Motorcycles

Sale of the Century: The 2019 Las Vegas Motorcycle Auctions

Sale of the Century: The 2019 Las Vegas Motorcycle Auctions
The motorcycle marketplace displayed a considerably different mood than we've been accustomed to in Vegas this year, blowing away auction records and illustrating that the tastes of the buying public are changing. While vintage and veteran bikes performed well at the top, the real movers were two-strokes, seventies classics and Japanese motorcycles in general.
The motorcycle marketplace displayed a considerably different mood than we've been accustomed to in Vegas this year, blowing away auction records and illustrating that the tastes of the buying public are changing. While vintage and veteran bikes performed well at the top, the real movers were two-strokes, seventies classics and Japanese motorcycles in general.
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$704,000 | 1939 Crocker Big Tank | Auction Link: Mecum
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$704,000 | 1939 Crocker Big Tank | Auction Link: Mecum
$704,000 | 1939 Crocker Big Tank | Auction Link: Mecum
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$704,000 | 1939 Crocker Big Tank | Auction Link: Mecum
$704,000 | 1939 Crocker Big Tank | Auction Link: Mecum
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$704,000 | 1939 Crocker Big Tank | Auction Link: Mecum
$704,000 | 1939 Crocker Big Tank | Auction Link: Mecum
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$704,000 | 1939 Crocker Big Tank | Auction Link: Mecum
$704,000 | 1939 Crocker Big Tank | Auction Link: Mecum
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$704,000 | 1939 Crocker Big Tank | Auction Link: Mecum
$357,500 | 1925 Brough Superior SS100 Alpine Grand Sport | Auction Link: Mecum
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$357,500 | 1925 Brough Superior SS100 Alpine Grand Sport | Auction Link: Mecum
$302,500 | 1912 Henderson Model A | Auction Link: Mecum
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$302,500 | 1912 Henderson Model A | Auction Link: Mecum
$302,500 | 1912 Henderson Model A | Auction Link: Mecum
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$302,500 | 1912 Henderson Model A | Auction Link: Mecum
$220,000 | 1925 BMW R37 | Auction Link: Mecum
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$220,000 | 1925 BMW R37  | Auction Link: Mecum
$220,000 | 1925 BMW R37 | Auction Link: Mecum
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$220,000 | 1925 BMW R37  | Auction Link: Mecum
$192,500 | 1913 Pierce T FourAuction Link: Mecum
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$192,500 | 1913 Pierce T FourAuction Link: Mecum
$181,500 | 1992 Honda NR 750 | Auction Link: Mecum
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$181,500 | 1992 Honda NR 750 | Auction Link: Mecum
$181,500 | 1992 Honda NR 750 | Auction Link: Mecum
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$181,500 | 1992 Honda NR 750 | Auction Link: Mecum
$181,500 | 1992 Honda NR 750 | Auction Link: Mecum
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$181,500 | 1992 Honda NR 750 | Auction Link: Mecum
$176,000 | 1923 Ace Four Cylinder Sporting Solo | Auction Link: Mecum
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$176,000 | 1923 Ace Four Cylinder Sporting Solo | Auction Link: Mecum
$176,000 | 1923 Ace Four Cylinder Sporting Solo | Auction Link: Mecum
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$176,000 | 1923 Ace Four Cylinder Sporting Solo | Auction Link: Mecum
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$175,500 | 1938 Triumph 500Cc 5T Speed TwinAuction Link: Bonhams
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$175,500 | 1938 Triumph 500Cc 5T Speed TwinAuction Link: Bonhams
The motorcycle marketplace displayed a considerably different mood than we've been accustomed to in Vegas this year, blowing away auction records and illustrating that the tastes of the buying public are changing. While vintage and veteran bikes performed well at the top, the real movers were two-strokes, seventies classics and Japanese motorcycles in general.
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The motorcycle marketplace displayed a considerably different mood than we've been accustomed to in Vegas this year, blowing away auction records and illustrating that the tastes of the buying public are changing. While vintage and veteran bikes performed well at the top, the real movers were two-strokes, seventies classics and Japanese motorcycles in general.
$154,000 | 1929 Cleveland Tornado Four Cylinder | Auction Link: Mecum
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$154,000 | 1929 Cleveland Tornado Four Cylinder | Auction Link: Mecum
$143,500 | 1928 Harley-Davidson JDH Twin Cam | Auction Link: Mecum
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$143,500 | 1928 Harley-Davidson JDH Twin Cam | Auction Link: Mecum
$143,000 | 1967 Lito X-Cam Cross Prototype | Auction Link: Mecum
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$143,000 | 1967 Lito X-Cam Cross Prototype | Auction Link: Mecum
$143,000 | 1967 Lito X-Cam Cross Prototype | Auction Link: Mecum
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$143,000 | 1967 Lito X-Cam Cross Prototype | Auction Link: Mecum
$143,000 | 1916 Thor V-Twin 16U | Auction Link: Mecum
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$143,000 | 1916 Thor V-Twin 16U | Auction Link: Mecum
$143,000 | 1916 Thor V-Twin 16U | Auction Link: Mecum
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$143,000 | 1916 Thor V-Twin 16U | Auction Link: Mecum
$137,500 | 1954 BMW RS 54 Racer | Auction Link: Mecum
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$137,500 | 1954 BMW RS 54 Racer | Auction Link: Mecum
$137,500 | 1954 BMW RS 54 Racer | Auction Link: Mecum
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$137,500 | 1954 BMW RS 54 Racer | Auction Link: Mecum
$132,000 | 1938 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead | Auction Link: Mecum
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$132,000 | 1938 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead | Auction Link: Mecum
$132,000 | 1914 Harley-Davidson Model 10E Twin | Auction Link: Mecum
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$132,000 | 1914 Harley-Davidson Model 10E Twin | Auction Link: Mecum
$126,500 | 1916 Henderson Model F Short Frame | Auction Link: Mecum
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$126,500 | 1916 Henderson Model F Short Frame | Auction Link: Mecum
$121,000 | 1988 Honda RC30 | Auction Link: Mecum
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$121,000 | 1988 Honda RC30 | Auction Link: Mecum
$115,000 | 1993 Ducati 550 Supermono Racing Motorcycle | Auction Link: Bonhams
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$115,000 | 1993 Ducati 550 Supermono Racing Motorcycle | Auction Link: Bonhams
$112,000 | 1974 Münch Mammoth TTS-E 1200 | Auction Link: Bonhams
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$112,000 | 1974 Münch Mammoth TTS-E 1200 | Auction Link: Bonhams
$112,000 | 1974 Münch Mammoth TTS-E 1200 | Auction Link: Bonhams
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$112,000 | 1974 Münch Mammoth TTS-E 1200 | Auction Link: Bonhams
$110,000 | 1936 Brough SS 80 | Auction Link: Mecum
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$110,000 | 1936 Brough SS 80 | Auction Link: Mecum
$110,000 | 1936 Brough SS 80 | Auction Link: Mecum
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$110,000 | 1936 Brough SS 80 | Auction Link: Mecum
$110,000 | 1929 Opel Neander | Auction Link: Mecum
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$110,000 | 1929 Opel Neander | Auction Link: Mecum
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$423,500 | 1937 Crocker Small Tank | Auction Link: Mecum
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$423,500 | 1937 Crocker Small Tank | Auction Link: Mecum
$247,500 | 1975 Ducati 750 SS | Auction Link: Mecum
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$247,500 | 1975 Ducati 750 SS | Auction Link: Mecum
$247,500 | 1975 Ducati 750 SS | Auction Link: Mecum
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$247,500 | 1975 Ducati 750 SS | Auction Link: Mecum
$156,750 | 1922 Ace Four | Auction Link: Mecum
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$156,750 | 1922 Ace Four | Auction Link: Mecum
$137,500 | 1973 MV Agusta 750 S | Auction Link: Mecum
