For those who have interest, it was one of several produced during the Korean War when paint was unobtainable. Some twins had been produced for the export market, Phil Vincent arranged for some GPO paint to “fall of a lorry” and shipped a few to North America. I purchased it in 1964 in Manitoba, black but with a red tank and incorrect numbers. Liked the color so restored the entire bike red. Phil designated the color “Chinese Red as well as three that were Egyptian Blue for the Earls Court Show. It has been authenticated as a Chinese Red Rapide but with all the Shadow mods. Restored it to red all over and rode of over the South East US Took it all over r the SE US Flew it to England in the Nineties and rode it around England, Scotland and Ireland and many VOC Rallies . Was in the Vincent “Parade” l lap on the Isle of Man 37 miles which was actually a race. Rode to the Austrian Rally in the Alps. And up to the Isle of Skye in Scotland Went Stavanger. Visited the Works and was told by an ex employee the my bike the was “the wrong color” Had so much fun went back in 2002 and did a repeat of the IOM and go as far as East Germany and Poland. There was another Vincent event to mark the closing of the famous Monthlery race track so I had to do that . Also visited Colditz Castle, site of the imprisonment of British and US aircrew as depicted in “The Great Escape”. Those who escaped were recaptured and murdered by German troops. Josph Lucaas struck at 100mph on the Autobahn. I friend picked me from Brussels VOC So much for not using my bike. Robin Clement
If memory serves me it was 125 that were painted red from the factory. I worked for Sid Biberman of Vincent fame in Norfolk Virginia for 17 years and became acquainted with many Vincent notables, including Phil Irving a notable Vincent engineer and a friend of Mr. Vincent. I took part in many of the restorations and drop in repair work concerning Vincents and other British bikes. The Red color was called "Chinese Red" and if I have my colors right it looks suspiciously like military insignia red.
Have you ever seen a sky blue Vincent? I had a 51 Shadow in the seventies and dealt with a mechanic who was working on two Comets for a customer, one was chinese red the other was sky blue, both original not repaints. I examined both while they were apart for repairs, you could see all the parts were painted before the bikes were assembled. This was in a small town in southern Ontario Canada.
That’s fantastic, you must have been quite the celebrity riding that Chinese red Vincent all over Europe. I’ve been riding bikes for 45 years and seen quite a few shadows, rapides, comets and even black princes but I’ve never seen a red Vincent. That’s a real grail machine. Greetings from Suffolk UK
One of the bikes we did had belonged to one of the Doobie Brothers. It been painted purple metal flake with a white tuck & roll seat cover. A local guy had acquired it and it sat in a shed for many years before it was sold to Sid Biberman. As I was cleaning and stripping parts, I turned over the battery tray, and it was red underneath. Sid did a quick search on the S/N and it was one of the original red bikes. It was all original parts, never wrecked, but covered in that hideous purple metal flake from stem to stern. A total rebuild to the last micron and totally the correct shade of Chinese red. The Bike was then sold to a Jeff Glaseroux and won best in class two years in a row along with an Egli that we did for him, and we built it on one of the original Rickman frames (I think) and not a later knock off. That Egli also won 2 major trophies in it's class at the same time. Jeff Glaseroux met his end by in an ultra light aircraft accident.
I’m Robin’s daughter and am so thankful you took the time to showcase his bikes. What he didn’t mention is that he started riding British bikes as a teenager growing up in London in the 1950s and he continued restoring and riding throughout the US and Europe until he was in his 70s. He’s the real deal and would still be riding if his health would allow him!!
You've got to love a Velocette. In 1961 a Velocette Venom became the first motorcycle to cover over 2,400 miles (3,900 km) in a 24-hour period, at the Montlhery circuit in France. Stopping for refueling and oil changes she still averaged 100.05 mph (161.01 km/h). This record for up to 500cc capacity machines still stands to this day.
These guys have worked hard all there lives and on the way theyve collected the things they love, then opened there doors to share these rare and special treasures with us. Thank you...
I love all of these bikes. They are a work of art I can just sit and look at. I wish they could be displayed for everyone to enjoy along with many of Steve's motorcycles.
It still is so nice to see these fine folks, kind enough to let you into their cherished personal collections. And to take us along as well, things we would NEVER be able to see otherwise. Thanks Tom, good to see you back!
If I had a 'cherished personal collection'[, I wouldn't put it in an old chicken shed to gather dust and rust. That is NOT the definition of 'cherished'.
You Sir are a true gentleman and legend of the days gone by. If you have not already done so you should record your memories for posterity. While you still have time to record these precious memories, there must be thousands of enthusiasts young and old World wide, that would appreciate the knowledge and memories that you possess. Thank you for sharing your collection, your comment on the travels and adventures you had on the Red Vincent added even more to my enjoyment of this post. You are having a wonderful fun filled life, I wish you many more healthy happy years.
OMG! As Dennis Collins would say, " It's the Holy Grail"!!! So good to have Barn Find Hunters back, Tom! Now I have to go change my shirt from all the drool! Such a fabulous episode!
Hopefully most of these bikes end up in museums for everybody to see someday! My dad raced motorcycles for many years and would love to see these collections!
This has been a real treat to see and listen about the bikes and the men behind it all, thanks to Robin and Steve for showing us all their fabulous machinery and the stories and history of everything, best wishes from UK.
For those who have interest, the red Vincent was one of several produced during the Korean War when paint was unobtainable. Some twins had been produced for the export market, Phil Vincent arranged for some GPO paint to “fall off a lorry” and shipped a few to North America. I purchased it in 1964 in Manitoba, black but with a red tank and incorrect numbers. I liked the color so I restored the entire bike red. Phil designated the color “Chinese Red” as well as three that were Egyptian Blue for the Earls Court Show. It has been authenticated as a Chinese Red Rapide but with all the Shadow modifications. I rode it all over the Southeastern United States. I flew the bike to England in the 1990s and rode it around England, Scotland, Ireland and to many VOC Rallies. I was in the Vincent “Parade” on the Isle of Man which ended up being a 37-mile race with 110 Vincents. I rode to the Austrian Rally in the Alps and up to the Isle of Skye in Scotland and Stavanger in Norway. I visited the factory and was told by an ex-employee that my bike the was “the wrong colour”. I had so much fun, I went back in 2002 and did a repeat of the Isle of Man and rode to East Germany and Poland. There was another Vincent event to mark the closing of the famous Monthlery banked racetrack so I rode that as well. I also visited Colditz Castle, site of the imprisonment of British and US aircrew as depicted in “The Great Escape”. Those who escaped were recaptured and murdered by German troops. Joseph Lucas struck at 100mph on the Autobahn. A friend picked me from Brussels VOC and put me up for the night and then took me to Calais to cross the Channel to Dover where Annie from Conways took me to her home in Kent. So much for not using my bike. Robin Clement, Waynesville NC
Ah, yes. Joseph Lucas, Prince of Darkness as he was "lovingly" known by many British motorcyclists. Sounds like you had some good times with those bikes.
