‘The trade works in cycles, so I don’t get too down when things get a little quiet’

This year has been a little quieter than many in the classic bike trade would have liked, probably for a variety of reasons. But I’ve always said if I wanted to make a fortune, I probably wouldn’t have got into the business in the first place. The vast majority of people who work in the bike trade do it because they’re passionate about bikes.

I realise I’m lucky. I worked in retail and auctions before setting up on my own, and I’ve been around long enough to see – and enjoy – the trade in good times and bad. When I started trading bikes, I could buy a Triumph T140 for less than £500. There wasn’t really a market for emerging classic bikes then. They were just old bikes. Fortunately, I happened to like old bikes and I’ve stuck with them ever since. And I know the trade works in cycles, so I don’t get too down when things get a little quiet.

In fact, when trade gets a little slower, it can be a great opportunity to reconnect with what got me into this business in the first place. I’ve had a couple of trips down to the west country with a few mates, and got to ride a Honda RC45 for the first time. I also reminded myself of the joys of riding Triumph twins when I test-rode one I ended up selling a few weeks ago and enjoyed a 10-day trip to the top of the Tyrol Pass with five Brough-riding mates. I couldn’t have done that if I was flat-out at work.

The Brough trip – organised by the owners’ club to celebrate the centenary of the marque – was wonderful. Six of us did a 1600-mile round trip to a museum that was staging a centenary Brough display. The bikes ranged from a 1927 SS80 to my 2019 SS100 demonstrator. The route avoided motorways and centred on minor roads; it was motorcycling as it used to be – and still can be, when you ride a classic.

Maybe that’s why I still love working in the classic bike trade. It still gives me a real buzz – and I still really enjoy riding old bikes. There’ll always be peaks and troughs in this game. The trick is to enjoy the peaks and take advantage of the troughs.

Based in Mereworth, Kent, Anthony deals in quality classic bikes and cars. He’s been in the trade for almost 30 years. anthonygodin.co.uk