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$137,500 | 1973 MV Agusta 750 S | Auction Link: Mecum
$132,000 | 1913 Henderson Four Deluxe | Auction Link: Mecum
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$132,000 | 1913 Henderson Four Deluxe | Auction Link: Mecum
$126,500 | 1978 MV Agusta 750 Sport | Auction Link: Mecum
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$126,500 | 1978 MV Agusta 750 Sport | Auction Link: Mecum
$126,500 | 1978 MV Agusta 750 Sport | Auction Link: Mecum
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$126,500 | 1978 MV Agusta 750 Sport | Auction Link: Mecum
$112,750 | 1951VincentBlack Shadow | Auction Link: Mecum
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$112,750 | 1951VincentBlack Shadow | Auction Link: Mecum
$110,000 | 1920 Excelsior Series 20 V-Twin | Auction Link: Mecum
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$110,000 | 1920 Excelsior Series 20 V-Twin | Auction Link: Mecum
$110,000 | 1913 Flying Merkel Board Track Racer Replica | Auction Link: Mecum
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$110,000 | 1913 Flying Merkel Board Track Racer Replica | Auction Link: Mecum
$104,500 | 1994 Harley-DavidsonVR1000 | Auction Link: Mecum
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$104,500 | 1994 Harley-DavidsonVR1000  | Auction Link: Mecum
$104,500 | 1905 Indian Camelback | Auction Link: Mecum
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$104,500 | 1905 Indian Camelback | Auction Link: Mecum
$99,000 | 1934 Crocker Speedway Racer | Auction Link: Mecum
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$99,000 | 1934 Crocker Speedway Racer | Auction Link: Mecum
$99,000 | 1894 Hildebrand And Wolfmuller Replica | Auction Link: Mecum
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$99,000 | 1894 Hildebrand And Wolfmuller Replica | Auction Link: Mecum
$95,450 | 1950 Vincent Black Shadow Series-C | Auction Link: Bonhams
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$95,450 | 1950 Vincent Black Shadow Series-C | Auction Link: Bonhams
$93,500 | 1928IndianAce | Auction Link: Mecum
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$93,500 | 1928IndianAce | Auction Link: Mecum
$93,500 | 1938DKW250SS GP Road Racer | Auction Link: Mecum
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$93,500 | 1938DKW250SS GP Road Racer | Auction Link: Mecum
| $93,500 | 1917 Pope Model T-17 | Auction Link: Mecum
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 | $93,500 | 1917 Pope Model T-17 | Auction Link: Mecum
$90,200 | 1974 Ducati 750 SS | Auction Link: Mecum
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$90,200 | 1974 Ducati 750 SS | Auction Link: Mecum
$88,000 | 1951VincentRapide | Auction Link: Mecum
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$88,000 | 1951VincentRapide | Auction Link: Mecum
$88,000 | 1975Laverda750 SFC | Auction Link: Mecum
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$88,000 | 1975Laverda750 SFC | Auction Link: Mecum
$88,000 | 1915 Pope Model R Twin | Auction Link: Mecum
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$88,000 | 1915 Pope Model R Twin | Auction Link: Mecum
$85,250 | 1936 AJS V-4 | Auction Link: Mecum
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$85,250 | 1936 AJS V-4 | Auction Link: Mecum
$85,250 | 1936 AJS V-4 | Auction Link: Mecum
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$85,250 | 1936 AJS V-4 | Auction Link: Mecum
$85,250 | 1936 AJS V-4 | Auction Link: Mecum
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$85,250 | 1936 AJS V-4 | Auction Link: Mecum
$85,250 | 1936 AJS V-4 | Auction Link: Mecum
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$85,250 | 1936 AJS V-4 | Auction Link: Mecum
$85,250 | 1936 AJS V-4 | Auction Link: Mecum
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$85,250 | 1936 AJS V-4 | Auction Link: Mecum
$85,250 | 1927 BMW R47 | Auction Link: Mecum
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$85,250 | 1927 BMW R47 | Auction Link: Mecum
$85,250 | 1927 BMW R47 | Auction Link: Mecum
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$85,250 | 1927 BMW R47 | Auction Link: Mecum
$85,250 | 1927 BMW R47 | Auction Link: Mecum
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$85,250 | 1927 BMW R47 | Auction Link: Mecum
$84,700 | 1955 Vincent Black Prince | Auction Link: Mecum
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$84,700 | 1955 Vincent Black Prince | Auction Link: Mecum
$84,700 | 1955 Vincent Black Prince | Auction Link: Mecum
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$84,700 | 1955 Vincent Black Prince | Auction Link: Mecum
$82,500 | 1924 Nut V-Twin| Auction Link: Mecum
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$82,500 | 1924 Nut V-Twin| Auction Link: Mecum
$82,500 | 1962 Lito Motocross | Auction Link: Mecum
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$82,500 | 1962 Lito Motocross | Auction Link: Mecum
$79,750 | 1913 Dayton Big Twin | Auction Link: Mecum
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$79,750 | 1913 Dayton Big Twin | Auction Link: Mecum
$77,000 | 1968 Munch 4TT Mammut | Auction Link: Mecum
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$77,000 | 1968 Munch 4TT Mammut | Auction Link: Mecum
$77,000 | 1928 BMW R47 Racer | Auction Link: Mecum
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$77,000 | 1928 BMW R47 Racer | Auction Link: Mecum
$77,000 | 1920 Indian Power Plus | Auction Link: Mecum
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$77,000 | 1920 Indian Power Plus | Auction Link: Mecum
$73,700 | 1938 Brough Superior SS80 | Auction Link: Mecum
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$73,700 | 1938 Brough Superior SS80 | Auction Link: Mecum
$77,000 | 1913 W.E. Brough | Auction Link: Mecum
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$77,000 | 1913 W.E. Brough | Auction Link: Mecum
$77,000 | 1971 MV Agusta 750S | Auction Link: Mecum
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$77,000 | 1971 MV Agusta 750S | Auction Link: Mecum
$71,500 | 1934 Zundapp K800 | Auction Link: Mecum
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$71,500 | 1934 Zundapp K800 | Auction Link: Mecum
$71,500 | 1934 Husqvarna 500 Racer Replica | Auction Link: Mecum
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$71,500 | 1934 Husqvarna 500 Racer Replica | Auction Link: Mecum
$71,500 | 1911 Merkel V-Twin | Auction Link: Mecum
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$71,500 | 1911 Merkel V-Twin | Auction Link: Mecum
$71,500 | 1929 Excelsior Super X | Auction Link: Mecum
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$71,500 | 1929 Excelsior Super X | Auction Link: Mecum
$68,200 | 1976 Yamaha TZ750 Production Racer | Auction Link: Mecum
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$68,200 | 1976 Yamaha TZ750 Production Racer | Auction Link: Mecum
$68,200 | 1962 Matchless Model G50 Racer | Auction Link: Mecum
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$68,200 | 1962 Matchless Model G50 Racer | Auction Link: Mecum
$66,000 | 1916 Harley-Davidson Keystone Racer | Auction Link: Mecum
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$66,000 | 1916 Harley-Davidson Keystone Racer | Auction Link: Mecum
$64,900 | 1936 BSA Y-13 | Auction Link: Mecum
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$64,900 | 1936 BSA Y-13 | Auction Link: Mecum
$58,650 | 2008 Ducati D16RR Desmosedici | Auction Link: Bonhams
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$58,650 | 2008 Ducati D16RR Desmosedici | Auction Link: Bonhams
$57,200 | 1960 Norton Manx 500 | Auction Link: Mecum
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$57,200 | 1960 Norton Manx 500 | Auction Link: Mecum
$57,200 | 1920 Reading-Standard Twin | Auction Link: Mecum
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$57,200 | 1920 Reading-Standard Twin | Auction Link: Mecum
$56,650 | 1980 Bimota SB2 | Auction Link: Mecum
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$56,650 | 1980 Bimota SB2 | Auction Link: Mecum
$55,200 | Collection Of 1971 Honda SLs | Auction Link: Bonhams
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$55,200 | Collection Of 1971 Honda SLs | Auction Link: Bonhams
$55,000 | 1976 MV Agusta 750 America | Auction Link: Mecum
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$55,000 | 1976 MV Agusta 750 America |  Auction Link: Mecum
$55,000 | 1954 Matchless G45 500 Twin | Auction Link: Mecum
