04/29/2026
In 1920, the patriarch of the Heemskerk family imported this brand new 1920 Reading Standard motorcycle into the Netherlands as a personal trophy to sit on display for its entire life.. and that is the life it lived! This bike has never had fuel in the tank; It has never been ridden… It is a brand new, NOS condition 106 year-old motorcycle. I was presented this bike for sale last year from the original owner’s family, and I convinced a good friend and client to buy it so I could ensure it would be well taken care of for the next century to come. With this bike we received the original Reading Standard Dealer Agent canvas banner, original rider’s brochure, and original Dutch import documents & sales invoice with VIN and frame number included.
This bike survived multiple economic depressions and a siege during WW2. It is a miracle these old machines survive as well as they do, but this example is an extra special case.
After a couple days of work, this bike has been thoroughly cleaned, detailed, and fitted with a perfect pair of original NOS Firestone Non Skid tires. Some further cleaning and preservation work will be done in the future, but for now I’m very happy with how this bike is looking!
There are some really amazing details on this unused motorcycle that I think may change what is considered “correct” on restored Reading Standards going forward. Some of those odd details include spokes painted on the rim after truing, a painted rear sprocket, and “two-tone” cylinders [nickel plated lower barrel, high heat black paint on the fins].
We are currently searching for an NOS pair of handlebar grips to help complete this bike. If you have some let me know!
This beautiful motorcycle is currently on display at Wheels Through Time museum in Maggie Valley, NC. Keep an eye out as it will be featured on the WTT YouTube channel very soon!
*swipe right for some of the “before” pictures*