Already an avid collector of motorcycles, joining Catawiki's team of experts as a motorcycle specialist was a logical next step for John Searle. In addition to admiring his collection which majors on 1920s and 30s racing machines, with the odd Weslake V-twin race outfit thrown in, he now has the joy of reviewing every motorcycle offered up for auction together with his team. We sat down with him and share a bit of his background, the world of online auctions and what motorcycles are doing well right now.
First of all John, what is your background? How did you become a motorcycle specialist?
I was born in Princes Risborough in Buckinghamshire. Our old back garden leads to the Kop Hill hillclimb course/road up the Kop Hill. I have participated in that great event quite a few times now.
My actual profession was filming motorcycles for television but I have been a collector since I was quite young. I started collecting mopeds when I was 16 and have visited many motorcycle auctions in the UK.I have bought many old motorcycles from all over the world via the internet and auctions.
All things came together just at the right time when I was looking for a new challenge. Catawiki is a fast-growing auction platform, so when they were looking for someone to build their motorcycle auctions, I jumped onboard. No one within Catawiki could quite grasp at that time just how many motorcycle lovers and collectors existed worldwide in the beginning, but the motorcycle auctions continue to grow in size and popularity.
What is your motorcycling background?
I come from a motorcycle family. My grandad was into BMWs and my uncle and godfather were Triumphs fans. So those were my two first motorcycles. My mum grew up riding in the sidecar of my grandad’s motorcycle and still loves to ride on the pillion seat of her 1955 BMW R25/3 when I take her for a ride.
Do you have a favourite era of motorcycling?
The 1930s era of road racing. Those riders were true heroes. My big hero is Ginger Wood. He was one of the few that could master the New Imperial V-twin racer. Also the Pioneer era now has my interest after purchasing my first Pioneer motorcycle, a 1914 James Model 6 with sidecar. My aim is to enter the London-Brighton run with it.
How do online auctions differ from their traditional counterparts?
What’s interesting about online auctions is they are very global and 90% of the buyers buy from photos and description, without even viewing the motorcycle. Viewing happens with pictures, description and video. Together with good transport solutions, buyers don’t have to leave their armchair. Catawiki’s team of 180 specialists - 4 of them being motorcycle and moped experts - check the photos and description of every item offered up for auction. More and more sellers are also offering videos where you can see and hear the motorcycle running. It’s also possible to set up an appointment to view the motorcycle in person by contacting our Customer Support team.
Which sorts of motorcycles are creating interest?
We see more and more interest in modern classics, like the 1970s-1990s collectors’ motorcycles. That is why we are running a weekly Modern Classic motorcycle auction now. For instance, Vespas and Japanese classics are much cheaper in Europe so UK collectors buy these over here. Also, traditional British brands can be cheaper to buy in mainland Europe, so we see many British bikes returning to the UK.
Are there perennial favourites which can always be relied on to do well?
Last year we sold €3,000,000 worth of motorcycles. This year we will double our results again. Harley-Davidsons, Vespas, mini bikes and off-road motorcycles are so much in demand that we have a bi-weekly Harley-Davidson auction, a bi-weekly Scooter auction, an Off-Road auction and a Minibike auction. On Catawiki there is always a good supply and demand for collectors’ motorcycles up to around €10,000. The classic collectable, affordable, motorcycle in good running condition is always in demand. But rare and expensive motorcycles like Vincents, Brough Superior and the oldest Vespa also attract great interest, because of our global marketing.
Finally John, what’s your favourite motorcycle of all time, whether you’ve owned one or not?
I have owned and raced a 1937 International Norton 500cc for 15 years. This motorcycle truly combines everything great in a classic motorcycle. Speed, stamina, noise and oil leaks!
Does this passionate interview also gets your engine running? Head over to our Motorcycle auctions to find yourself a motorcycle or register here to sell one from the comfort of your own home and use Catawiki's global audience to your advantage. John and his team are standing by to see what you have to offer and to answer any questions you may have about the auctions.