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$55,000 | 1954 Matchless G45 500 Twin | Auction Link: Mecum
$55,000 | 1948 Egli-Vincent Twin | Auction Link: Mecum
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$55,000 | 1948 Egli-Vincent Twin | Auction Link: Mecum
$55,000 | 1931 Husqvarna Model 50 TV | Auction Link: Mecum
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$55,000 | 1931 Husqvarna Model 50 TV | Auction Link: Mecum
$49,500 | 1978 Ducati Mille Mike Hailwood Replica | Auction Link: Mecum
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$49,500 | 1978 Ducati Mille Mike Hailwood Replica | Auction Link: Mecum
$49,500 | 1928 Douglas DT 5 Racer | Auction Link: Mecum
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$49,500 | 1928 Douglas DT 5 Racer | Auction Link: Mecum
$44,000 | 1978 Ducati 900SS | Auction Link: Mecum
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$44,000 | 1978 Ducati 900SS | Auction Link: Mecum
$40,700 | 1948 Indian 648 Big Base Scout Racer | Auction Link: Mecum
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$40,700 | 1948 Indian 648 Big Base Scout Racer | Auction Link: Mecum
$34,100 | 1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma | Auction Link: Mecum
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$34,100 | 1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma | Auction Link: Mecum
$31,900 | 1969 Harley-Davidson Captain America Replica | Auction Link: Mecum
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$31,900 | 1969 Harley-Davidson Captain America Replica | Auction Link: Mecum
$30,000 | 1974 Laverda 750SFC | Auction Link: Bonhams
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$30,000 | 1974 Laverda 750SFC | Auction Link: Bonhams
$29,700 | 1987 Norton Classic Rotary | Auction Link: Mecum
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$29,700 | 1987 Norton Classic Rotary | Auction Link: Mecum
$110,000 | 1929 Opel Neander | Auction Link: Mecum
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$110,000 | 1929 Opel Neander | Auction Link: Mecum
$110,000 | 1936 Brough SS 80 | Auction Link: Mecum
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$110,000 | 1936 Brough SS 80 | Auction Link: Mecum
$112,000 | 1974 Münch Mammoth TTS-E 1200 | Auction Link: Bonhams
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$112,000 | 1974 Münch Mammoth TTS-E 1200 | Auction Link: Bonhams
$170,500 | 1915 Henderson Model D | Auction Link: Mecum
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$170,500 | 1915 Henderson Model D |  Auction Link: Mecum
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$27,500 | 1969 Honda CB750 Sandcast | Auction Link: Mecum
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$27,500 | 1969 Honda CB750 Sandcast | Auction Link: Mecum
$71,500 | 1934 Husqvarna 500 Racer Replica | Auction Link: Mecum
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$71,500 | 1934 Husqvarna 500 Racer Replica | Auction Link: Mecum
$26,400 | 1974 Ducati Desmo Mk3 | Auction Link: Mecum
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$26,400 | 1974 Ducati Desmo Mk3 | Auction Link: Mecum
$25,300 | 1987 Ducati 851 'Superbike Edizione' | Auction Link: Bonhams
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$25,300 | 1987 Ducati 851 'Superbike Edizione' | Auction Link: Bonhams
$25,300 | 1981 Honda CBX | Auction Link: Mecum
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$25,300 | 1981 Honda CBX | Auction Link: Mecum
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$24,200 | 1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR | Auction Link: Mecum
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$24,200 | 1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR | Auction Link: Mecum
$23,100 | 1990 Honda VFR 400R NC30 | Auction Link: Mecum
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$23,100 | 1990 Honda VFR 400R NC30 | Auction Link: Mecum
$22,000 | 1925 Ner-A-Car | Auction Link: Mecum
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$22,000 | 1925 Ner-A-Car | Auction Link: Mecum
$19,800 | 1973 Kawasaki Z1 900 | Auction Link: Mecum
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$19,800 | 1973 Kawasaki Z1 900 | Auction Link: Mecum
$19,800 | 2016 Kawasaki H2 | Auction Link: Mecum
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$19,800 | 2016 Kawasaki H2 | Auction Link: Mecum
$19,800 | 1971 Laverda 3C Prototype | Auction Link: Mecum
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$19,800 | 1971 Laverda 3C Prototype | Auction Link: Mecum
$18,700 | 1985 Suzuki GSXR 750 | Auction Link: Mecum
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$18,700 | 1985 Suzuki GSXR 750 |  Auction Link: Mecum
$18,700 | 1978 Hercules Wankel | Auction Link: Mecum
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$18,700 | 1978 Hercules Wankel  | Auction Link: Mecum
$18,150 | 1985 Kawasaki Z1300 A | Auction Link: Mecum
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$18,150 | 1985 Kawasaki Z1300 A | Auction Link: Mecum
$17,250 | 1970 Cushman Child's Car & trailer & 1946 Cushman 'Husky' Scooter | Auction Link: Bonhams
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$17,250 | 1970 Cushman Child's Car & trailer & 1946 Cushman 'Husky' Scooter | Auction Link: Bonhams
$17,050 | 1984 Yamaha RZ350 | Auction Link: Mecum
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$17,050 | 1984 Yamaha RZ350 | Auction Link: Mecum
$17,050 | 1972 Kawasaki 750 H2 | Auction Link: Mecum
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$17,050 | 1972 Kawasaki 750 H2 | Auction Link: Mecum
$16,100 | 1978 Kawasaki Z1R-TC/TC2 | Auction Link: Bonhams
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$16,100 | 1978 Kawasaki Z1R-TC/TC2 | Auction Link: Bonhams
$14,300 | 1979 Honda CBX1000 | Auction Link: Mecum
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$14,300 | 1979 Honda CBX1000 | Auction Link: Mecum
$14,300 | 1969 Kawasaki Mach III | Auction Link: Mecum
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$14,300 | 1969 Kawasaki Mach III | Auction Link: Mecum
$13,200 | 1990 Suzuki Katana| Auction Link: Mecum
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$13,200 | 1990 Suzuki Katana| Auction Link: Mecum
$11,000 | Wooden Hobby Horse Von Dutch Creation | Auction Link: Mecum
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$11,000 | Wooden Hobby Horse Von Dutch Creation | Auction Link: Mecum
$7,700 | 1959 Honda C71 | Auction Link: Mecum
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$7,700 | 1959 Honda C71 | Auction Link: Mecum
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$70,000 (high bid) | Velocette Roarer | Auction Link: Mecum
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$70,000 (high bid) | Velocette Roarer | Auction Link: Mecum
$20,000 (high bid) | 2015 BMW K1600GT | Auction Link: Mecum
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$20,000 (high bid) | 2015 BMW K1600GT | Auction Link: Mecum
$20,000 (high bid) | 2015 BMW K1600GT | Auction Link: Mecum
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$20,000 (high bid) | 2015 BMW K1600GT | Auction Link: Mecum
The most expensive 1970s motorcycle in the world is now officially the Ducati 750 SS
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The most expensive 1970s motorcycle in the world is now officially the Ducati 750 SS
Both flavours of MV Agusta 750S set new records in Vegas this year (2019).
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Both flavours of MV Agusta 750S set new records in Vegas this year (2019).
Honda's RC40 and RC30 are now among the most sought-after collectibles. What a difference an auction makes.
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Honda's RC40 and RC30 are now among the most sought-after collectibles. What a difference an auction makes.
Part of the massive 235 bike MC Collection of Stockholm which underpinned the largest motorcycle auction in history
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Part of the massive 235 bike MC Collection of Stockholm which underpinned the largest motorcycle auction in history
Part of the massive 235 bike MC Collection of Stockholm which underpinned the largest motorcycle auction in history
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Part of the massive 235 bike MC Collection of Stockholm which underpinned the largest motorcycle auction in history
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View gallery - 148 images

