Redfern Motorcycles’ final fling

The oldest name in Harley-Davidson spares in New South Wales, Redfern Motorcycles held its final sale in May with the entire contents auctioned off. Established in the inner-city Sydney suburb of Redfern in the late 1940s Redfern Motor Cycles was the place to acquire vintage and classic H-D items, as well as being an Authorised Harley-Davidson Dealer back in the day. However it was the older motorcycles and parts and service that had Redfern become an institution to riders and enthusiasts. Owner Tony Blain says, “Stories of the 1940s Red U-Model Outfit circulating around Sydney laden with goods (I think Fridays was the drop off and pick up of chrome day), and John Johnson’s ability to locate items in what many might call a “pile” of parts scattered around, not to mention his brute strength - he could carry a motor in each fist, from the top engine mount at the same time! I used to visit weekly in the late 1990s, the highlight of my week, and in 2000 when John retired I was offered the opportunity to purchase, which I did. The Auction last week closed the door to the Australian legacy, Redfern Motor Cycles, however the memories will never diminish or fade – an Aussie institution!” Following the auction on May, 3,4 and 5, Tony added, “The auction was fantastic, with 100% sell through, and sales exceeding our expectations. Of the 500 or so bidders, every state in Australia was represented, as were 17 countries from around the world. It was streaming live around the world with bids accepted from the floor and on-line. The Redfern inventory is being shared globally with enthusiasts putting to use these classic items – a win/win for all. I thank Keith Levy, his family and staff from Manshed Auctions, auctioneer Tony Gahan, who offered over 1,300 items over the weekend, John and the Johnson family for establishing Redfern Motor Cycles, and the best of the best, Mr Shaun Wilson.”