John Player - original or replica

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Hello everyone,

Is there a possibility to determine if the John Player is original or replica? VIN records or any other key differences. Thanks!!!
 
vasya100 said:
Hello everyone,

Is there a possibility to determine if the John Player is original or replica? VIN records or any other key differences. Thanks!!!
do a search here ,there is a lot , I mean a lot of info on them
 
vasya100 said:
Hello everyone,

Is there a possibility to determine if the John Player is original or replica? VIN records or any other key differences. Thanks!!!

Not to mince words, but the JPN was a replica anyway of the 1973 team machines. That said, some of the tale tell items are...vin plate on the frame under the seat, fairing to tank cowl fasteners were Zsus, choke lever on a short piece of handlebar tube in the normal handlebar clamps, machine was an 850 MkIIA with plastic airbox unique to that year with ignition bracket bolted to it.
 
illf8ed said:
Not to mince words, but the JPN was a replica anyway of the 1973 team machines. That said.

Well, sort of a 'replica' - if you don't mind that it was NOTHING like remotely the same. Anywhere.
And was a std road bike under the cafe racer bits - sort of a sheep in wolfs clothing,
as they were described at the time.

Most bits have been available over the years - replicas of replicas ?
But the s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d roadster fuel tank under that fibreglass cover was never available as a spare (?),
so that and the VIN plate under the seat are the real signs of a real one...
 
Rohan said:
illf8ed said:
Not to mince words, but the JPN was a replica anyway of the 1973 team machines. That said.

Well, sort of a 'replica' - if you don't mind that it was NOTHING like remotely the same. Anywhere.
And was a std road bike under the cafe racer bits - sort of a sheep in wolfs clothing,
as they were described at the time.

Most bits have been available over the years - replicas of replicas ?
But the s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d roadster fuel tank under that fibreglass cover was never available as a spare (?),
so that and the VIN plate under the seat are the real signs of a real one...

As the magazine said a sheep in wolves clothing. Just shows if it's rare it must be desirable and worth a lot of money :(

John Player - original or replica
 
There are two types of rare...

1. Rarity caused by the item being so expensive and exclusive as to have been unaffordable to the majority in its day, sales were thus low despite its huge appeal with the majority of the public lusting after it longingly.

2. Rarity caused by the fact that, in its day, no-one wanted one, they languished unsold in dealers and production was hastily haulted at the manufactures resulting in very few being sold and even fewer remaining due to so many of them being hacked apart 'in the day' due to their undesirability.


Personally I've always liked the JPN reps, but I'm not sure which of the above is most apt for them...
 
Fast Eddie said:
There are two types of rare...

1. Rarity caused by the item being so expensive and exclusive as to have been unaffordable to the majority in its day, sales were thus low despite its huge appeal with the majority of the public lusting after it longingly.

2. Rarity caused by the fact that, in its day, no-one wanted one, they languished unsold in dealers and production was hastily haulted at the manufactures resulting in very few being sold and even fewer remaining due to so many of them being hacked apart 'in the day' due to their undesirability.


Personally I've always liked the JPN reps, but I'm not sure which of the above is most apt for them...

I say #2 as a former JPN owner. I remember seeing a new one at Bill's Cycles in San Bernadino, Ca that wasn't selling.
 
Thanks for your input!

Vin plate is in place and the air box with ignition is there.

Anyway a good restoration project, and the bike I always dreamt of...
 
grandpaul said:
That's good. I sold mine for $14,500. It's going to Switzerland.

And if I had another one I'd do the same thing...cash in with a collector. :)
 
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