@ Robin Clement. With total respect,Thank you for sharing your bikes and memorys with us!! Sounds like you"ve loved for life! Just cause my wife has a few dings and things,and don"t handle like a new model,doesnt" mean I should turn her over to the museum? Then who would keep the dust off of me,as well as clearing the cobwebs of my old mind! History is made from men like you! Stay well friend.
That’s great and all. Couldn’t you have just kept a few bikes in working condition and shared/sold the rest for others to enjoy? Fortunately, your collection is small. My comments were related to the 5,000+ motorcycles stored in the other dude’s chicken coup. That’s nit a collector. That’s a hoarder.
This is the second time I have watched this, and thanks for the show. I do think that it is a shame that individuals need so many cool bikes locked up and left inside, when bikes are made to be ridden. There are so many people out there that would love to be a participant with the open road and these bikes. Like caging a bird that should fly. If you truly love something set it free.
All in the fulness of time as the saying goes, the guy has enjoyed them and his memories of them will linger on, eventually they will go to the right kind of people, then they will live once again.
Thanks for doing a barn find episode on motorcycles. The Hercules Wankel was made in Nuremberg, Germany. I used to work for Sachs which was the parent company of Hercules at the time. They also made motocross and enduro motorcycles which were also known as DKWs back in the 70s depending on which part of the world they were sold in. And yes, DKW used to make cars and merged with Audi, Horch and Wanderer in 1932 to form Auto Union which is the ancestor of Audi motors, hence the four circles used for Audi’s logo.
The 59 Bonneville has always been number 1 on my list of dream bikes. So pretty. That guy has such a cool collection. Maybe he needs someone to come ride them every now and then....to keep the carbs from clogging up. : ) It was great to see a motorcycle episode.
We are all just curators of our own museums , keeping the cars/bikes in a good level of preserve will insure they are proudly displayed and used in the future. Robert has done a wonderful job taking care of those machines, tip of the hat sir.
I'd give my teeth to own the red Vincent Rapide to Shadow spec. Rare as rocking horse poo! Must be worth a fortune. Vellocettes, Triumphs, Beezers, Ariels. I think I must have died and gone to heaven. These 2 guys are sitting on a mountain of gold and a mountain range of history. What a museum this would make. Incredible collections. Total respect. More programmes on motorcycles please you guys. This could have been a couple of hours long and still been totally awesome and captivating. Brilliant stuff!
Well, you could talk about a person with a big bank account; "Lots of old money. Too bad it just sits in a bank. Someone would love to be spending those negotiable financial instruments"...
My heart cries with this. My brother and all our friends had at least 1 of most things shown. Me, a '65 Honda Trail 50. The Moto-Marina wasn't mentioned, no foul. I rode everything from Triumph Tridents to Ducati's, Kombat-Wombat and Dirt-Squirt's, Honda-Matic Trail 90's. It's a wonder I'm still here. Every car from BMW Isotta's to VW. Had a ball!
Yippie! Miss your show thanks....I am always torn, between admiring folks, that do this type of collecting, and disappointment by the loss of such beautiful uses of these great items....not being critical, just an observation....freedom is wonderful so do what you want, just love it like this gentleman.
With such an Amazing collection of motercycle one could only wish to live for ever. This gentleman has lived a wonderful life surrounded by the thing's he truly loves, keeping his heart forever young.
Wow. I remember drooling over these bikes in the magazines during tihe 60's, 70's etc. Bought a 69 Bonnie brand new in 70. Have owned a lot of different bikes. Loved the Bonnie but have owned a lot of Honda's as every day riders. At 72 years old have an 1100 Shadow for love of the V twin sound. Straight pipes. But my sweet 750 Shadow is the best for around town shopping and socializing. I've been a biker since Dad took the training wheels off my Schwin and I found the road at the end of the driveway opened into a magical world of discovery and delights.
I love cars but i LOVE motorcycles, there are just so many awesome classics out there that deserve to be restored, pamered on weekdays and ridden hard on weekends! :D
Min 7:16 we see a metallic blue painted 70s MZ TS 250/1 from the former GDR. And that in the USA !! ........ Although, in 2013 I found things and equipment from the GDR Vopo in the army shop in Minneapolis.
I have double edged emotions here. I respect these men for their amazing collections and yes a motorbike will last longer in a shed, but that's not what they were built for 😔
Yeah, but one day they'll be available, until then these two guys are enjoying them. I know guys who get treasures like this then dismantle them forever.
God bless you Tom for bringing such a lovely program for us viewers. I'm from India and literally have no connections to the American vehicular heritage but how you go about doing this made me feel like being a part of a deja vu that I wasn't originally a part of!! Thank you so much once again and I was like kind of worried for your health and thought when will you ever be back with new episodes and it fills me with great joy that you have restarted so soon again and that too with bikes.. God bless you, take good care of yourselves and keep pushing out such quality barn finds that unite us all irrespective of our nationalities or where we are situated. Big cheers to you and the Haggerty team!
Hi! Tom Cotter. It's a real pleasure to have you back, despite the long pandemic, on the RUclips chanel! Thanks for bringing this lovely presentation. Johnny, Montréal, Canada!
@PASQUALE CAPO I understood everything he said. If people would just kill their TV's and stop voting for the New World Order we wouldn't have to be told to wear these stupid useless masks.
You beat me to saying it . I have a hard time when things are horded and left to decay . If you are going to take care of things ok . But if not sell the items and let some one else enjoy them .
Boy did this video bring back memories. I become a motorcycle lover at the age of eight which would have been in 1960. I read and dreamed about all these British bikes. I saw all those bikes form the late 1960's throughout the 1970's. Many of which I had owned. Just Remembering.
