It’s hard to think of an activity that’s produced a more active or more recognizable subculture than motorcycling. Between the bike rallies, the portrayals in film and TV and music, the history (e.g. Hell’s Angels), the iconic brands (e.g. Harley), everyone’s had some exposure to the 2-wheel lifestyle. Those who live the lifestyle not only love their bikes and biking in general, but also all the gear that rides along with it. Motorcycle enthusiasts can be serious about memorabilia. Any motorcycle memorabilia you’ve inherited or acquired otherwise could be worth real money.
What motorcycle memorabilia do collectors look for?
“Memorabilia” in this case doesn’t refer to motorcycles, but rather all of the gear that often surrounds it. Collectibles may include:
- Jackets
- Helmets
- Boots
- Patches, badges, and pins
- Motorcycle parts
- Art prints
- Models and toys
- Branded signs, clocks, and similar items
- Gas station or highway advertisements
- Motorcycle magazines and catalogs
- Racing flags
- Speedway rider cigarette cans
- Oil cans and tools
Almost any piece celebrating the rider lifestyle might be a good candidate for appraisal and possibly selling at auction.
How much is motorcycle memorabilia worth?
Prices run the gamut. You’ll see small pieces worth $15 to $25 and large or rare pieces worth hundreds of dollars.
We don’t often see the types of jaw-dropping “sold at auction” numbers that really excite people. Even so, we do see collections worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on how large they are and what’s in them.
The primary driver of worth is not always the piece itself but where and how you sell it. Put a piece on eBay, and you might get $12 for it. Put the same piece in front of an avid collector who knows what it’s worth and has been looking for something just like it, and you might sell it for $125.
What makes some motorcycle memorabilia valuable?
Motorcycle memorabilia may be valuable if:
- It’s in excellent condition. Collectors like clean, beautiful, undamaged pieces whenever they can get them.
- It comes from a classic era. The 1940s to the 1970s are beloved years.
- It comes from a beloved brand like Harley Davidson, Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki, or Ducati.
- It has history or a pedigree. Memorabilia attached to famous riders will sell for more.
- It’s rare. The more difficult your piece is to find, the more it’s likely to be worth.
You can determine whether your memorabilia is valuable without doing all the guesswork. An appraisal is the only way to discover whether your collection is worth money. Many factors go into an appraisal, including the current state of the collector’s market, which is constantly in flux.
Sell your motorcycle memorabilia at auction
Though collector-riders are passionate, motorcycle memorabilia is a relatively niche hobby. To get your collection in front of people willing to pay you’ll need to know how to work with an auction house that will market your pieces correctly.
Contact Central Mass Auctions today to get your motorcycle memorabilia ready to hit the road. Call (508) 612-6111 or email us.