The January Vegas Motorcycle Auctions of Mid-America (now Mecum) and Bonhams have become the mecca of the collectible motorcycle world over the last few decades, but anyone who was there at the start could not have dreamed of the variety, gravitas and depth of the motorcycles that went to sale in Vegas this week.

The Mecum sale, which has taken the long-standing motorcycle knowledge of Mid-America and blended television coverage and sophisticated car auction knowhow gleaned from decades of experience, was the biggest single motorcycle sale in history, eclipsing the previous grand-daddy of all sales, the E.J.Cole Collection.

The MC Collection of Stockholm

Part of the massive 235 bike MC Collection of Stockholm which underpinned the largest motorcycle auction in history
Part of the massive 235 bike MC Collection of Stockholm which underpinned the largest motorcycle auction in history

Though Mecum's auction was always going to be huge with or without the 235-motorcycle MC Collection of Stockholm, at the end of five days of auctions, the company had auctioned 1,750 motorcycles.

By auctioning the MC Collection without reserve, and encouraging most of the vendors to do likewise, Mecum seems to have created an ideal formula for its television coverage as the extra factor of knowing the bike will sell without a safety net means there are bargains to be had.

Part of the massive 235 bike MC Collection of Stockholm which underpinned the largest motorcycle auction in history
Part of the massive 235 bike MC Collection of Stockholm which underpinned the largest motorcycle auction in history

Much of the growth in sales appears to be from new blood in the buyer pool, and the bikes the new wave of collectors is buying illustrates how the tastes of the buying public are changing. While the usual vintage and veteran bikes performed well at the top, the real movers were two-strokes, seventies classics, Japanese motorcycles and modern bikes in general.

Modern classics prices surged, with the more sophisticated power, suspension and reliability afforded by bikes from the seventies (motorcycling's renaissance), eighties and nineties all went to a new level

New auction record for Crocker

$704,000 | 1939 Crocker Big Tank | Auction Link: Mecum
$704,000 | 1939 Crocker Big Tank | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction price records were set for many models in Vegas this year including the star marque of the show, Crocker. Crockers have been reported to have changed hands privately for more than $500,000, but until this year's auctions, the most a Crocker had sold for at public auction was $385,000 at the aforementioned E.J Cole Collection sale in March 2015, with another selling for $338,000 in Monterey Car Week, 2016.

Hence with sales of Crockers for $704,000 and $423,500 inside 24 hours, the record auction price for a Crocker was nearly doubled and the fundamental laws of supply and demand were demonstrated once more.

3,048 Brough Superiors and 6,872 Vincent V-twins were produced, and around 1000 Brough Superiors still exist compared with an estimated 3000 Vincents V-twins. Some estimate that 200 Crocker V-twins were made, but the meagre 50 extant Crockers suggests otherwise.

The power and strength of the Crocker engine meant that it was continually being transplanted into speedway cars, which probably accounts for the high mortality rate, but this relative scarcity has driven the astronomical prices they now fetch. See this 2017 list of the top 12 Crockers sold at auction.

The undersupply of Crockers had elevated Crocker average prices above those of Vincent or Brough Superior before the Vegas 2019 sale. Now only Cyclone has a higher average sale per motorcycle at auction.

Ducati 750 SS smashes auction records

The most expensive 1970s motorcycle in the world is now officially the Ducati 750 SS
The most expensive 1970s motorcycle in the world is now officially the Ducati 750 SS

The world record price for a Ducati 750 Super Sports prior to this auction was $176,000 fetched by Gooding & Company during the official Pebble Beach auction in 2016. Hence, with a hammer price of $225,000 and a total price of $247,500 (including buyers premium), the Ducati 750 SS has become the most expensive 1970s motorcycle yet sold, exceeding the $216,951 (£154,940) paid for a 1970 Clymer Münch TTS Mammut at Bonhams Spring Staffordshire Sale last year.

Ducati now looks set to become motorcycling's equivalent to Ferrari, with a long history of road models with close ties to superbike racing (think the equivalent of sports car racing) and a stellar reputation on the auction block.

