Nolan Woodbury's avatar
Author:
Nolan Woodbury
Login For More
Rate this article:
  • 0/5 Stars
SPEEDtv.com Store
Legendary Race Cars, by Basem Wasef
Through vivid, human detail, writer and photographer Basem Wasef brings to life more than two dozen racing legends.
Our Price: $35.00
Visit Button
Buy Button
Man-Made Thunder
The book examines the sport of stock car racing through the eyes and ears of the men behind the wheel and the wrenches.
Our Price: $49.00
Visit Button
Buy Button
Unisex Sandwich Cap
Unisex Velcro back hat with SPEED logo on front. PINKS logo embroidered on left and PAO logo on right. One size fits all.
Our Price: $24.95
Visit Button
Buy Button
Speedway T-shirt
Men's 6 oz. 100% Cotton Jersey Short Sleeve Tee. SPEED logo imprinted on the front center chest.
Our Price: $24.99
Visit Button
Buy Button
Ferrari Red Classic Hat
100% cotton twill. Ferrari shield embroidered on front, piping on the peak and Ferrari logo embroidered on back strap adjuster.
Our Price: $30.00 ($27.00 Member)
Visit Button
Buy Button
Footer Bg
  • Zoom More Photos Button
  • Camera Icon
VINTAGE: Mr. Spock and the Mid America Motorcycle Auction
Written by: Nolan Woodbury
vintagemotorcyclesonline.com   http://www.vintagemotorcyclesonline.com
05/04/2009
Charlotte, NC
 
Buying at a public auction almost always involves some kind of risk, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a memorable experience. (Photo: vintagemotorcylesonline.com) » More Photos

Late January used to be a time of hibernation for the motorcyclist, but not any more. Taking a page from similar vintage and special interest automobile events, the folks at Mid America break Old Man Winter’s grasp by hosting the largest vintage bike auction in the world in glitzy Las Vegas, Nevada. A master stroke of timing and anticipation, when you combine all the elements, ‘Vegas’ is gaining momentum by virtue of its wide appeal for vintage motorcycle enthusiast.

Motorcyclists, by nature, aren’t guided or obsessed by logic. Surely, there are more convenient modes of transportation, especially when you factor in the eccentricities of the vintage machine. But as we all know, the spirit isn’t the destination, but instead the journey. Still, some common sense and preparation is needed if you’re planning to join the bidding. Who better to lead the way than Mr. Spock; the ‘Master Jedi’ of logic?
If you’ll excuse the conflicting metaphors...

“Nowhere am I so desperately needed as among a shipload of illogical humans.”

Whether you arrive prepared, having studied the auction manifesto or simply wing it, it’s a good idea to know how the auction process works. The auctioneer makes his money from fees and percentages charged and the motorcycles come from a variety of sources. These include private collectors, dealers, restoration firms and individual sellers, which make up the majority of the available motorcycles. Mid America does an excellent job presenting the stock through their website and full color catalogs, and keeps sales records posted online for both owners and buyers to refer to later. This is only one reason why Mid America continues to draw impressive crowds.

“There's a certain inefficiency in questioning when you've already made up your mind.“

Page 1 of 3
Next Page »
1 2 3 >
View All Comments