1956 X-53 Western Flyer opinions—IS IT WORTH THE ASKING PRICE?

[Sped Man]

It sounds like you have an itch that you need to scratch and he see that. Walk away for a few months. Go to a couple of bike shows or flea markets in your area this Summer. When Winter rolls in, assuming you haven't found something better check in on him. He will probably let it go for less then. Personally I don't see spending top dollar on something that needs more money to finish off, leaving you with a bike that you will be upside down in.

 

[Hoagie57]

Most ...but not all,,,, you end up upside down at least on some of em.

 

[Freqman1]

I always ask if the seller would meet me in the middle. That usually works.
In a few years the bike will probably increase in value to the 2K cost.
Bikes, cars, houses, pocket watches, old gas globes,they all go up in value over time.

I disagree. A lot of these things, and collectibles in general, have lost money over the last few years. I say buy the absolute best example you can find and you’ll be happy and maybe even get a little on the backend.

 

[wes holliday]

The bike he is selling looks really nice in the pictures.
Every thing , or person looks better in a picture.
Never paid that much for a bike, perhaps a motorbike.

 

[X-53kris]

The bike he is selling looks really nice in the pictures.
Every thing , or person looks better in a picture.
Never paid that much for a bike, perhaps a motorbike.

It honestly looks better in person, the paint was incredibly nice besides the chain guard. The chrome would have cleaned up like new too but honestly I’m with you on that. I don’t need it back that bad.

 

[X-53kris]

I disagree. A lot of these things, and collectibles in general, have lost money over the last few years. I say buy the absolute best example you can find and you’ll be happy and maybe even get a little on the backend.

I agree, the market has came way down on bicycles. Every year that guy owns that bike, he’s losing a little bit of money. I went to Monroe this spring & I was seeing bikes that would have cost double 5 years ago just sitting there for give it away prices.

 

[AS-1]

The Barbarians are at The Gate.

Beware the Sting-Raynians.

 

[SirMike1983]

I agree, the market has came way down on bicycles. Every year that guy owns that bike, he’s losing a little bit of money. I went to Monroe this spring & I was seeing bikes that would have cost double 5 years ago just sitting there for give it away prices.

Even if they don't lose numerical value, they still go negative if the rate of general inflation is higher than any increase in the bike's numerical value over time. Don't treat it like an investment (they rarely make real money). If the price seems too high after a little thinking, it probably is.

 

[X-53kris]

Even if they don't lose numerical value, they still go negative if the rate of general inflation is higher than any increase in the bike's numerical value over time. Don't treat it like an investment (they rarely make real money). If the price seems too high after a little thinking, it probably is.

That’s a good way to put.

 

[wes holliday]

You guys need to sell your collectabes.