New MV Agusta 750 record for both 750S models

Both flavours of MV Agusta 750S set new records in Vegas this year (2019).
Both flavours of MV Agusta 750S set new records in Vegas this year (2019).

There are two schools of thought when it comes to the limited edition MV Agusta 750 produced from 1970 to 1975 – those who like one style and those who like the other. A record price for both of the distinctly different styles – the original and the "America" –was broken in Las Vegas.

This is the closest any MV Agusta road bike got to the fire engine red racers that won all those world championships (as signified by the stars in the tank decal in the image above), and the new record for each MV Agusta "faction" is now $137,500 for the original styling (top right) and $126,500 for the America.

Limited Edition Hondas break records

Honda's RC40 and RC30 are now among the most sought-after collectibles. What a difference an auction makes.
Honda's RC40 and RC30 are now among the most sought-after collectibles. What a difference an auction makes.

With sales of consecutive lots on last Friday, Honda motorcycles became big news at auction, and the same limited-edition homologation specials that perform well for cars were proven to perform equally well for motorcycles.

We love to say we told you so, and we've been writing for years that limited edition Hondas, such as the RC30, RC40 and RC45 were set to become investment superstars. On Friday evening it became true when an RC450 sold for $181,000 and an RC30 sold for $121,000 – neither model had previously sold for more than $100,000.

Honda, like every other Japanese motorcycle marque, and every Japanese car brand, has always struggled to bring high prices on the auction block. The most expensive Japanese motorcycle ever sold is the Batman's Honda-engined BatPod from The Dark Knight Rises (2012) which sold for £260,000 ($338,066), followed by a pre-production (one of four built and two extant) 1968 Honda CB750 which sold for £161,000 (US$263,725) 10 months ago.

Interestingly, Toyota has always suffered the same auction block issues, and just last week in Scottsdale, the Japanese auction block curse appeared to be in the process of lifting for cars, too.

The significance of the Honda RC30 model can not be overstated. It was built in very low quantities so that Honda could go production racing and each one was hand-built by Honda Racing Corporation, not the Honda factory. The finish on this bike is as good as it gets. For several years, the RC30 won everything, including the first two World Superbike Championships. We go into a lot more detail about the RC30 and its immense significance to sporting two-wheelers in this feature about the evolution of the Sports Motorcycle.

Dirt bikes and two-strokes coming of age

Championship winning dirt bikes have rarely done well at auction, but this began to change this year, with bikes selling for well above what we've become used to seeing.

Two-stroke motorcycles have also rarely done well at auction unless they had Steve McQueen in their provenance, and they surged this year on all fronts, from road to roadracing to Motocross.

Mecum January auctions highlights

Here are the top 100 most interesting lots we saw in Vegas this year.

$7,700 | 1959 Honda C71

$7,700 | 1959 Honda C71 | Auction Link: Mecum
$7,700 | 1959 Honda C71 | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

This very early Honda 250 is one of just 144 units exported by Honda to Europe in 1959. This was the same year that Honda first sent its racing team to the Isle of Man. Just two years later, Honda won the World 125cc and 250cc road racing championships and the rest is history. Sixty years later, Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer for 50 years, and fifty years from now, this bike will be a priceless antique. Not bad for seven grand and change.

$11,000 | Velocipede by Von Dutch

$11,000 | Wooden Hobby Horse Von Dutch Creation | Auction Link: Mecum
$11,000 | Wooden Hobby Horse Von Dutch Creation | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

One of those auction lots which no-one seemed to understand, and which went waaay below what it might have. Kenny Howard is the guy behind the Von Dutch name, a great admirer of historical transportation machinery and one of Steve McQueen's closest mates. This is what the bicycle looked like 200 years ago at the dawn of the age of personal transportation. Known as a "velocipede," it was paddled Fred-Flintstone-style and was devoid of suspension. This was the forerunner of the bicycle and even the "penny farthing."

$13,200 | 1990 Suzuki Katana

$13,200 | 1990 Suzuki Katana| Auction Link: Mecum
$13,200 | 1990 Suzuki Katana| Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

Stylish and one of the most competitive motorcycles on a racetrack in standard form in its day, this Suzuki Katana 1100 was sold with zero miles on the clock.

$14,300 | 1969 Kawasaki Mach III

$14,300 | 1969 Kawasaki Mach III | Auction Link: Mecum
$14,300 | 1969 Kawasaki Mach III | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

Purchased new, ridden sparingly until 1974. Then stored and purchased by present owner in 2008. Just 2,635 original miles.

$14,300 | 1979 Honda CBX1000

$14,300 | 1979 Honda CBX1000 | Auction Link: Mecum
$14,300 | 1979 Honda CBX1000 | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

Released to global acclaim, the Honda CBX had the sweetest internal combustion engine I've ever experienced in a motorcycle, and could run a standing quarter in 11.4, trapping around 130 mph. If they'd built a few hundred, this would be a $200,000 motorcycle already. They built 37,000, so fortunately, it will remain an affordable and usable motorcycle for quite some time. Even a museum quality motorcycle (this was part of the MC Collection of Stockholm) is still affordable.

$16,100 | 1978 Kawasaki Z1R-TC/TC2

$16,100 | 1978 Kawasaki Z1R-TC/TC2 | Auction Link: Bonhams
$16,100 | 1978 Kawasaki Z1R-TC/TC2 | Auction Link: Bonhams

Auction Link: Bonhams

One of only 500 Z1R-TCs made. 130 horsepower.

$17,050 | 1972 Kawasaki 750 H2

$17,050 | 1972 Kawasaki 750 H2 | Auction Link: Mecum
$17,050 | 1972 Kawasaki 750 H2 | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$17,050 | 1984 Yamaha RZ350

$17,050 | 1984 Yamaha RZ350 | Auction Link: Mecum
$17,050 | 1984 Yamaha RZ350 | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$17,250 | 1970 Cushman Child's Car & trailer & 1946 Cushman 'Husky' Scooter

$17,250 | 1970 Cushman Child's Car & trailer & 1946 Cushman 'Husky' Scooter | Auction Link: Bonhams
$17,250 | 1970 Cushman Child's Car & trailer & 1946 Cushman 'Husky' Scooter | Auction Link: Bonhams

Auction Link: Bonhams

$18,150 | 1985 Kawasaki Z1300 A

$18,150 | 1985 Kawasaki Z1300 A | Auction Link: Mecum
$18,150 | 1985 Kawasaki Z1300 A | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$18,700 | 1978 Hercules Wankel

$18,700 | 1978 Hercules Wankel | Auction Link: Mecum
$18,700 | 1978 Hercules Wankel  | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$18,700 | 1985 Suzuki GSXR 750

$18,700 | 1985 Suzuki GSXR 750 | Auction Link: Mecum
$18,700 | 1985 Suzuki GSXR 750 |  Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$19,800 | 1971 Laverda 3C Prototype