The majority are beyond restoration. The small cc Honda's would still be running today if it were not for sitting for decades with rotten fuel etc. It's very sad even though he likes to tell everyone how many motorcycles he has most are scrap.
@@stephenpaul4258 I agree. Most could be easily restored. Some might be tricky for spares but with patience and a lot of TLC everything's possible. The things you would have to have in abundance is dedication, time and money. That said, you've got nicely restored and running machines that would be a joy to own.
Holy Cow!! There is my 1965 Honda 50 with the white skirt! Bought for $150 in 68. I was so cool until I see my friends with a Yamaha 125cc. Love the memories!
I can’t understand why someone has so much stored away like that. My collection would have to running and driving. I want the blue MGA that they were ignoring. Eventually that guy will die, and his family will have to have an astronomical estate sale that will take weeks to catalog. I would come for the stuff like the black rotary dial phone.
@@nigelbeaumont1109 Yes. I don't understand it. He says collector, but all I see is a hoarder letting it all rot to dust. The ''new old stock exhausts" are all so rusted they might as well be used. And that Bently. WTF, that thing is probably worth a fortune even in its current state. Sad thing is, no museum will take those, except the best specimens. The rest of it will be scattered, which is probably better if they get restored to running condition.
At least they're not rusting away in a field or damp basement somewhere. The guy takes care of them and loves them. I'm sure at some point they'll all get back on the road and we'll have Robin to thank for keeping them in such good shape (and with low miles.)
ME TOO - I'VE BEEN COLLECTING 60'S ERA HONDA SINCE 1963. HAVE ABOUT 75 BIKES NOW. BOUGHT MY FIRST IN 1963 - HONDA 50 C110 SPORT AT 14. TOOK ME 2 YEARS TO SAVE $300 ON A SMALL PAPER ROUTE TO PAY CASH. C100'S > CB750 TO DATE. HEAVY IN CB77 SUPER HAWKS. LOVE THEM ALL.
@@RobertWilson-td7eb hi Robert, would you be interested in a 1957 Honda motorcycle with less than 1500 miles on it. doesn't run, but in very gold shape. sorry don't know the model name, but could send you photos
When I was about 14/15 my brother saw an ad in the South Wales Echo in Wales, for a Vincent Rapide for 75 pounds. We jumped in his van and drove 20 miles to where it was. When we got there, someone was riding off on it. Be worth over 50,000 now
Thanks so much for the work you do that brings so much pleasure to so many of us, including those that get the thrill of sharing their machines. The answer to your question is that there are a heck of a lot more Motorcycle Owners that there are Motorcycle Riders. As a rider with more than 500K miles ridden, I am always astonished at the fact that so many people will do everything imaginable with a motorcycle short of riding it, from outright neglect to massive customizations and everything in between. Having Retailed and traded a few hundred motorcycles over the years, as wel as ridden the twenty plus I have personally owned, I have told many a person that the greatest customization one can perform on a motorcycle is to turn the Zero (or low) number on the odometer into a big one....While I am a firm believer in the Motorcycle Classics Motto of "ride them , don't hide them", I say thank goodness for those who hoard, collect, restore, repair, fix and appreciate the bikes for the wonderful creations that they are. I especially love all the original bikes and thank those that keep them that way. Happily available to customize an odometer on request....
the second guy..amazing British classics! Treats his bikes like they should be treated! First guy....they're his bikes so he can do whatever he wants with them....BUT IT IS A DIRTY ROTTEN SHAME TO LET THEM SLOWLY DISINTEGRATE
STEVE DAVIS is the coolest, kindest, friendliest person. Wealth of knowledge, great memory ! May be an old vid, but now, just came across it. I have had the pleasure to meet and speak to him several times, WHAT A GUY! 🤙🏽👌🏽🙏🏽
He's done his stewardship well for many decades...His knowledge of his collection is encyclopedic, he has a great eye, preserved them safely (and originally) until such time as the scrappers are through and an army of skilled enthusiasts are ready to carry them forward and take them to the next level....
Hi, The Last Velocette Venom made was VM 6750 made in July 1970 and supplied to Dodkins in East Sheen London U.K. The Last Velocette Thruxton made was VMT 1208C With frame number RS 20177 in December 1970 and was supplied to Batemans of Canada and i believe was still crated till recently. Some nice bikes there. Cheers.
my goodness..... how good it is to see a video of someone who has motorcycles that were thought to have disappeared. I wish I could see it with my own eyes. You have four Hondas there, one of them is the same as my father's, a Honda C102... If you have parts for this model, can you send them? God bless you
I found a KMZ Dnepr sidecar motorcycle in a barn that sat 27 year's and had just 194 Km. It was imported in 1992 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. It's the same type and model used in the Indiana Jones movie "The Last Crusade". The person that purchased and imported it was injured on it and put it in the barn. I took it completely apart, replaced all the seals and gaskets, fixed assembly problems caused by communist workers, and reassembled it. It's the most fun motorcycle I have ever owned and I ride it almost daily.
I’ve been going to Waynesville for years! I love the area! A motorcyclists dream with all the great roads there. I have property in Crestview Pointe that’s up for sale. Love Wheels through time in Maggie Valley. Great to see such enthusiasts in the area. Wow! What great collections!!! Thanks for sharing this!
Can any collectors out there please answer me a question? I love motorcycles and have owned many over the years and I’m still a young lad at 34. I love riding bikes and restoring them. I love all bikes from the very first to the modern day of every type. So I ask this as a fellow motorcycle lover. Why do you buy more bikes than you can ever ride, to just throw them in barns to rot? Do you not feel guilty to the motorcycle for abandoning it? I can’t get my head around a barn full of rusting bikes covered in boxes and dust and other assorted things, that can’t be enjoyed as the machines they were designed to be or the beautiful art some have become in the eyes of many. What is the attraction of this? Is it obsession? Habit? Or did it start as a way to invest that got out of hand? Please don’t read negatively into this comment, as I mean no disrespect. It’s your money, your life and your motorcycles. I’m just curious to know the way of thinking. Thank you.
