Update January 27, 2020: It is not often that a Running When Parked bike needs an update. It takes important new information or a dramatic turn of events. This ’52 Vincent meets both criteria because it just sold for $55,000 at Mecum’s 29th Annual Vintage & Antique Motorcycle Auction. While that is short of the $69,950 asking price back in June, it is not too far off. I’m stoked for Bator International (who sold the bike) but I’m not sure Running When Parked bikes selling for $55,000 is great for the rest of us trying to find non-running bargains. Now every owner of a RWP’ed is going to up the asking price.
June 3, 2019: Way back in July of 2017 we uncovered a Ducati Running When Parked with an asking price of $34,500. It held the official Jimmy Mac On Two Wheels record for the highest asking price of a RWP’ed motorcycle until today when we spotted this 1952 Vincent with an asking price of $69,950! This Vincent blew by the old record by 34,450 bucks.
Judging from the photo’s background, I’d say this bike is being offered by Bator International. Bator, located in Ojai, California, has been a vintage motorcycle broker for close to 20 years and they always have an impressive offering of collectable bikes (I would love this 1969 Harley Davidson XLH Sportster). So is this ’52 Vincent worth $50 less than 70-thousand dollars?
The NADA Guide says this bike in “excellent condition” is worth $123,035 and one in “fair” condition is worth $22,240. Based on the asking price, you should be looking at a Vincent in “very good” condition and it is a stretch to say a RWP’ed should be considered “very good.”
I’ve never understood the Vincent appeal. I’m too young. Sure, the engines are powerful, but the suspension, frame (or lack thereof), cobby appearance (doesn’t that look like a crescent wrench mounting the saddle?) and tiny drum brakes make the bike look like the result of six designers who didn’t talk to each other.
But Vincents sure have their fans. If you are one of them, you should contact Bator. They have a good reputation and obviously know what they are offering.
Congrats to Bator for setting a RWP’ed record that is hard to image ever being topped.
The phrase “Running When Parked” (RWP) is code for a once treasured possession that has been neglected in the corner of the garage or tool shed for far too long. Lacking the energy, time or resources to bring the little beauty back to life, the owner lists it for sale in hopes that a new owner will massage it back to health. Our collection of RWP bikes fall into two distinct categories; treasure or trash. And you are the only one who can properly judge which category the bike belongs in.
