Why are Drifter's 800/1500 AND Ratman so UNDERVALUED?

[Tfrank59]

One thing I don't understand is the UNDERVALUED NADA / Motorcycle Book Values of Drifter's 800 and 1500.  It would seem for something so beautiful and Indian inspired from the iconic 1940's Indian motorcycles of yesteryear that these bikes would be on the top tiers of metric bikes.  That and for the rarity that will only increase in time like the old Indians because of their limited production runs from 1999-2006.  With some of the OEM parts still available, the Custom market parts and the rarer and rarer some parts on becoming i.e.- solo seat rails, original OEM custom parts, backrest, luggage racks etc.

Looking at what these have been selling for in the past 6 months both the 800's and 1500's from as low as $2000 range to high $4000 seems too under appreciated for what these bikes are, their history, their continued future rarity. Some with crazy low miles from 2000 miles and up. Almost all in mint condition from being cared and protected by their owners.  Your better off with some of the super rare parts to sell your bike and sell the rare parts later separate.

The NADA or Motorcycle Book Values seem like their UNDERVALUED by a few thousands.  It like comparing everyday metric cruiser values as the same values as our's not so everyday Drifter's 800/1500's.

Also it seems that the Kawasaki Drifter's from their inception and design from the iconic 1940's Indian's motorcycles and whatever royalties they paid Indian when they were under bankruptcy protection for using their inspired fenders and design elements that their now part of the Indian Motorcycle History too.

Our beloved Drifter's would never have been born or put into production if Indian Motorcycles had been in Full production and never in Bankruptcy protection status and should only go up in value from all factors and both Kawasaki and Indian history but seem to be UNDERVALUED, which I don't understand.

Do You???

To me it all comes down to one word: replica.  It's why Drifters don't fetch much on resale.  But like someone said, I bought my bike because I liked it and to ride it.

[LarryInSeattle]

I sold my 01 800 Drifter with 10,000 miles on it for $3500 and felt lucky to get it.  I advertised it for 6 weeks.

As more of these bikes are butchered up into rat looking pieces of shit, the stock ones will become more rare.  Eventually, there will be some additional value on STOCK low mileage bikes.

[Zoar]

The cool one is still being sanded and painted.....

but I have this one...right now

CD---I'll see your hand shifter and raise you this one---

[Troll]

I've seen this question before, and my answer is still the same...Who cares? I bought my Drifter to ride, it's NOT an investment....

[mittico68]

One day some investors/speculators that got interested in rare cars, will see these as the next opportunity.  They will speculate, get on message boards and blogs, which will stir the pot.  Overnight, Drifter valuations will start to rise.

And that is why I'll keep my bike... at least, my 6 years son will be able to make some real money!! lol...

[DC]

One day some investors/speculators that got interested in rare cars, will see these as the next opportunity.  They will speculate, get on message boards and blogs, which will stir the pot.  Overnight, Drifter valuations will start to rise.  When that will happen is anyone's guess.  To me, they're a unique work of art.  Few Indians were ever really customized like our Drifters.

[dkeshish]

I totally agree with you.  I purchased my most recent 800 for $1550 with 26000 miles in great shape.  What can you buy for 1550?  At the very least it should be in the $5000 range. I'd be tempted to sell if the price was right but as you mentioned no way that happens

[mittico68]

I can't figure out why our Drifters are undervalued, but I know one thing for sure: I will keep mine 'til the end of time, no matter how far its value will go!

[CDNRatMan]

That is why you build your own or beg like hungry dog for someone to help you. Hound every and all swap meets you can get to.....

[Pilgrim]

Accessories sure not under valued.

[CDNRatMan]

The cool one is still being sanded and painted.....

but I have this one...right now

[Trall]

Better yet, just WILL that beauty to me.......Where's that one of a kind shifter knob that you promised to post?

[CDNRatMan]

 Well when I pass on I will instruct my executor to contact you and sell my bike to you at a super high price.....lol..........

[Trall]

One thing I don't understand is the UNDERVALUED NADA / Motorcycle Book Values of Drifter's 800 and 1500.  It would seem for something so beautiful and Indian inspired from the iconic 1940's Indian motorcycles of yesteryear that these bikes would be on the top tiers of metric bikes.  That and for the rarity that will only increase in time like the old Indians because of their limited production runs from 1999-2006.  With some of the OEM parts still available, the Custom market parts and the rarer and rarer some parts on becoming i.e.- solo seat rails, original OEM custom parts, backrest, luggage racks etc.

Looking at what these have been selling for in the past 6 months both the 800's and 1500's from as low as $2000 range to high $5000+ seems too under appreciated for what these bikes are, their history, their continued future rarity. Some with crazy low miles from 2000 miles and up. Almost all in mint condition from being cared and protected by their owners.  Your better off with some of the super rare parts to sell your bike and sell the rare parts later separate.

The NADA or Motorcycle Book Values seem like their UNDERVALUED by a few thousands.  It like comparing everyday metric cruiser values as the same values as our's not so everyday Drifter's 800/1500's.

Also it seems that the Kawasaki Drifter's from their inception and design from the iconic 1940's Indian's motorcycles and whatever royalties they paid Indian when they were under bankruptcy protection for using their inspired fenders and design elements that their now part of the Indian Motorcycle History too.

Our beloved Drifter's would never have been born or put into production if Indian Motorcycles had been in Full production and never in Bankruptcy protection status and should only go up in value from all factors and both Kawasaki and Indian history but seem to be UNDERVALUED, which I don't understand.

Do You???