Cycle News Archives
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For Sale!
By Kent Taylor
There was a time when selling your motorcycle was serious business. Classified ads weren’t cheap, and the local newspaper charged per word, per day, so the seller needed to get to the point and state the intent to sell the motorcycle as quickly as possible. The endgame was to get another motorcycle, so moving your last trusty steed on to the next buyer was of utmost importance. There was no time or space for comments like “I don’t need to sell,” because everyone knew you needed to sell.
The world was a better place when we had to pay for our classified ads. Fifty years ago, Cycle News’ Want Ads were full of neat finds and great opportunities. And not one seller had to tell us, “I know what I’ve got.”
Rare as a lion’s wildebeest steak! Check out this Maico 125. Known for being somewhat pokey, this one still managed to injure its pilot, who then sought revenge by moving it along to its next owner. $895 for this German gem!
Cycle News also lists job opportunities in the Want Ads. Fantasy Factory is hiring today. Don’t worry—we’re a “tech club.”
This seller took a more aggressive approach. See the Rickman. Or trade for the car. Do you feel lucky, punk?
An immaculate Rickman Metisse Triumph will bring $7000 or better in 2026. Where’s that wayback machine?
These were top machines in ’76 and are difficult to find today.
This owner developed a close relationship with their Husqvarna 175. Apparently, the Honda SL 100, even bored out to 185cc, was somewhat less satisfying.
Calling Bob Frierson!
Russ Darnell was one of America’s top MX’ers in the late ’60s and early ’70s. Unfortunately, the sport’s professional organization came a little too late in his career, so he focused on teaching future stars. Russ traveled the country in his motorhome and conducted motocross school at tracks across the USA.
I am Iron man! For just $4.95, you will get an 8×11 iron-on of yourself.
Becoming a top Grand Prix MX star was a full-time gig, so Jim Pomeroy’s family was getting out of the motorcycle business in order to focus on the “First American’s” career.
Perhaps Little Fauss would qualify for this gig.
Velocettes and Triumphs and Sunbeams won’t do! They don’t have the soul like a Vincent ’52! A $2300 investment in this one would have been a smart move, as nice Vincents will fetch upward of $60,000 or more in today’s market. That’s a fine motorbike!
Fifty years later, savvy motorcyclists are still scouring the ads, looking for a deal on that one bike they’ve always wanted. It’s still a fun pastime, and technology (video clips of the engine actually running) has made the game a little less dicey for buyers. Sadly, no one is held financially accountable for an excessively wordy ad, which means the shopper is playing something of a waiting game with the seller. But don’t wait too long. I know what I’ve got!CN
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