Classic Dealer

Don't know them but they've been around a while

 

Hi Danjg and welcome.
I have never dealt with nor do I have any knowledge of this dealer, so I will just generalise.
Before looking at a 'classic' bike, do your homework thoroughly using magazines such as Classic Bike guide, Classic Bike and The Classic Motorcycle. Also www.realclassic.co.uk may be helpful. Classic bike dealers do have a nasty habit of charging far too much money for their stock, so have a look at the private ads and compare prices. Bear in mind that although expensive, dealers will give you some come back and back up should you need it - hopefully.
Looking at some of the prices shown on the website of 'your' dealer, I would say that they are at the top end of the scale. I certainly would not pay £12,000 for a 1966 Bonneville or a 1968 Norton Commando (okay £11,999!). Try selling them on again for anything near that price! They do look to be good quality machines though.
My personal opinion is that they are too expensive to be a good investment (it will need to be long term and the bike unused by you) and too expensive to use regularly.
I suppose it all depends on what you want and how deep your pockets are.
There are also plenty of other dealers who want top dollar for their bikes - look in any bike mag' - but also plenty with a more modest approach.
There are bargains to be had in the private ads if you keep your eyes open and your wits about you.
You pays your money and you take your chance. It all depends on what you have in mind.

After all this, I guess you are just looking for a rear tyre for your Tiger Cub!!

I hope that some of this 'wisdom'/cynicism is of use to you!

 

Pleased to be of help.
I spotted a 1970 Bonneville (arguably 1968-1970 bikes are the best of the bunch as they were the most developed) at www.a28classics.co.uk for which they are asking £9950. It looks very nice and correct, even though it is an American re-import.
The classified ads in Classic Bike magazine threw up four 650s, one in Cumbria 1962 £12,500, one in Blackburn 1970 £8,950, one in Suffolk 1970 £7,500, a later one 1981 (T140v 750cc) around Loughborough £5,000 and a 1969 TR6 (a Bonneville with just one carburetor - everything else the same and some would say better for having just one carb) in Kent for £7,995. They are out there, but you have to be careful. Receipts, receipts, receipts and any other history you can lay your hands on!
I bought a '69 Bonneville from Geoff Daryn's emporium in Sandwich in the early '70s when I was a student in Canterbury. That really was a very nice bike, so I understand why you would want one.
Good luck with and enjoy your search.

Just as an afterthought, late 650 BSAs are reputed to be an excellent alternative to their Triumph equivalents and tend to be less expensive.

 

I wouldn't turn one down!

 

Dirty old job, but someone had to do it!!

 

I belong to the Surrey branch but will make a visit to the West Sussex branch when the evenings get lighter! So might see you there.

 

Hi Danjg.
If your looking for a classic ride have a look at this site http://www.carandclassic.co.uk
There's loads of bikes etc for sale, private/trade/auction
Another dealer is a chap called Andy Tiernan in Suffolk http://www.andybuysbikes.com
but like all dealers there is a 'premium' to pay
Hope find what you're after

 

Yes plenty of classics out there have a look out for a copy of old bike mart or on there web page good look I've gone other way to electric leg start 03 america

 

Have you guys heard of BUGAD bikes? great place out here in wiltshire
and obviously check out my website! not selling bikes just now but watch this space haha