Hi Jason... I'm in my 60's and have collected, ridden & restored around 130 bikes during my life "so farr" and own 96 from the last count, I've saved an awful lot more from being scrapped back in The 70's/80's when they were worth nothing. For me it's a form of therapy after a stressful day at work, it's very rewarding and has kept me out of the Pubs/Bars etc. The Vid shows most of his collection to be undercover and in restorable condition, he could have let them corrode outside then Tom Cotter would more than likely not stopped to film the collection. The classic vehicle market has developed considerably since the 1990's and values from some models has changed a lot of peoples opinions over the years. Best Regards Keith M..
good on you robin for giving the old brit bikes a good home,you can see by the miles and the way you talked about them using them all over the world that you and the bikes had a great time..just the way it should be....lets hope your health improves and you can get out for a few more blasts (on that velo and rgs wow)...cant kick start them any more??? get yourself a roller starter and away you go....no more kicking...looking at your comments about the places you have been with your bikes from the tt to the states...one stands out...the isle of skye...you have good taste my friend in bikes and destination...i will be up in skye this summer on my bike for a wee dram and i'll think off you...cheers from mark in bonnie scotland
WHY WHY WHY would someone buy all those bikes and then just pile them up and let them rot?? There are hordes of people who would lovingly restore and take care of these bikes and use them or show them......I just don't get it.........
As much as I appreciate a collection, that’s hoarding. Allowing such a volume of spare parts to rot is very selfish and shows how little he cares about other collectors and vintage motorcycle lovers that are having trouble keeping their rides going. I hope he reconsider his “no sale” policy.
I love everybody but eventually my stuff will have to go somewhere and his stuff will have to go somewhere we none of us will live forever but just saying I don't blame him look at his enthusias I'm over to set up of a speedometer which I totally understand and likes talking about odometers that are vertical
I used to think it's HIS STUFF" But the reality is, we are all stewards of material things. Yes it would be GREAT""" if he changed his mindset to, Let's sell what I have that people can use....but whatever. Nice collection
I knew a guy like him but then he died and someone else go rich on all his stuff. I get the old timer having a few bikes but the other was letting some of that stuff just rot. He should sell what he can't keep dry and enjoy several vacations with the money.
For those who have interest, it was one of several produced during the Korean War when paint was unobtainable. Some twins had been produced for the export market, Phil Vincent arranged for some GPO paint to “fall of a lorry” and shipped a few to North America.
I purchased it in 1964 in Manitoba, black but with a red tank and incorrect numbers. Liked the color so restored the entire bike red. Phil designated the color “Chinese Red as well as three that were Egyptian Blue for the Earls Court Show.
It has been authenticated as a Chinese Red Rapide but with all the Shadow mods.
Restored it to red all over and rode of over the South East US
Took it all over r the SE US
Flew it to England in the Nineties and rode it around England, Scotland and Ireland and many VOC Rallies .
Was in the Vincent “Parade” l lap on the Isle of Man 37 miles which was actually a race.
Rode to the Austrian Rally in the Alps. And up to the Isle of Skye in Scotland Went Stavanger. Visited the Works and was told by an ex employee the my bike the was “the wrong color”
Had so much fun went back in 2002 and did a repeat of the IOM and go as far as East Germany and Poland. There was another Vincent event to mark the closing of the famous Monthlery race track so I had to do that . Also visited Colditz Castle, site of the imprisonment of British and US aircrew as depicted in “The Great Escape”. Those who escaped were recaptured and murdered by German troops.
Josph Lucaas struck at 100mph on the Autobahn. I friend picked me from Brussels VOC
So much for not using my bike.
Robin Clement
If memory serves me it was 125 that were painted red from the factory. I worked for Sid Biberman of Vincent fame in Norfolk Virginia for 17 years and became acquainted with many Vincent notables, including Phil Irving a notable Vincent engineer and a friend of Mr. Vincent. I took part in many of the restorations and drop in repair work concerning Vincents and other British bikes. The Red color was called "Chinese Red" and if I have my colors right it looks suspiciously like military insignia red.
@@redr1150r I had the pleasure of meeting Sid on several occasions.
Have you ever seen a sky blue Vincent? I had a 51 Shadow in the seventies and dealt with a mechanic who was working on two Comets for a customer, one was chinese red the other was sky blue, both original not repaints. I examined both while they were apart for repairs, you could see all the parts were painted before the bikes were assembled. This was in a small town in southern Ontario Canada.
That’s fantastic, you must have been quite the celebrity riding that Chinese red Vincent all over Europe. I’ve been riding bikes for 45 years and seen quite a few shadows, rapides, comets and even black princes but I’ve never seen a red Vincent. That’s a real grail machine. Greetings from Suffolk UK
One of the bikes we did had belonged to one of the Doobie Brothers. It been painted purple metal flake with a white tuck & roll seat cover. A local guy had acquired it and it sat in a shed for many years before it was sold to Sid Biberman. As I was cleaning and stripping parts, I turned over the battery tray, and it was red underneath. Sid did a quick search on the S/N and it was one of the original red bikes. It was all original parts, never wrecked, but covered in that hideous purple metal flake from stem to stern. A total rebuild to the last micron and totally the correct shade of Chinese red. The Bike was then sold to a Jeff Glaseroux and won best in class two years in a row along with an Egli that we did for him, and we built it on one of the original Rickman frames (I think) and not a later knock off. That Egli also won 2 major trophies in it's class at the same time. Jeff Glaseroux met his end by in an ultra light aircraft accident.
I’m Robin’s daughter and am so thankful you took the time to showcase his bikes. What he didn’t mention is that he started riding British bikes as a teenager growing up in London in the 1950s and he continued restoring and riding throughout the US and Europe until he was in his 70s. He’s the real deal and would still be riding if his health would allow him!!
He's got great taste in bikes. That's an impressive collection tucked away in that garage.
It's great to see he still enjoys them.
I bet he was a visitor to the Ace Cafe, home of the cafe racer set!
Your Dad is a true GEM. So glad he was able to share with Tom and the rest of us.
Loved every second of it. Ask your Dad if he ever heard of Reg Allen Cycles in West Ealing London.
Wonderful collection of bikes, slowly rusting away, quite tragic really, they deserve to be ridden. My favorite is the 63 BSA RGS.
Isn't it cool, that these fellas open their doors to share their treasures-thanks, guys!
You've got to love a Velocette.
In 1961 a Velocette Venom became the first motorcycle to cover over 2,400 miles (3,900 km) in a 24-hour period, at the Montlhery circuit in France. Stopping for refueling and oil changes she still averaged 100.05 mph (161.01 km/h). This record for up to 500cc capacity machines still stands to this day.
