainly quite a few non-"B" Rapide parts on it. I have no interest in being an anorak, so will leave it at that. So it's your Vincent?



so what else do you say defines it as a a 'C' series?

there's a few non standard parts on it what else do you think points it to being a 'C' series machine???

Webbs are maggots when it comes to describing bikes, they don't want to know nuts and bolts as they could be liable for inaccuracies.

[jellywrestler]

There are certainly quite a few non-"B" Rapide parts on it. I have no interest in being an anorak, so will leave it at that. So it's your Vincent?

No it's not my Vincent at all
I'm just interested to see what you 'expert' opinion is on this bike.
You've made a lot of suggestions but not one fact by you or your 'in the know about Vincents' friend as to what makes it different to the advertisers description.

[Motu]

Looks like I was totally wrong about the 1969 Bonneville...it seems to have changed colour...and brand overnight.See,they do take notice.

[Voltaire]

Looks like I was totally wrong about the 1969 Bonneville...it seems to have changed colour...and brand overnight.See,they do take notice.

They must have read my email....:innocent:
I wonder how many of them actually go? not that that matters to collectors....

[vfxdog]

My "in the know about Vincents" friend has the advantage of having actually seen the bike. He's also a Vincent owner, and used to work for Fritz Egli of Egli-Vincent fame, so I'm not going to question his judgment.

What is your view regarding the RFM on this machine?


No it's not my Vincent at all
I'm just interested to see what you 'expert' opinion is on this bike.
You've made a lot of suggestions but not one fact by you or your 'in the know about Vincents' friend as to what makes it different to the advertisers description.

[jellywrestler]

What is your view regarding the RFM on this machine?

Early RFM's had the straight lugs for mounts for the damper/seat mounts as you're obviously allluding too, later one's were curved.
There's a long list of incorrect parts on this bike, well mostly modifications, so anyone looking out for an original bike would be up for a bit of coin just to get the right headlight for example.
Like I said, Webbs are Maggots, anyone looking there for a bike needs to do their own research. The description is from a boysown book and their photos are nowhere near detailed enough to pick up the detail.
They're salesman, they know exactly what they're dealing with here, just choose to gloss it all up

[Voltaire]

Webb replied:


Jamie on the website there is the wrong image for lot 88. Can you please
correct ASAP and check that artfact is correct? The photo is wrongly
labelled in the file (GE522-5 as opposed to item 6)

John,

Apologies and well spotted. Here is the correct image attached.

Any questions please don't hesitate

Thanks for your interest



Best Helen

HELEN WINSKILL
FRONT OF HOUSE


Cheers Helen.....er no I'm not in the market for another bike...just a virtual tyre kicker....:innocent:

[Dodgyiti]

Anyone know about the 3 Norvils that are on display but not listed in the auction sheet?

Not that I'm interested in bidding on them, the 15% buyers premium is pretty off putting