[Texas T]

For the Phoenix area folks this is old news, but for you less fortunate souls that don't live here I thought I'd spend a few minutes enlightening you about a motorcycle treasure trove we have out here.

All Bikes is a sales / trade / repair / salvage yards / parts depot / mish-mash place about 10 miles south of Payson, AZ on the Beeline (87) Highway. The yard is about 10 acres in size and contains well over 10,000 motorcycles, bicycles, tricycles, cars, trucks, vans, buses, bodies, chassis, etc, etc, etc. Here is a satellite view of the yard.

I have about 50 photos of the place on my Flickr account which can be found HERE but here are a few teasers. If you are at all into project bikes, this is the place for you.

This little dirt path is the only way in.

This helps to capture the immensity of the yard.

Fully restored, this bicycle is worth about $500.

Unfortunately, much of the yard is in this condition.

A very good and straight Borgward Isabella Coupe.

 

[jburd]

Holy chit...

 

[Bob oldwinger]

Wow. A person could spend days in that place. Wish it was closer to me.
Bob

 

[Wingleader09]

I wonder if Mike and Frank from "American Pickers" know of this place? They'd be in picker heaven.

 

[Texas T]

I wonder if Mike and Frank from "American Pickers" know of this place? They'd be in picker heaven.

I'm pretty sure they are aware of it. They were out here for a show a couple of years ago.

 

[rocket1lf]

I have been by there many times. I haven't stopped because I hear the guy that owns it isn't all that friendly and he is very proud of his stuff if you want to purchase anything.

 

[m45mcdan]

Thanks for the pictures, rode past there this weekend again...can't count how many...have always wondered what was on the other side of the fence. Will probably stop in the near future...great stuff.

 

[CAWing78]

Quite the collection. Bet their would be some great stories if those bikes could talk.

 

[Tony in AZ]

I rode down the 87 a few weeks ago. First time in several years. I usually travel through the Salt River Canyon from Globe to the Show Low area since we have property there.

Rye AZ has grown. Several new buildings / business there. I was surprised.

:chef3:

 

[david vaughn]

Arizona Highways

Not too long ago, Arizona Highways did a short segment on Ron Adler's place. Ron knows each and every piece in his yard and could tell stories about those pieces. Hostess Robin Sewell queried him as to a specific make and model she grew up with. Ron led her right to the spot and showed Robin the bike of her youth.

I also wondered if American Pickers know of this site, let along trying to pick it.

- David

 

[Belgar]

I have been by there many times. I haven't stopped because I hear the guy that owns it isn't all that friendly and he is very proud of his stuff if you want to purchase anything.

Speaking from personal experience, I wouldn't step foot back in that place if you paid me.

The owner is extremely rude and overcharges (50% of original retail) for his products. I had stopped there to look for some parts for an old Wing I was going to restore. Simply touching his inventory sends him over the top. When he made a comment on my touching his inventory, I chuckled thinking he was joking. "Oh, you think that's funny? This is how I make my living." I informed him that had I broken something (where he got the idea I was going to break it simply by touching it I have no idea) I would have paid for it, he said "Damn right you'll pay for it". I muttered a few choice words about his customer service skills and left, never to return again.

Just look at it when you pass it and you'll be better off....

 

[RodFarmer]

Speaking from personal experience, I wouldn't step foot back in that place if you paid me.

The owner is extremely rude and overcharges (50% of original retail) for his products. I had stopped there to look for some parts for an old Wing I was going to restore. Simply touching his inventory sends him over the top. When he made a comment on my touching his inventory, I chuckled thinking he was joking. "Oh, you think that's funny? This is how I make my living." I informed him that had I broken something (where he got the idea I was going to break it simply by touching it I have no idea) I would have paid for it, he said "Damn right you'll pay for it". I muttered a few choice words about his customer service skills and left, never to return again.

Just look at it when you pass it and you'll be better off....

That has been my experience. I think the guy is a hoarder or a collector and not trying to run a business.
It is fun to talk a walk through, don't touch anything....

 

[demoderbydave]

Thanks for posting those pictures...I looked at all of them on the link. There were some rare bikes/cars there and LOTS OF JUNK. The guy is obviously a hoarder. But I will never understand how someone can just HAVE to have tons of CRAP they will never EVER do anything with or possibly sell. Thoug there is litterly tons of potential scrap metal there. But someone who is like that guy would never do that. But it would be a fun place to poke around and feel bad that those poor things ended up there...most are too far gone to be of any use...

PLUS...I would bet there are LOTS of Snakes, scorpions and lots of other critters to have fun with as well!

 

[Belgar]

That has been my experience. I think the guy is a hoarder or a collector and not trying to run a business.
It is fun to talk a walk through, don't touch anything....

We're not the only ones...LOL


http://www.tucsonbikelawyer.com/all-bikes-of-rye-arizona/

 

[R and R]

Will they let you wander around the yard and look? Bike salvage near here will not let you in the yard.


RT

 

[Belgar]

Will they let you wander around the yard and look? Bike salvage near here will not let you in the yard.


RT

You can wander around, just don't, for the love of god, touch anything!

 

[CAWing78]

I think the guy is a hoarder or a collector and not trying to run a business.
It is fun to talk a walk through, don't touch anything....

We're not the only ones...LOL


http://www.tucsonbikelawyer.com/all-bikes-of-rye-arizona/

Sounds like this guy is a real nut case. What will probably happen when he passes away is that someone will buy the property/contents and sell everything for scrap $$$$. So there goes his precious collection that he won't let anyone touch. :roll:

 

[Terry Schultz]

I made a deposit on 2 rusty old dkw's, drove my van from calif to Rye, Ron would not sell when I arrived, (his museum-could not part with rusty stuff) with help, the deposit was returned, it was so hot the plastic and aluminum was melting. True story, great experience for my dkw restorations saga.

 

[remoandiris]

This is the first long-dead thread I enjoyed reading. At least I know to skip stopping in whenever riding to/from the high country.

 

[Bri720a]

Unfortunately it all burned in a fire a number of years ago. Arizona's 'Motorcycle Graveyard' Burns in Fire | Rider Magazine

Although Bob's Used Cycle in Phoenix cleared out a LOT of old frames, parts etc, they have been hard at work collecting more. It is WELL worth a stop and look around when in the area. Some pics on their GMaps listing: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3r7Qc3tAKuf2Zxfk7