$19,800 | 1971 Laverda 3C Prototype | Auction Link: Mecum
$19,800 | 1971 Laverda 3C Prototype | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$19,800 | 2016 Kawasaki H2

$19,800 | 2016 Kawasaki H2 | Auction Link: Mecum
$19,800 | 2016 Kawasaki H2 | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$19,800 | 1973 Kawasaki Z1 900

$19,800 | 1973 Kawasaki Z1 900 | Auction Link: Mecum
$19,800 | 1973 Kawasaki Z1 900 | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$20,000 (high bid) | 2015 BMW K1600GT

$20,000 (high bid) | 2015 BMW K1600GT | Auction Link: Mecum
$20,000 (high bid) | 2015 BMW K1600GT | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$22,000 | 1925 Ner-A-Car

$22,000 | 1925 Ner-A-Car | Auction Link: Mecum
$22,000 | 1925 Ner-A-Car | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$23,100 | 1990 Honda VFR 400R NC30

$23,100 | 1990 Honda VFR 400R NC30 | Auction Link: Mecum
$23,100 | 1990 Honda VFR 400R NC30 | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$24,200 | 1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR

$24,200 | 1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR | Auction Link: Mecum
$24,200 | 1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$25,300 | 1996 Suzuki RGV250 Lucky Strike

Auction Link: Mecum

$25,300 | 1973 Triumph X75 Hurricane

Auction Link: Mecum

$25,300 | 1981 Honda CBX

$25,300 | 1981 Honda CBX | Auction Link: Mecum
$25,300 | 1981 Honda CBX | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$25,300 | 1985 Kawasaki SR125

Auction Link: Mecum

$25,300 | 1987 Ducati 851 'Superbike Edizione

$25,300 | 1987 Ducati 851 'Superbike Edizione' | Auction Link: Bonhams
$25,300 | 1987 Ducati 851 'Superbike Edizione' | Auction Link: Bonhams

Auction Link: Bonhams

$26,400 | 1974 Ducati Desmo Mk3

$26,400 | 1974 Ducati Desmo Mk3 | Auction Link: Mecum
$26,400 | 1974 Ducati Desmo Mk3 | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$27,500 | 1969 Honda CB750 Sandcast

$27,500 | 1969 Honda CB750 Sandcast | Auction Link: Mecum
$27,500 | 1969 Honda CB750 Sandcast | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$28,600 | 1985 Yamaha RZ500

Auction Link: Mecum

$29,700 | 1987 Norton Classic Rotary

$29,700 | 1987 Norton Classic Rotary | Auction Link: Mecum
$29,700 | 1987 Norton Classic Rotary | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$30,000 | 1974 Laverda 750 SFC

$30,000 | 1974 Laverda 750SFC | Auction Link: Bonhams
$30,000 | 1974 Laverda 750SFC | Auction Link: Bonhams

Auction Link: Bonhams

$31,900 | 1969 Harley-Davidson Captain America Replica

$31,900 | 1969 Harley-Davidson Captain America Replica | Auction Link: Mecum
$31,900 | 1969 Harley-Davidson Captain America Replica | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$34,100 | 1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma

$34,100 | 1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma | Auction Link: Mecum
$34,100 | 1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$40,700 | 1948 Indian 648 Big Base Scout Racer

$40,700 | 1948 Indian 648 Big Base Scout Racer | Auction Link: Mecum
$40,700 | 1948 Indian 648 Big Base Scout Racer | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$44,000 | 1978 Yamaha OW35

Auction Link: Mecum

$44,000 | 1978 Ducati 900SS

$44,000 | 1978 Ducati 900SS | Auction Link: Mecum
$44,000 | 1978 Ducati 900SS | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$49,500 | 1928 Douglas DT 5 Racer

$49,500 | 1928 Douglas DT 5 Racer | Auction Link: Mecum
$49,500 | 1928 Douglas DT 5 Racer | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$49,500 | 1978 Ducati Mille Mike Hailwood Replica

$49,500 | 1978 Ducati Mille Mike Hailwood Replica | Auction Link: Mecum
$49,500 | 1978 Ducati Mille Mike Hailwood Replica | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

See also another Ducati NCR Racer Replica, which sold for $13,200

$55,000 | 1931 Husqvarna Model 50 TV

$55,000 | 1931 Husqvarna Model 50 TV | Auction Link: Mecum
$55,000 | 1931 Husqvarna Model 50 TV | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$55,000 | 1948 Egli-Vincent Twin

$55,000 | 1948 Egli-Vincent Twin | Auction Link: Mecum
$55,000 | 1948 Egli-Vincent Twin | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$55,000 | 1954 Matchless G45 500 Twin

$55,000 | 1954 Matchless G45 500 Twin | Auction Link: Mecum
$55,000 | 1954 Matchless G45 500 Twin | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$55,000 | 1976 MV Agusta 750 America

$55,000 | 1976 MV Agusta 750 America | Auction Link: Mecum
$55,000 | 1976 MV Agusta 750 America |  Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$55,200 | Collection Of 1971 Honda SLs

$55,200 | Collection Of 1971 Honda SLs | Auction Link: Bonhams
$55,200 | Collection Of 1971 Honda SLs | Auction Link: Bonhams

Auction Link: Bonhams

$56,100 | 1966 Velocette Thruxton

Auction Link: Mecum

A world record for the marque and model, and the second highest price ever paid for Velocette Thruxton too, at $41,800.

$56,650 | 1980 Bimota SB2

$56,650 | 1980 Bimota SB2 | Auction Link: Mecum
$56,650 | 1980 Bimota SB2 | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$57,200 | 1920 Reading-Standard Twin

$57,200 | 1920 Reading-Standard Twin | Auction Link: Mecum
$57,200 | 1920 Reading-Standard Twin | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$57,200 | 1960 Norton Manx 500

$57,200 | 1960 Norton Manx 500 | Auction Link: Mecum
$57,200 | 1960 Norton Manx 500 | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$58,650 | 2008 Ducati D16RR Desmosedici

$58,650 | 2008 Ducati D16RR Desmosedici | Auction Link: Bonhams
$58,650 | 2008 Ducati D16RR Desmosedici | Auction Link: Bonhams

Auction Link: Bonhams

$64,900 | 1936 BSA Y-13

$64,900 | 1936 BSA Y-13 | Auction Link: Mecum
$64,900 | 1936 BSA Y-13 | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$66,000 | 1916 Harley-Davidson Keystone Racer

$66,000 | 1916 Harley-Davidson Keystone Racer | Auction Link: Mecum
$66,000 | 1916 Harley-Davidson Keystone Racer | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$68,200 | 1962 Matchless Model G50 Racer

$68,200 | 1962 Matchless Model G50 Racer | Auction Link: Mecum
$68,200 | 1962 Matchless Model G50 Racer | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$68,200 | 1976 Yamaha TZ750

$68,200 | 1976 Yamaha TZ750 Production Racer | Auction Link: Mecum
$68,200 | 1976 Yamaha TZ750 Production Racer | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$70,000 (high bid) | 1939 Velocette Roarer

$70,000 (high bid) | Velocette Roarer | Auction Link: Mecum
$70,000 (high bid) | Velocette Roarer | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

This 1939 Velocette Roarer replica created by Dan Smith is an astonishing technical feat. It is remarkable that it didn't sell as there is only one other in the world and the motorcycle in question, with twin contra-rotating crankshafts in a parallel-twin format, and the supercharger and gearbox integral to the layout.

