In recent years, I have discovered that a Series “D” Black Prince was, in fact, the first Black Prince and the show bike which is pictured in the posters and with PCV sitting on it. There is a big difference between the first one with history and one of the rest. How did I do this? I typically research the history on every bike I acquire. On this bike, I noticed the presence of many old, very finely done, chromed parts that ordinarily wouldn’t be so plated. A show bike. Check the serial numbers. Check against back issues of MPH. I found where no less an authority than Ted Davis said it was the show example and first one. Great history and a boost to the bike.

As well, I acquired a Laverda SFC. Advertised as one that had been raced but without a specific history to go along with it. Checking backwards through owners, a guy whose name I got in an article in an old CLASSIC BIKE who had restored a racing SFC for a big-name collector of Italian bikes in California, I finally learned that this particular SFC was the main race bike of Lance Weil. Certainly, the most important SFC in this country. The history would’ve been lost and it was only shortly before his accidental and untimely death that Lance confirmed to me in a series of emails that this was his old racer.

So, not every old bike has this great a history or story to tell, but you won’t know if you don’t search it out. Patience is the word here. I believe that we owe the duty to fellow collectors, present and future to not allow important bikes to drop their distinguished accomplishments by negligence. Its fun to do and just takes some time. I’m a whole lot more proud of my first ever Prince and my Lance Weil racer than I would have been ordinary examples. Surprise yourself.