Lawrence123

I recently took pictures of this bike that my cousin had at his lake cabin. We know the history of this make but would like some input of the value. If anybody on this site could help it would be appreciated.

Lascauxcaveman 

Now I know why they say "World's Finest Bicycle"

But seriously, the overwhelming, audacious kitsch of that whole thing has got to be worth something. There's a subforum for bicycle valuations, but since it's vintage, you should have posted it here with a headline reading "Just look, I mean OMG, JUST LOOK at this...thing!"

If PeeWee had a bike-riding nemesis in his first movie, this would have been his ride

CliffordK

It looks like a "keeper" to me.
It depends on what you need the value for. Buying, Selling, Estate Value, etc.

I see one person trying to sell a Sekine GTO for $2600, but I think that is wildly overpriced.

It would make a good commuter, although it looks a bit heavy. The problem is that while a bike like that is clearly unique, with the early adoption of disc brakes, radio, and etc. However, it is also quite obsolete.

Personally I'd think around $300 would be a good value. Perhaps up to $500 if it was cleaned up, good tires, grease, etc.

But, the sky could be the limit if it catches the right collector's eye.

rgver

I had a quick poke around Google, found two Sekine GTOs for sale, one was $2600 the other was $200. Not much help in valuing yours. Cool in a weird way bike though. a touch heavy as one info site said it weighed in at 48 lbs

daf1009

First...welcome!

Second...what a cool, retro bike! That radio/speedometer is "off the hook!" The gear shifter is "off the hook!" This would make a fascinating addition to any collection and/or museum! Just for the kitschy nature of the bike!

Third...from a "bike" stand point, I would say it is a nice bike, but looks heavy...and a bit unwieldy to ride. As for value...I think the 300-500 sounded about right...

Fourth...KEEP IT!

CroMo Mike 

Holy chainrings, Batman! It's the Bat-mo-bike!

No surprise that it weighs 48 lbs., with all the steel you see there.

Pistard

Tres Cool , love that ride. Keeper.

dddd

Where is the bike located? Market values fluctuate and it might be worth much, much more in, say, California.

Looks to have been designed for the American market with it's muscle-car overtones. I'm wondering if these were sold in a range of sizes as for actual riding or just one size as with the typical box-store marketing approach.

Lascauxcaveman 

Or Washington; Colorado. (legal weed)

randyjawa 

I have owned one of those old Sekine bicycles and a near identical Skyway, that I donated to Bicycles for Humanity...





The Sekine is worth more than the Skyway, but not a heck of a lot more, in my opinion. Skyway value, about $100 to $150, depending on the market. The Sekine, would likely fetch about 50% more - again, my opinion.

Both bicycles are very heavy (Skyway: 40lb 8oz) and anything buy agile. That said, they are both very cool and certainly deserve consideration for restoration, refurbishment and riding.

Good luck with the bicycle.

Darth Lefty 

No, it was a Japanese fad. I think there is a thread somewhere in C&V on the topic with photos of similar bikes but I can't find it right now. Some might have had motors?

0.2HP

"...it weighed in at 48 lbs."

I bet that is 48 lbs WITHOUT the racks, radio, lights, and what-not.

CliffordK

Now, that is an idea. Box it up and ship it back to Japan

Unfortunately they may be big into the folding bikes now.

I just see it as a bizarre bike. Unique in many senses, but not necessarily good for touring, commuting, etc. I like the idea of leaving it in a vacation cabin for touring around the lake. Interesting thoughts about a hotrod. I'd almost more visualize it in a car collection/museum rather than with bicycles.

Value, of course, is all based on a final agreement between buyer and seller.

Lawrence123

You are so right about PEE WEE. That would have been crazy to see him on that.
I contacted a museum that had one on display and they said there GTO was not for sale. Apart from that I have found quite a few Sekine bikes but no GTO models. It makes it hard to value something like this, a real monster and a rare one at that.I think they have gone the way of the dinosaurs.
Some of the comments about weight are somewhat true but yet it is very light for the equipment it has.

Here are a couple of links if interested in reading about this bike company.

Sekine History

Rydjor Bike Shop: Bike Collection

Stucky

THAT is something you put on Ebay and start at a dollar, and watch the market do it's thing....and get pleasantly surprised at the fortune it brings! (Be sure to generate lots of interest first, by announcing your intentions on every bike-related forum; toy forums; vintage/retro/60's-70's forums, etc.)

All it takes are two people who really want it...and the sky is the limit.

I'd say that that bike, loaded with "all the options" and in that condition, would bring a record price! That's probably the only way to judge it's real value. If you don't want to sell it...then you'll likely never know, unless you come across one just like it for sale)

CliffordK

Unless, of course, it is something that people overlook because it doesn't get snagged in their searches (the correct keywords are important), or they just aren't looking at the time. Then you end up selling your bike for $1. Cross-country, or even international shipping might also be a pain, but put in "local pickup", and you might as well use Craigslist.

Personally I hate "reserve" auctions, and often ignore them. If you want a reserve price, add it to the starting bid.

Anyway... The OP never said why he needs a value on the bike. Insurance? In that case, go for the high asking price. Estate? Trading it among relatives, etc. I still think the lake cabin is a great place for it (other than theft potential???)