$71,500 | 1929 Excelsior Super X

$71,500 | 1929 Excelsior Super X | Auction Link: Mecum
$71,500 | 1929 Excelsior Super X | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$71,500 | 1911 Merkel V-Twin

$71,500 | 1911 Merkel V-Twin | Auction Link: Mecum
$71,500 | 1911 Merkel V-Twin | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$71,500 | 1934 Husqvarna 500 Racer Replica

$71,500 | 1934 Husqvarna 500 Racer Replica | Auction Link: Mecum
$71,500 | 1934 Husqvarna 500 Racer Replica | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$71,500 | 1934 Zundapp K800

$71,500 | 1934 Zundapp K800 | Auction Link: Mecum
$71,500 | 1934 Zundapp K800 | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$73,700 | 1938 Brough Superior SS80

$73,700 | 1938 Brough Superior SS80 | Auction Link: Mecum
$73,700 | 1938 Brough Superior SS80 | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$77,000 | 1913 W.E. Brough

$77,000 | 1913 W.E. Brough | Auction Link: Mecum
$77,000 | 1913 W.E. Brough | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

If you've ever wondered how the name Brough Superior came about, it was because George Brough's dad made motorcycles too, and they were called Brough, and this is the only one we've ever seen at auction.

$77,000 | 1920 Indian Power Plus

$77,000 | 1920 Indian Power Plus | Auction Link: Mecum
$77,000 | 1920 Indian Power Plus | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$77,000 | 1928 BMW R47 Racer

$77,000 | 1928 BMW R47 Racer | Auction Link: Mecum
$77,000 | 1928 BMW R47 Racer | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$77,000 | 1968 Munch 4TT Mammut

$77,000 | 1968 Munch 4TT Mammut | Auction Link: Mecum
$77,000 | 1968 Munch 4TT Mammut | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$77,000 | 1971 MV Agusta 750S

$77,000 | 1971 MV Agusta 750S | Auction Link: Mecum
$77,000 | 1971 MV Agusta 750S | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$79,750 | 1913 Dayton Big Twin

$79,750 | 1913 Dayton Big Twin | Auction Link: Mecum
$79,750 | 1913 Dayton Big Twin | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$82,500 | 1962 Lito Motocross

$82,500 | 1962 Lito Motocross | Auction Link: Mecum
$82,500 | 1962 Lito Motocross | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$82,500 | 1924 Nut V-Twin

$82,500 | 1924 Nut V-Twin| Auction Link: Mecum
$82,500 | 1924 Nut V-Twin| Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$82,500 | 1925 Moto Guzzi CV2 Racer

$84,700 | 1955 Vincent Black Prince | Auction Link: Mecum
$84,700 | 1955 Vincent Black Prince | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$84,700 | 1955 Vincent Black Prince

$84,700 | 1955 Vincent Black Prince | Auction Link: Mecum
$84,700 | 1955 Vincent Black Prince | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$85,250 | 1927 BMW R47

$85,250 | 1927 BMW R47 | Auction Link: Mecum
$85,250 | 1927 BMW R47 | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$85,250 | 1936 AJS V-4

$85,250 | 1936 AJS V-4 | Auction Link: Mecum
$85,250 | 1936 AJS V-4 | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$88,000 | 1915 Pope Model R Twin

$88,000 | 1915 Pope Model R Twin | Auction Link: Mecum
$88,000 | 1915 Pope Model R Twin | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$88,000 |1975Laverda750 SFC

$88,000 | 1975Laverda750 SFC | Auction Link: Mecum
$88,000 | 1975Laverda750 SFC | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$88,000 | 1951VincentRapide

$88,000 | 1951VincentRapide | Auction Link: Mecum
$88,000 | 1951VincentRapide | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$90,200 | 1974 Ducati 750 SS

$90,200 | 1974 Ducati 750 SS | Auction Link: Mecum
$90,200 | 1974 Ducati 750 SS | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$93,500 | 1917 Pope Model T-17

| $93,500 | 1917 Pope Model T-17 | Auction Link: Mecum
 | $93,500 | 1917 Pope Model T-17 | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$93,500 | 1938DKW250SS GP Road Racer

$93,500 | 1938DKW250SS GP Road Racer | Auction Link: Mecum
$93,500 | 1938DKW250SS GP Road Racer | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$93,500 | 1928IndianAce

$93,500 | 1928IndianAce | Auction Link: Mecum
$93,500 | 1928IndianAce | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$95,450 | 1950 Vincent Black Shadow

$95,450 | 1950 Vincent Black Shadow Series-C | Auction Link: Bonhams
$95,450 | 1950 Vincent Black Shadow Series-C | Auction Link: Bonhams

Auction Link: Bonhams

$99,000 | 1894 Hildebrand And Wolfmuller Replica

$99,000 | 1894 Hildebrand And Wolfmuller Replica | Auction Link: Mecum
$99,000 | 1894 Hildebrand And Wolfmuller Replica | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$99,000 | 1934 Crocker Speedway Racer

$99,000 | 1934 Crocker Speedway Racer | Auction Link: Mecum
$99,000 | 1934 Crocker Speedway Racer | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$104,500 | 1905 Indian Camelback

$104,500 | 1905 Indian Camelback | Auction Link: Mecum
$104,500 | 1905 Indian Camelback | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$104,500 | 1994 Harley-DavidsonVR1000

$104,500 | 1994 Harley-DavidsonVR1000 | Auction Link: Mecum
$104,500 | 1994 Harley-DavidsonVR1000  | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$110,000 | 1913 Flying Merkel Board Track Racer Replica

$110,000 | 1913 Flying Merkel Board Track Racer Replica | Auction Link: Mecum
$110,000 | 1913 Flying Merkel Board Track Racer Replica | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$110,000 | 1920 Excelsior Series 20 V-Twin

$110,000 | 1920 Excelsior Series 20 V-Twin | Auction Link: Mecum
$110,000 | 1920 Excelsior Series 20 V-Twin | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$110,000 | 1929 Opel Neander

$110,000 | 1929 Opel Neander | Auction Link: Mecum
$110,000 | 1929 Opel Neander | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

This highly-original 1929 Neander uses a JAP 1000cc side-valve motor paired with a hand-shifted 3-speed gearbox and a Bosch magneto and electrics. A rare survivor and an older restoration in excellent and correct condition, and one of the most remarkably advanced motorcycles produced in the 1920s.