So true and I have the great joy of owning one, I can't wait for the dry weather so I can open it up again 👍
These guys have worked hard all there lives and on the way theyve collected the things they love, then opened there doors to share these rare and special treasures with us. Thank you...
If they love them so much, why do they hide them in an old shed to gather dust?
If you love something that much, you want to be around it.
You don't know anything about how these guys got enough money to own 5000 motorcycles, they may have just got it all from mom and dad.
I love all of these bikes. They are a work of art I can just sit and look at. I wish they could be displayed for everyone to enjoy along with many of Steve's motorcycles.
It still is so nice to see these fine folks, kind enough to let you into their cherished personal collections. And to take us along as well, things we would NEVER be able to see otherwise. Thanks Tom, good to see you back!
If I had a 'cherished personal collection'[, I wouldn't put it in an old chicken shed to gather dust and rust.
That is NOT the definition of 'cherished'.
I wish the show was 2 hours. Glad to see you back.
You Sir are a true gentleman and legend of the days gone by. If you have not already done so you should record your memories for posterity. While you still have time to record these precious memories, there must be thousands of enthusiasts young and old World wide, that would appreciate the knowledge and memories that you possess. Thank you for sharing your collection, your comment on the travels and adventures you had on the Red Vincent added even more to my enjoyment of this post. You are having a wonderful fun filled life, I wish you many more healthy happy years.
OMG! As Dennis Collins would say, " It's the Holy Grail"!!!
So good to have Barn Find Hunters back, Tom!
Now I have to go change my shirt from all the drool! Such a fabulous episode!
Hopefully most of these bikes end up in museums for everybody to see someday! My dad raced motorcycles for many years and would love to see these collections!
This has been a real treat to see and listen about the bikes and the men behind it all, thanks to Robin and Steve for showing us all their fabulous machinery and the stories and history of everything, best wishes from UK.
For those who have interest, the red Vincent was one of several produced during the Korean War when paint was unobtainable. Some twins had been produced for the export market, Phil Vincent arranged for some GPO paint to “fall off a lorry” and shipped a few to North America. I purchased it in 1964 in Manitoba, black but with a red tank and incorrect numbers. I liked the color so I restored the entire bike red. Phil designated the color “Chinese Red” as well as three that were Egyptian Blue for the Earls Court Show. It has been authenticated as a Chinese Red Rapide but with all the Shadow modifications. I rode it all over the Southeastern United States. I flew the bike to England in the 1990s and rode it around England, Scotland, Ireland and to many VOC Rallies. I was in the Vincent “Parade” on the Isle of Man which ended up being a 37-mile race with 110 Vincents. I rode to the Austrian Rally in the Alps and up to the Isle of Skye in Scotland and Stavanger in Norway. I visited the factory and was told by an ex-employee that my bike the was “the wrong colour”. I had so much fun, I went back in 2002 and did a repeat of the Isle of Man and rode to East Germany and Poland. There was another Vincent event to mark the closing of the famous Monthlery banked racetrack so I rode that as well. I also visited Colditz Castle, site of the imprisonment of British and US aircrew as depicted in “The Great Escape”. Those who escaped were recaptured and murdered by German troops. Joseph Lucas struck at 100mph on the Autobahn. A friend picked me from Brussels VOC and put me up for the night and then took me to Calais to cross the Channel to Dover where Annie from Conways took me to her home in Kent.
So much for not using my bike.
Robin Clement, Waynesville NC
Ah, yes. Joseph Lucas, Prince of Darkness as he was "lovingly" known by many British motorcyclists. Sounds like you had some good times with those bikes.
@ Robin Clement. With total respect,Thank you for sharing your bikes and memorys with us!! Sounds like you"ve loved for life! Just cause my wife has a few dings and things,and don"t handle like a new model,doesnt" mean I should turn her over to the museum? Then who would keep the dust off of me,as well as clearing the cobwebs of my old mind! History is made from men like you! Stay well friend.
That’s great and all. Couldn’t you have just kept a few bikes in working condition and shared/sold the rest for others to enjoy? Fortunately, your collection is small. My comments were related to the 5,000+ motorcycles stored in the other dude’s chicken coup. That’s nit a collector. That’s a hoarder.
This is the second time I have watched this, and thanks for the show. I do think that it is a shame that individuals need so many cool bikes locked up and left inside, when bikes are made to be ridden. There are so many people out there that would love to be a participant with the open road and these bikes. Like caging a bird that should fly. If you truly love something set it free.
All in the fulness of time as the saying goes, the guy has enjoyed them and his memories of them will linger on, eventually they will go to the right kind of people, then they will live once again.
Hi Tom, I"m glad to see you back. I hope your great episodes will coming weekly now. Best regards from Switzerland
Goodness gracious me! I'm 68 ... but I'll easily spend the next 30 years exploring those barns! Stunning! Cheers from South Africa chaps.
Thanks for doing a barn find episode on motorcycles. The Hercules Wankel was made in Nuremberg, Germany. I used to work for Sachs which was the parent company of Hercules at the time. They also made motocross and enduro motorcycles which were also known as DKWs back in the 70s depending on which part of the world they were sold in. And yes, DKW used to make cars and merged with Audi, Horch and Wanderer in 1932 to form Auto Union which is the ancestor of Audi motors, hence the four circles used for Audi’s logo.
One man is responsible for keeping the price up on the Honda Trail 90's
im so amazed of these old guys just living happily doing and talking about what they love .
The 59 Bonneville has always been number 1 on my list of dream bikes. So pretty. That guy has such a cool collection. Maybe he needs someone to come ride them every now and then....to keep the carbs from clogging up. : ) It was great to see a motorcycle episode.
Wasn't that the bike ridden by Haggard in ' Harry Potter '...?
We are all just curators of our own museums , keeping the cars/bikes in a good level of preserve will insure they are proudly displayed and used in the future. Robert has done a wonderful job taking care of those machines, tip of the hat sir.
I'd give my teeth to own the red Vincent Rapide to Shadow spec. Rare as rocking horse poo! Must be worth a fortune. Vellocettes, Triumphs, Beezers, Ariels. I think I must have died and gone to heaven. These 2 guys are sitting on a mountain of gold and a mountain range of history. What a museum this would make. Incredible collections. Total respect. More programmes on motorcycles please you guys. This could have been a couple of hours long and still been totally awesome and captivating. Brilliant stuff!
