Paul Pierce, a power pole lineman in southern Oregon, was a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast. As Pierce drove around the region working for the PG&E utility, he occasionally came across an old motorcycle leaning against a shed or gathering dust in a garage. Somehow, he was able to buy many of those old vintage bikes and lovingly restore them.
That explains how he could amass an extraordinary collection of vintage 1970s European motorcycles: a Norton, BSA, Triumph, and an Ossa.
Sadly, Pierce passed away last year after contracting covid. But his legacy lives in this collection of four motorcycles recently listed on eBay. The Buy-It-Now price for the four-bike collection was $30,000.
The 1971 Norton Commando
Pierce was most fond of his 1971 Norton Commando. Norton has a long history in motorcycle racing, winning the inaugural Isle of Man TT in 1907. The heritage continued with street bikes throughout the twentieth century.
The 1971 Norton Commando in Pierce’s collection is powered by a spirited 745cc Parallel Twin fed by twin 30mm Amal carbs. Britain’s Motor Cycle News named the Commando “Machine of the Year” from 1968 to 1972.
1970 BSA 650 Lightning
Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA) also has a long and admirable history. For a spell in the 1950s, BSA was the world’s largest motorcycle maker.
The 1970 BSA 650 Lightning, equipped with a lively 654cc Parallel Twin engine, battled for supremacy with its British counterparts. The BSA also displays pomp and circumstance, starting with the royal blue trim and the regal BSA emblem on its polished tank. The 650 Lightning earns style points for the rod fender stays, shiny fenders, a clean dual exhaust, and small passenger grab bar.
1971 Triumph T-150 Trident
The stately 1971 Triumph T-150 Trident features a racy cut-out tank and 741cc Inline Triple engine. That’s teamed with three 26mm Amal carbs and dual megaphone mufflers. This T-150 can crank out almost 58 horsepower at 7,250 rpm.
The 1971 version of the Triumph Trident brought several key enhancements, including an updated hydraulic fork—and a new tank, seat, fenders, and lights. The restored T-150 rounds out Pierce’s impressive trio of British classics.
1974 Ossa Phantom 250
Finally, the outlier motorcycle in the collection is a 1974 Ossa Phantom 250. The Ossa Phantom, known for its lightweight two-stroke dirt bikes, was the Spanish rival of Bultaco and Montesa. The Phantom was the first 250 motocrosser weighing less than 200 pounds. It weighs about 15 pounds less than the period’s class-leading Honda Elsinore.
A custom hand-built Magnum pipe makes this Ossa even more special. The two-stroke wheelie machine emits an angry exhaust note.
Pierce was a member of local British motorcycle clubs. He enjoyed local events, where he would show up with his bikes in top running shape. Now, a new owner of this British/Spanish collection can continue Pierce’s work.
Hook up the bikes with batteries, top them off with fluids, and these babies are ready to roll. And if they should need anything down the road, Pierce’s collection also includes many boxes of spare parts and a large assortment of motorcycle books and manuals.
Pierce’s neighbor, who is coordinating the sale, said:
Our hope is that the perfect person looking for a fast-forward collection, and knows what this asset is, [will see its value] as a long term investment and its immediate gratification.You get [all the bikes] and trim off what you don't want. I know the right collector will pass by here, like Keanu Reeves, and will be grateful for this legacy collection.
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