Hitchcocks Forum

Hullo all, is there anyone here who could give me an approximate value of a 1946 RE (Civvy Flying Flea)

It's been off the road for over 50 years, and will need a lot of work, but I am struggling to find a value for it in any condition, so haven't been able to broker a deal with the owner.

Thanks in advance for your time,

cheers,

Tim

Hi Tim, more information would help, is it complete?, does the engine turn over?, how is the general condition of the remains? has it a V5?. ETC ETC ETC. value anywhere from £50.00 to £1000.00?. depending on condition, completeness and any possible history.

Hi Dennis,

Thanks for the reply,

Well the bike is complete although the front wheel has dropped to bits, it is not in a position for me to attempt turning the engine over at the moment, it's filthy and covered in surface rust, it'll either have to be a full mechanical resto and some preservation of the patina, or a complete nut 'n' bolt job.

History wise, it has the original buff logbook as well as the V5c, other than that there isn't anything.

Thanks again,

Tim

Tim - I had a number of these - many years ago when they weren't quite as old and clapped-out, and my feeling is that you would probably ultimately be disappointed with it. Looking at it pessimistically (which I think you need to), you will spend far more time and money on it than it'll ever be worth - easily done with lightweight bikes - and my advice would be to leave it where it is.......

Sounds like one of those where the owner should give you the 50 quid to take it away lol

If it has a logbook the registration number (if transferable,) could be worth something. However, reg numbers aren't fetching anything like the "valuations" offered by reg number companies so don't rely on that and most importantly, the bike needs to be MOT'd and on the road before you can transfer a number so it's a long way off! I'd say the bike is only worth scrap value sadly, from the description. REgards, Mark

Hi Tim It sounds from what you say that it would cost more than the bike would ever be worth to get it back on the road so unless you have a real desire to do it, as others have said leave it where it is.

From your experience, what are the biggest expenses I can expect?
I've just finished building a garage at home and I haven't the funds for a car restoration, this seemed like a good alternative!

Hi Tim I have completed six complete restorations to date and there is no one thing that is expensive as I do all the work except re chroming myself. The cheapest up to now cost £1400.00 with the most expensive being about £5000.00.

As Dennis says, if you do the work yourself you can reduce costs. Most expensive items are usually paint and chrome, these cost the same for a small bike as a large, regardless of finished value. However on the plus side, the RE is fairly well served for parts from our Hosts but finding good used mudguards and other sheet metal wear will be hard, these were cheap bikes in their day and run into the ground in use. Be also aware that some peripheral items are tricky too, carb and electrical parts for instance. The Miller ignition fitted to these is cheap and nasty and points are unavailable, I've been trying to help a member in the US doing one of these and the final solution was to remake the points plate using easily available car parts; this is the level of skill and ingenuity you will need! This Board will keep you going though if you do decide to take it on! REgards, Mark