Selfish pair of hoarders
@@davecanly7535 ooooooh!!!!
Someone's jealous.
Lots of old memories. Too bad they just sit in a barn. Someone would love to be riding those bikes.
Well, you could talk about a person with a big bank account; "Lots of old money. Too bad it just sits in a bank. Someone would love to be spending those negotiable financial instruments"...
@@dmc2554 your statement makes no sense
@@dmc2554 That money in the bank doesn't hold back others from obtaining some of their own.
Its ok he wont live forever
@@darkfantasy2653 lol..That's why I never complain about cutting grandmother's raspberry bushes. A few more years and I'm done
What a legend triumph heaven love all your videos tom big love from Britain when you love what you do
Tom, thanks for the motorcycle-specific episode. What a fun find! Now if only we could see them driving down the road where they belong.
My dad is the guy towards the end and he rode them for as many years as he could!!! Starting when he was a teenager in London until he was over 70.
@@christysatterfield3802 your Dad is truly a Crown Jewel! Preserving British History!!
My heart cries with this. My brother and all our friends had at least 1 of most things shown. Me, a '65 Honda Trail 50. The Moto-Marina wasn't mentioned, no foul. I rode everything from Triumph Tridents to Ducati's, Kombat-Wombat and Dirt-Squirt's, Honda-Matic Trail 90's. It's a wonder I'm still here. Every car from BMW Isotta's to VW. Had a ball!
Moto Marina ? never heard of that do you mean moto morini ? Italian bike .
Yippie! Miss your show thanks....I am always torn, between admiring folks, that do this type of collecting, and disappointment by the loss of such beautiful uses of these great items....not being critical, just an observation....freedom is wonderful so do what you want, just love it like this gentleman.
With such an Amazing collection of motercycle one could only wish to live for ever. This gentleman has lived a wonderful life surrounded by the thing's he truly loves, keeping his heart forever young.
What a fantastic collection Robin has .... a real treasure trove of British biking.
Wow. I remember drooling over these bikes in the magazines during tihe 60's, 70's etc. Bought a 69 Bonnie brand new in 70. Have owned a lot of different bikes. Loved the Bonnie but have owned a lot of Honda's as every day riders. At 72 years old have an 1100 Shadow for love of the V twin sound. Straight pipes. But my sweet 750 Shadow is the best for around town shopping and socializing. I've been a biker since Dad took the training wheels off my Schwin and I found the road at the end of the driveway opened into a magical world of discovery and delights.
YES, thank you Hagerty, bikers will sure appreciate this content!
I’m stunned ! I’m an expat from Great Britain and the content of this video is truly amazing. Those British gems are priceless.
Thank you, Tom and Hagerty! I have been waiting for some video to accompany the books!
THE best quote I have ever heard in my life 4:05...now to build that organised illusion
A year off and you come back with a killer episode. I am a bike guy, loving those Yamaha dirt bikes. Good to see you again
Tom....
ITS ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL TO HAVE YOU BACK....
Looking forward to watching what you find this year... Thanks for all you do for us to enjoy..
I love cars but i LOVE motorcycles, there are just so many awesome classics out there that deserve to be restored, pamered on weekdays and ridden hard on weekends! :D
Min 7:16 we see a metallic blue painted 70s MZ TS 250/1 from the former GDR. And that in the USA !! ........ Although, in 2013 I found things and equipment from the GDR Vopo in the army shop in Minneapolis.
Awesome collection that's unfortunately terribly stored, brand new exhausts looks like they've been taken out of junkyards pretty much.
I have double edged emotions here. I respect these men for their amazing collections and yes a motorbike will last longer in a shed, but that's not what they were built for 😔
Glad to see you back! I've had to resort to watching repeats; I hope you'll come back to Roanoke soon!
breathtaking!!! When you think British Bikes. These are the examples that define the entire Brit Bike culture. Simply amazing.
Sad to see 5,000 classic motorcycles rusting away and rotting into oblivion.
Yeah, but one day they'll be available, until then these two guys are enjoying them. I know guys who get treasures like this then dismantle them forever.
This guy saved them from the scrap
I have never seen a Velocette till now. That is a beautiful motorcycle. Robin, thank you for sharing them with us.
Very cool...I'm more of a motorcycle guy so this is awesome.
God bless you Tom for bringing such a lovely program for us viewers. I'm from India and literally have no connections to the American vehicular heritage but how you go about doing this made me feel like being a part of a deja vu that I wasn't originally a part of!! Thank you so much once again and I was like kind of worried for your health and thought when will you ever be back with new episodes and it fills me with great joy that you have restarted so soon again and that too with bikes.. God bless you, take good care of yourselves and keep pushing out such quality barn finds that unite us all irrespective of our nationalities or where we are situated. Big cheers to you and the Haggerty team!
The BSA "Rocket" Inside The "Feather Bed " Frame Is Punk and worth some coin. Great Content ..Keep Posting.
Hi! Tom Cotter. It's a real pleasure to have you back, despite the long pandemic, on the RUclips chanel! Thanks for bringing this lovely presentation. Johnny, Montréal, Canada!
Sad to see them all sitting there wasting away.
I bought my wife a 1952 MGTD . I did not care for the taillights of the 53 . I liked the Tombstone taillights .
So glad to see you back!
@PASQUALE CAPO I understood everything he said. If people would just kill their TV's and stop voting for the New World Order we wouldn't have to be told to wear these stupid useless masks.
You beat me to saying it . I have a hard time when things are horded and left to decay . If you are going to take care of things ok . But if not sell the items and let some one else enjoy them .
Unfortunately wearing a muzzle 🤷♂️
Boy did this video bring back memories. I become a motorcycle lover at the age of eight which would have been in 1960. I read and dreamed about all these British bikes. I saw all those bikes form the late 1960's throughout the 1970's. Many of which I had owned. Just Remembering.
I don’t know why but I feel sorry for those beautiful bikes collecting dust like that.
you and me both........
I like your name and can very much relate 😁👍🏻
The majority are beyond restoration. The small cc Honda's would still be running today if it were not for sitting for decades with rotten fuel etc. It's very sad even though he likes to tell everyone how many motorcycles he has most are scrap.
