Harley Davidson Memorabilia - 1Earth Antiques and Appraisals Magazine

The Billy Bike
USD$135.00

There's something about Harley Davidson motorcycles. It may be the sound, the look, the name, or a combination of them all. Either way, the bikes have a mystique about them, and Harley Davidson is one of the most recognized name in motorcycles. That all translates into a strong market for Harley memorabilia.

It is fairly assured that no matter the type of motorcycle-related object, someone will want to buy it. Once a 1950s Harley motorcycle was sold for thousands of dollars, even though it was burnt beyond all hope of restoration.

Harley-Davidson
Ultimate Chopper
USD$135.00

Most collectors are a close-knit group of enthusiasts who trade with each other. Interestingly, they're not stereotypical bikers. The usual Harley consumers are middle class people — accountants and lawyers among them. It's amazing how many women are into Harleys.

Other characteristics of the market may surprise you as well:

Bikers don't do auctions
Outside of motorcycle runs and car shows, it can be difficult to find Harley Davidson memorabilia. The market is still kind of underground, so little shows up at traditional auctions and estate sales. Most buying and selling happens at motorcycle runs where vendors set up tables.
Small objects sell best
Side covers. Fender insignias. Nameplates. After that, everything is too big to display. I have heard of one guy that collects motors, and a few people do seats. Bikers take the tractor style seats and decorate them, so they're a kind of folk art. Click here to buy Harley Davidson bike parts and accessories.

Photos may be worth more than you think
At the Bay Area Roadster show in 1999, there was a guy that had a picture of the funeral of Chocolate George, a famous Hells Angel. The picture was blown up to poster size, and included the negatives and the handlebars from Chocolate George's bike. Since you got the negatives, you knew you'd have the only copies of the picture. The guy was asking $1,500, which I thought was a pretty good deal.