I’ve featured Northeast Sportscar in the past as one of my favorite places to peruse inventory online. With beautiful photography, comprehensive descriptions, and (most importantly) interesting motorcycles, they’re always selling something cool. Because of this, I was surprised to find out that Northeast Sportscar is a solo venture, run by Angus Dykman. I thought you might want to know a little bit more about someone who’s clearly passionate about classic motorcycles (and cars), so I hit him with my usual questions.
How did you get started with motorcycles – how did you learn, and what was your first bike?
It was a toss up between a go-kart and a motorcycle when I was 7. I ended up going with a Z50.
The little red and white ones from the 90s. My dad bought it for me – he was a race car driver and lifelong motorcycle buff.
What bikes do you currently own?
1980 Ducati 900SS, 1974 Ducati 450 Desmo, 1969 Ducati 350 Scrambler, 1955 Gilera 150 Sport, 1969 Norton Commando, 1959 Matchless G3, 1959 Triumph Tiger T100, 1967 Honda CL160, 1973 Honda CB350 Racebike (x2), 1971 BMW R60/5 SWB, 2009 BMW 1200GS, 1966 BMW R60/2.
Of those, the 69 Commando, the 350 Scrambler and the ’59 Matchless are personal bikes that are not for sale.
’59 Matchess G3/L, a former Royal Auxiliary Fire Service bike!
Assume for a moment that money is no object, and importation laws aren’t a problem. What’s the next bike you’d buy, and what would you do with it?
An Agostini MV. Take it to the Isle of Man and ride it!
MV Agusta 500-3, photo from http://www.motorsportretro.com/2011/10/mv-agusta-500/
What’s the most memorable motorcycle trip you’ve ever taken?
Not the best but certainly the most memorable – a trip up to Rhinebeck on my 06 Multistrada through a monsoon this summer.
Stopped twice to dump the water out of my boots!
Do you listen to music while riding? If no, why not? If yes, what are some of your favorite tunes when you’re on your bike?
Sometimes, through the Sena. Usually electronic but it doesn’t come through too well on the tiny speakers.
What’s your favorite piece of gear?
My Shoei GT-Air and my Hit-Air airbag jacket.
Product description from http://www.eggparka.com/english/system/image/abs01.jpg
You have $25,000 to spend on anything in the world of motorcycles – 1 new bike, several old bikes, track days, a trip, you name it. How do you spend it?
A trip around the world with a buddy on a Tiger 800.
from http://www.themotorcyclemag.com/home/2012-triumph-tiger-800xc-motorcycle-test/
How did you go from someone who’s passionate about motorcycles to someone who makes his living off of it? When did you know that Northeast Sportscar was going to work out?
Several years ago I decided to try my hand in the field of classic cars. It was always my passion (as were bikes), so I figured I should follow my bliss. After working for people and getting tired of having a boss, I decided to start my own company. After I got rid of the first three miserable buys (3 unlucky cars), I started feeling better. I sold 50 bikes and cars this year, so it seems to be working out!
One of my favorite bikes that Angus has recently sold, a Honda racer fully of trick Yoshimura parts.
What are you looking for in bikes that you buy and sell?
Originality, quality of restoration, and correctness. I try to buy bikes that are sorted out and either very original or correctly restored. I never look for projects.
One of the many classics he sold this year. For more information, click here.
What’s your favorite bike that you’ve had in your possession through Northeast Sportscar?
My 2400 original mile Black and Gold 900SS:
For more on this bike, click here.
What do you expect from the future of motorcycling, good or bad?
Some more safety innovations would be nice! I expect an emphasis on that, fuel efficiency and emissions, but hopefully not at the expense of style or character.
Photos from Northeast Sportscar.