@@djmjay2 nah most can be easily restored
@@stephenpaul4258 I agree. Most could be easily restored. Some might be tricky for spares but with patience and a lot of TLC everything's possible. The things you would have to have in abundance is dedication, time and money. That said, you've got nicely restored and running machines that would be a joy to own.
I'm an old school bike nut. What I see here is absolute heaven... never seen such collection... omg..
UN-BLOODY-BELIEVABLE! 😱😍🤤 Good on these 2 gentlemen following & LIVING their passion!👍🏻👏🏻 Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺😎🍻
Holy Cow!! There is my 1965 Honda 50 with the white skirt! Bought for $150 in 68. I was so cool until I see my friends with a Yamaha 125cc. Love the memories!
what an interest in leaving 5000 motorcycles to rot in the dark !! I find it hard to understand !
Finally found another Eric Martin. Hello from Eric Martin Chicago, Il.
Yes, weird obsession and such a waste. I have 3 bikes and I ride them.
I can’t understand why someone has so much stored away like that. My collection would have to running and driving. I want the blue MGA that they were ignoring. Eventually that guy will die, and his family will have to have an astronomical estate sale that will take weeks to catalog. I would come for the stuff like the black rotary dial phone.
I totally agree... just sitting there rotting away. Tragic.
@@nigelbeaumont1109 Yes. I don't understand it. He says collector, but all I see is a hoarder letting it all rot to dust. The ''new old stock exhausts" are all so rusted they might as well be used. And that Bently. WTF, that thing is probably worth a fortune even in its current state.
Sad thing is, no museum will take those, except the best specimens. The rest of it will be scattered, which is probably better if they get restored to running condition.
Awesome to see you back out there searching for those barn finds. Thank you for the great entertainment. Stay safe ! 😬
That Velocette is such a beautiful machine, of course the Vincents were too but the Velocette is just remarkable.
So glad to see a new Barn Find Hunter again. Awesome as usual. Thanks Tom. From New Zealand. Keep em coming.
That was a great episode! More on motorcycles please.
WOW! Thank you Tom for sharing. Unbelievable! Gives me goosebumps just watching & listening. Simply amazing 👏
What a shame to see all those classic British motor cycles gathering dust. They should be out on the road.
At least they're not rusting away in a field or damp basement somewhere. The guy takes care of them and loves them. I'm sure at some point they'll all get back on the road and we'll have Robin to thank for keeping them in such good shape (and with low miles.)
Easier said than done
I am sure that after he dies that they will be sold,let's hope they sell them to someone who will ride them and not again hide them away.
The litle suzuki on 7.47 was mine.
Greetings from Holland
Each of your shows could easily be made at least twice as long! Thanks for showing!
I live in Pakistan, own 6 motorcycles and think of myself as a King, but there is a lot more to see out there in the world.
King bhai, papers hain, ya baghar papers ke rakhi hain,
@@sarfarazahmed2022 Sorry, none of them for sale.
Adeel sahb.. can u show us the bikes which u have..?
@@toqeersiddiqui1833 I am sorry, I am not interested, and they are just some ordinary bikes.
Ok sir
Mint, It is an honor to see those old bikes, especially in original condition. Those two garages are two dream worlds.
As a small time motorcycle collector, I stood up and clapped at the end.
ME TOO - I'VE BEEN COLLECTING 60'S ERA HONDA SINCE 1963. HAVE ABOUT 75 BIKES NOW. BOUGHT MY FIRST IN 1963 - HONDA 50 C110 SPORT AT 14. TOOK ME 2 YEARS TO SAVE $300 ON A SMALL PAPER ROUTE TO PAY CASH. C100'S > CB750 TO DATE. HEAVY IN CB77 SUPER HAWKS. LOVE THEM ALL.
here here
@@RobertWilson-td7eb hi Robert, would you be interested in a 1957 Honda motorcycle with less than 1500 miles on it. doesn't run, but in very gold shape. sorry don't know the model name, but could send you photos
Now that’s one serious Motorcycle Collector. Really a gold mine of rare bikes! 😎👍🇨🇦
When I was about 14/15 my brother saw an ad in the South Wales Echo in Wales, for a Vincent Rapide for 75 pounds. We jumped in his van and drove 20 miles to where it was. When we got there, someone was riding off on it. Be worth over 50,000 now
Thank you for sharing this kind sirs! What a fantastic walk back in time! Would love to see more!
It’s a shame that so much is rotting away, and for what. PS and that is not about the other bloke who has a nice collection of bikes 👍
Thanks so much for the work you do that brings so much pleasure to so many of us, including those that get the thrill of sharing their machines. The answer to your question is that there are a heck of a lot more Motorcycle Owners that there are Motorcycle Riders. As a rider with more than 500K miles ridden, I am always astonished at the fact that so many people will do everything imaginable with a motorcycle short of riding it, from outright neglect to massive customizations and everything in between. Having Retailed and traded a few hundred motorcycles over the years, as wel as ridden the twenty plus I have personally owned, I have told many a person that the greatest customization one can perform on a motorcycle is to turn the Zero (or low) number on the odometer into a big one....While I am a firm believer in the Motorcycle Classics Motto of "ride them , don't hide them", I say thank goodness for those who hoard, collect, restore, repair, fix and appreciate the bikes for the wonderful creations that they are. I especially love all the original bikes and thank those that keep them that way. Happily available to customize an odometer on request....
the second guy..amazing British classics! Treats his bikes like they should be treated! First guy....they're his bikes so he can do whatever he wants with them....BUT IT IS A DIRTY ROTTEN SHAME TO LET THEM SLOWLY DISINTEGRATE
Thanks for letting us see these motorcycles. The owner has some amazing insight into their history. cool.
Am I the only that is really sad seeing this 'collection' so many beautiful bikes just rotting away
I agree 100%, when they pass on, many of these rare bikes will go the way of the dodo bird, damn shame.
They could be in a museum for the public to view. Not getting Any better covered in dust.
@@Brian1952ful What do you bet, when he dies, some scrap dealer buys the whole works and they wind up in the crusher.
Thank you Tom for all the great videos. I truly appreciate what you do and all the fine people that you get to interview.
It is so sad to see all those beautiful bikes just rotting away it’s a shame
Nothing rotting away there, mate. Those are all beautiful. He saved them for future generations!
