I have been offered a share into business opportunity and theres part of me toying with the idea of selling my beloved Bonnie to help fund it. I’m still in two minds about it - partly because I don’t have a clue what its worth - and I’d probably end up wanting to buy it back in a year or two. Any of you guys know what its worth? Its a 2001 Carb model, with 5,200 miles on and I have a letter with the bike stating that it was the 4th Bonneville to come of the Hinckley line. When I brought it I wanted a bike that looked old but rode like new, so I’ve down the following: Added Rev counter from later models (keeping the original speedo in place) Removed the secondary Air injection system. Uprated and balanced the carbs with 41 pilot jets set to 3 and 128 main jets Fitted Thruxton Carb needles with a .5mm shim to give more mid-range Removed the baffle & snorkel from the airbox Fitted a K&N Air Filter Changed to a Blue Flame coil and leads Fitted an hi flow bell-mouth Upgraded the exhaust to a pair of Norman Hyde Togas with the mutes removed Fitted larger (110 & 150) A40 Adventure tyres Upgraded the brakes to EBC HH slintered steel Change the gearing ratios with a 19t sprocket for higher top speed and a more relaxed cruise. Added larger exhaust fins to help cooling Upgraded the clutch to an EBC heavy duty to cope with the extra power Added a grab rail Changed the seat to a British classic two-tone Added a headlight guard. Fitted original knee pads from a 1968 bike Changed to smaller bar-end mirrors Fitted fork gaiters. Changed to smaller indicators Added a chrome chain guard Fitted smaller indicators Added a 1967 Tax disc with period holder Upgraded the warning lights to brighter LEDs. So what do you think its worth?
Well......, if it was original I'd have said around 5k, but as it has been jiggered about with things change. I can do you a favour and offer 1200 quid and throw in my old post office delivery bike converted to e-bike, on a suicide switch, not pedal assist What ya reckon mate
I don’t really know but it would certainly have been worth more if left original. Most buyers, myself included want the bike to be original. If possible it might be better to return it to its new original state before trying to sell it.
Not sure I agree with the need for 100% originality, it's not as if it's a particularly rare or highly sought after classic. If I was in the market for something like this I would definitely consider it. Ok, so not all the changes are to my taste, but then there are parts of the original bike I would want to change anyway. If you could offer any original parts you still have, in with the sale, that might help. As for price, I have no idea. Having looked a bit closer I think the only changes I would make would be to lose the front number plate and headlight guard. Personal taste of course. Otherwise all positive upgrades I reckon, especially to the engine.
There's seems to be a groupthink for bikes (and cars) that they should be unmodified, pristine and with hardly any miles on the clock. What people really want is...a new bike. With PCP deals these days (in the UK, at least), that is perhaps the best option for many. Personally, if a vehicle has a lot of miles, a full service history, and has obviously been looked after, I'll have no qualms about buying it at the right price. I don't mind buying a modified bike in principle, but it has to be kit that I'd want on the bike myself. People have different preferences so I understand how you're limiting your sale options, and it's a standard expectation that they don't add much, if any, value. Heavily modded bikes sometimes seem to carry a negative perception of the owner as well, but just look at some of the skill and care that's gone in to bikes built by people on the forum.
I don’t think it’s the modifications themselves that put prospective buyers off. More the unknown skill level of the previous owner with regards to carrying out these modifications. A skilled mechanic carrying out the modifications, yes. Someone who is not skilled just taking bits off and bolting other bits on I’m not sure.
My personal opinion is around £3750 to £4000, you can ask what you want to really, in the end people will only pay what they think it is worth. It looks a nice machine but bear in mind it is over 20 years old (and not really a classic), unfortunately it makes little difference if a machine is first of the line or the last. Even rare machines have disadvantages, parts are exceptionally hard to come by and expensive, in essence when someone uses the phrase "extremely rare" it puts plenty of potential buyers off. You don't mention if all the standard parts come with the bike, I have customised machines like lots of forum members do, however it is usually for personal preference and in the main it doesn't attract a premium, unless you are into the realms of Triton's, Tribsa's, Tricati's etc etc. In your position I would consider keeping the bike and getting a low interest bank loan.
Thanks chaps, The first Hinckley bonnie went to the John Bloor, the second and third were press bikes, which makes this the first customer bike ever made. I know most of you don't not think thats special, but I think its pretty cool and have decided to keep it. I've been rebuilding cars, bikes and aircraft for 40 years and was a team captain on Scrapheap challenge (if you remember that - Series 11 episode 11). I've kept all the original parts and could put it all back to stock in less than 2 hours. So if I ever decide to sell it I'll put it back to stock.
Lez90 Yes pretty nice better and worth something in around 40 years if we still have petrol by then. Joe
I think you’re right, first Hinckley customer Bonnie is special. And from the photos it’s gorgeous. I’m sure you’d regret selling it as soon as you sold it and you’d never get that bike back. Enjoy the ride
