T
here was a time when sell-
ing your motorcycle was
serious business. Clas-
sified ads weren't cheap, and
the local newspaper charged
per word, per day, so the seller
needed to get to the point and
state the intent to sell the mo
-
torcycle as quickly as possible.
The endgame was to get another
motorcycle, so moving your last
trusty steed on to the next buyer
was of utmost importance.
There was no time or space for
comments like "I don't need to
sell," because everyone knew
you needed to sell.
The world was a better place
when we had to pay for our clas
-
sified ads. Fifty years ago, Cycle
News' Want Ads were full of neat
finds and great opportunities.
And not one seller had to tell us,
"I know what I've got."
CNIIARCHIVES
P128
BY KENT TAYLOR
WANT ADS, 50 YEARS AGO
Rare as a lion's wildebeest steak! Check out this
Maico 125. Known for being somewhat pokey,
this one still managed to injure its pilot, who then
sought revenge by moving it along to its next
owner. $895 for this German gem!
Cycle News also lists job opportunities in the
Want Ads. Fantasy Factory is hiring today.
Don't worry—we're a "tech club."
Calling Bob Frierson!
This seller took a more aggressive
approach. See the Rickman. Or trade for
the car. Do you feel lucky, punk?
An immaculate Rickman Metisse Triumph
will bring $7000 or better in 2026. Where's
that wayback machine?
FOR SALE!
HH HH
