And the prices they are asking! Or the prices bidders are prepared to pay for a 'barn find' or 'just dragged out of a lake' (my words for the latter!), just defies belief.
It seems, because of Ebay, the humble Bantam has been well and truly elevated in value. But has it been over-valued, I ask myself? A few years back parts were a fraction of the price they are today if you knew where to look. For instance, I once bought a D1 petrol tank in reasonable order for £10. Try getting one for that price on Ebay now!
I have seen some dreadful examples of rusty bikes online going for in excess of £500, fit - in my opinion - only for the scrapheap. Let's face it, spending another £400 getting them at least roadworthy wouldn't be out of the question, would it? (New wheel rims and spokes at £120 per wheel, and goodness knows what's lurking deep within the engine!) Yet people are prepared to pay good money, bidding against each other, and forcing up the prices.
It's not just Bantams, however, as I've looked at other bikes of makes I used to own and ride as well - Hondas, Suzukis, Yamahas, Lambrettas (Wow, a mortgage required for the latter) - and it's a similar picture.
It seems to me an old bike for restoration is a 'must have' at any cost these days. What is happening out there? Do people have more money than sense? And having spent a suitcase of hard-earned cash, would they be prepared to ride their 'pride and joy' every day, like Little Willie? Weather permitting, of course.
"Come on Little Willie, it's stopped raining now, fancy a ride?"
"Putt, p-putt, putt, putt..."
"That's a 'yes' then?"