STEVE DAVIS is the coolest, kindest, friendliest person. Wealth of knowledge, great memory ! May be an old vid, but now, just came across it. I have had the pleasure to meet and speak to him several times, WHAT A GUY! 🤙🏽👌🏽🙏🏽
He's done his stewardship well for many decades...His knowledge of his collection is encyclopedic, he has a great eye, preserved them safely (and originally) until such time as the scrappers are through and an army of skilled enthusiasts are ready to carry them forward and take them to the next level....
No, a good stewardship would have them in real garages, covered, cleaned, ran often, and in better shape than he is leaving them in. Tragic.
@@JF-lt5zc Wow...5,000 bikes saved from the scrapper....The horror....
@@windfall35 Are they though? There doesn't seem to be much difference in the rusted bikes here vs scrap yard leftovers.
@@JF-lt5zc Jay Leno's Garage .
5:08 is a '72-'73 Honda CB350 Four. Same one in the same color is in my garage. Such an awesome collection and I'm only 5 minutes into it. Thanks Tom!
the difference between hoarders and collectors is the condition they keep there stuff in
Hi, The Last Velocette Venom made was VM 6750 made in July 1970 and supplied to Dodkins in East Sheen London U.K. The Last Velocette Thruxton made was VMT 1208C With frame number RS 20177 in December 1970 and was supplied to Batemans of Canada and i believe was still crated till recently. Some nice bikes there. Cheers.
Love the Elsinore! My cousin bought one new. Had a sound of its own.
truly amazing to see one like that
my goodness.....
how good it is to see a video of someone who has motorcycles that were thought to have disappeared.
I wish I could see it with my own eyes.
You have four Hondas there, one of them is the same as my father's, a Honda C102...
If you have parts for this model, can you send them?
God bless you
Glad to see you back! When you guys are done planning the pandemic game, I'll start watching again.
Hahaha, alright snowflake, go ask your mom if you can take a nap.
unbelieveable video and soooo many motorcycles..thanks for sharing....
I found a KMZ Dnepr sidecar motorcycle in a barn that sat 27 year's and had just 194 Km. It was imported in 1992 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. It's the same type and model used in the Indiana Jones movie "The Last Crusade". The person that purchased and imported it was injured on it and put it in the barn. I took it completely apart, replaced all the seals and gaskets, fixed assembly problems caused by communist workers, and reassembled it. It's the most fun motorcycle I have ever owned and I ride it almost daily.
Missing my 2wheeling days with my friends & I on our classic motorcycles. All the names and vintages your guests had were amazing.
You know he's collecter cuz he still remember how much he paid and where it came from that kinda stuff..
That's because he only speaks about the few that he does and how the hell would he or any of us know if the stories were true anyway..
I’ve been going to Waynesville for years! I love the area! A motorcyclists dream with all the great roads there. I have property in Crestview Pointe that’s up for sale. Love Wheels through time in Maggie Valley. Great to see such enthusiasts in the area. Wow! What great collections!!! Thanks for sharing this!
Can any collectors out there please answer me a question? I love motorcycles and have owned many over the years and I’m still a young lad at 34. I love riding bikes and restoring them. I love all bikes from the very first to the modern day of every type. So I ask this as a fellow motorcycle lover. Why do you buy more bikes than you can ever ride, to just throw them in barns to rot? Do you not feel guilty to the motorcycle for abandoning it? I can’t get my head around a barn full of rusting bikes covered in boxes and dust and other assorted things, that can’t be enjoyed as the machines they were designed to be or the beautiful art some have become in the eyes of many. What is the attraction of this? Is it obsession? Habit? Or did it start as a way to invest that got out of hand? Please don’t read negatively into this comment, as I mean no disrespect. It’s your money, your life and your motorcycles. I’m just curious to know the way of thinking. Thank you.
Hi Jason... I'm in my 60's and have collected, ridden & restored around 130 bikes during my life "so farr" and own 96 from the last count, I've saved an awful lot more from being scrapped back in The 70's/80's when they were worth nothing. For me it's a form of therapy after a stressful day at work, it's very rewarding and has kept me out of the Pubs/Bars etc. The Vid shows most of his collection to be undercover and in restorable condition, he could have let them corrode outside then Tom Cotter would more than likely not stopped to film the collection. The classic vehicle market has developed considerably since the 1990's and values from some models has changed a lot of peoples opinions over the years. Best Regards Keith M..
good on you robin for giving the old brit bikes a good home,you can see by the miles and the way you talked about them using them all over the world that you and the bikes had a great time..just the way it should be....lets hope your health improves and you can get out for a few more blasts (on that velo and rgs wow)...cant kick start them any more??? get yourself a roller starter and away you go....no more kicking...looking at your comments about the places you have been with your bikes from the tt to the states...one stands out...the isle of skye...you have good taste my friend in bikes and destination...i will be up in skye this summer on my bike for a wee dram and i'll think off you...cheers from mark in bonnie scotland
I wouldn't mind listening to much more in depth conversation with the British gent
Christy, Really enjoyed the profile of your dad. Sometimes, a motorcycle is much more than a "wheeled" vehicle.
Wow over 5000 Motorcycles! That's amazing
Man, guys like this sit on so much history, and pass away. Why do they keep it all? Amazing collections
WHY WHY WHY would someone buy all those bikes and then just pile them up and let them rot?? There are hordes of people who would lovingly restore and take care of these bikes and use them or show them......I just don't get it.........
hoarding is a sickness
Yes, my feelings exactly. They're sitting away sitting there.
rotting*
Great to see my long time friend Steve.Hes been collecting forever.! Great guy!
As much as I appreciate a collection, that’s hoarding. Allowing such a volume of spare parts to rot is very selfish and shows how little he cares about other collectors and vintage motorcycle lovers that are having trouble keeping their rides going. I hope he reconsider his “no sale” policy.
They're not yours to say, m8.
I love everybody but eventually my stuff will have to go somewhere and his stuff will have to go somewhere we none of us will live forever but just saying I don't blame him look at his enthusias I'm over to set up of a speedometer which I totally understand and likes talking about odometers that are vertical
The vincent is beautiful
I used to think it's HIS STUFF" But the reality is, we are all stewards of material things. Yes it would be GREAT""" if he changed his mindset to, Let's sell what I have that people can use....but whatever. Nice collection
I knew a guy like him but then he died and someone else go rich on all his stuff. I get the old timer having a few bikes but the other was letting some of that stuff just rot. He should sell what he can't keep dry and enjoy several vacations with the money.