Greetings,

I am a British bike guy. A friend of mine wants me to go with him to look at an early 50s Panhead. From the photos he showed me, the bike looks to be a barn find. It's rough. I know how about much cash in parts, paint, and machine work it takes to bring a British bike in that condition back to original. Most likely this bike will need everything. A 60s Triumph Bonneville in that condition would be "a walk away from" bike, because it would cost more to restore than it'd be worth.

I realize if original the best choice would be to just get it road worthy, but I think he wants it restored.

I wouldn't mind helping my friend with a fun winter project, but would a nicely restored 50s panhead have enough value to invest what it will cost to build? Are there things we should look for that would make the bike a no-go?

Thanks for all replies.

Phil

 

IMHO, the key is getting the right price on the buy. If not, chances are that you will be upside down on the restoration.

 

Exactly, we don't know what the right price would be for a complete early 50s panhead that needs everything? In British bike world the bike in question, free might even put you upside down.

 

As you already mentioned, restoration is expensive for ANY old motorcycle.
Better to look at it as a hobby project rather than an investment project.

 

What's the asking price (yes I understand that American iron cost more across the Pond) and you got any pics?

 

It's at a farm auction. I've only seen the photos, it's what I would call a rough barn find, it looks complete externally as far I can tell, Same old story, "ran when parked"

 

Big changes in the 50's, is it hardtail or swingarm?