Silentgreyfellow made a very good observation in stating that there probably aren't very many true original paint bikes out there. I remember going to AMCA meets back in the early 70's and even then you didn't see very many original paint/condidtion motorcycles. As I recall, the old guard of the AMCA was interested in restoration and bringing old bikes back to running condition. The exceptional original bike was revered but it had to be nice to be left un-touched. I remember two bikes in particular that were restored from very nice originals. One of them was an early Excelsior single that had nice faded original paint and a lot of good nickel without the usual wrench and chisel marks. The next time I saw it, it had chrome in place of the nickel, and plastic tape pinstriping over glossy new enamel. That was standard operating proceedure because this was considered preserving something that was in the process of decay. When I look at ebay and see the plethora of "original paint" Knuckleheads, Pans, and Chiefs I have to stand in awe at the dilligence and great respect that corn fed yokels and drug pumped hippies and bikers had for these old motorcycles by leaving them in their original condition for future generations to enjoy.
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