$110,000 | 1936 Brough SS 80

$110,000 | 1936 Brough SS 80 | Auction Link: Mecum
$110,000 | 1936 Brough SS 80 | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$112,000 | 1974 Münch Mammut TTS-E 1200

$112,000 | 1974 Münch Mammoth TTS-E 1200 | Auction Link: Bonhams
$112,000 | 1974 Münch Mammoth TTS-E 1200 | Auction Link: Bonhams

Auction Link: Bonhams

The more expensive of the two Munch Mammuts sold in Vegas, though well behind the the $216,951 (£154,940) paid for a 1970 Clymer Münch TTS Mammut at Bonhams Spring Staffordshire Sale last year.

$112,750 | 1951VincentBlack Shadow

$112,750 | 1951VincentBlack Shadow | Auction Link: Mecum
$112,750 | 1951VincentBlack Shadow | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$115,000 | 1993 Ducati 550 Supermono

$115,000 | 1993 Ducati 550 Supermono Racing Motorcycle | Auction Link: Bonhams
$115,000 | 1993 Ducati 550 Supermono Racing Motorcycle | Auction Link: Bonhams

Auction Link: Bonhams

Another rare homologation special from Ducati illustrating that limited production runs increase the value at auction considerably.

$121,000 | 1988 Honda RC30

$121,000 | 1988 Honda RC30 | Auction Link: Mecum
$121,000 | 1988 Honda RC30 | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$126,500 | 1978 MV Agusta 750 Sport

$126,500 | 1978 MV Agusta 750 Sport | Auction Link: Mecum
$126,500 | 1978 MV Agusta 750 Sport | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$126,500 | 1916 Henderson Model F Short Frame

$126,500 | 1916 Henderson Model F Short Frame | Auction Link: Mecum
$126,500 | 1916 Henderson Model F Short Frame | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$132,000 | 1914 Harley-Davidson Model 10E Twin

$132,000 | 1914 Harley-Davidson Model 10E Twin | Auction Link: Mecum
$132,000 | 1914 Harley-Davidson Model 10E Twin | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$132,000 | 1938 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead

$132,000 | 1938 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead | Auction Link: Mecum
$132,000 | 1938 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$132,000 | 1913 Henderson Four Deluxe

$132,000 | 1913 Henderson Four Deluxe | Auction Link: Mecum
$132,000 | 1913 Henderson Four Deluxe | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$137,500 | 1954 BMW RS 54 Racer

$137,500 | 1954 BMW RS 54 Racer | Auction Link: Mecum
$137,500 | 1954 BMW RS 54 Racer | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$137,500 | 1973 MV Agusta 750 S

$137,500 | 1973 MV Agusta 750 S | Auction Link: Mecum
$137,500 | 1973 MV Agusta 750 S | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$143,000 | 1916 Thor V-Twin 16U

$143,000 | 1916 Thor V-Twin 16U | Auction Link: Mecum
$143,000 | 1916 Thor V-Twin 16U | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$143,000 | 1967 Lito X-Cam Cross Prototype

$143,000 | 1967 Lito X-Cam Cross Prototype | Auction Link: Mecum
$143,000 | 1967 Lito X-Cam Cross Prototype | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$143,500 | 1928 Harley-Davidson JDH Twin Cam

$143,500 | 1928 Harley-Davidson JDH Twin Cam | Auction Link: Mecum
$143,500 | 1928 Harley-Davidson JDH Twin Cam | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$154,000 | 1929 Cleveland Tornado Four Cylinder

$154,000 | 1929 Cleveland Tornado Four Cylinder | Auction Link: Mecum
$154,000 | 1929 Cleveland Tornado Four Cylinder | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$156,750 | 1922 Ace Four

$156,750 | 1922 Ace Four | Auction Link: Mecum
$156,750 | 1922 Ace Four | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$170,500 | 1915 Henderson Model D

$170,500 | 1915 Henderson Model D | Auction Link: Mecum
$170,500 | 1915 Henderson Model D |  Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$175,500 | 1938 Triumph 500Cc 5T Speed Twin

$175,500 | 1938 Triumph 500Cc 5T Speed TwinAuction Link: Bonhams
$175,500 | 1938 Triumph 500Cc 5T Speed TwinAuction Link: Bonhams

Auction Link: Bonhams

$176,000 | 1923 Ace Four

$176,000 | 1923 Ace Four Cylinder Sporting Solo | Auction Link: Mecum
$176,000 | 1923 Ace Four Cylinder Sporting Solo | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$181,500 | 1992 Honda NR 750

$181,500 | 1992 Honda NR 750 | Auction Link: Mecum
$181,500 | 1992 Honda NR 750 | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$192,500 | 1913 Pierce T Four

$192,500 | 1913 Pierce T FourAuction Link: Mecum
$192,500 | 1913 Pierce T FourAuction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$220,000 | 1925 BMW R37

$220,000 | 1925 BMW R37 | Auction Link: Mecum
$220,000 | 1925 BMW R37  | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$247,500 | 1975 Ducati 750 SS

$247,500 | 1975 Ducati 750 SS | Auction Link: Mecum
$247,500 | 1975 Ducati 750 SS | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$302,500 | 1912 Henderson Model A

$302,500 | 1912 Henderson Model A | Auction Link: Mecum
$302,500 | 1912 Henderson Model A | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$357,500 | 1925 Brough Superior SS100 Alpine Grand Sport

$357,500 | 1925 Brough Superior SS100 Alpine Grand Sport | Auction Link: Mecum
$357,500 | 1925 Brough Superior SS100 Alpine Grand Sport | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$423,500 | 1937 Crocker Small Tank

$423,500 | 1937 Crocker Small Tank | Auction Link: Mecum
$423,500 | 1937 Crocker Small Tank | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

$704,000 | 1939 Crocker Big Tank

$704,000 | 1939 Crocker Big Tank | Auction Link: Mecum
$704,000 | 1939 Crocker Big Tank | Auction Link: Mecum

Auction Link: Mecum

View gallery - 148 images
4 comments
4 comments
Gizmowiz
Classic junk. If it's gasoline propelled it's junk.
chidrbmt
One man's junk is another man's treasure. In hindsight,I should have kept my 70's models while collecting Ducati S.S.'s. Where were all the other British brands? "Older" Japanese models prices sure are going up.
rude.dawg
Anyone calling these beautiful machines 'junk' is merely sour graping. I'm pretty sure that absolutely none of the machines above would be used as a 'gasoline propelled' commuter. Each one is a historical specimen harking back to the time when humans still weren't gullible enough to forget how:
-the planet's climate has been changing dramatically from glacial to inetrglacial for at least 4.5 billion years, long before the 1st ounce of anthropogenic greenhouse gas was ever emitted;
-ice cores have shown that changes in the planet's climate have actually been more rapid & abrupt long before the Industrial Revolution (temps soaring by 22° F in just 50 years, some 14,000 years ago);
-changes in the planet's climate has largely been due to its orbit being affected by Venus and Jupiter every 405,000 years;
-CO2 isn't even the planet's most abundant greenhouse gas;
-today's exorbitantly expensive electric vehicles may be tre tre chic but still need to be recharged by being plugged into some socket supplied with electricity by some coal plant.
I'd still rather have any of the above, than some Tesla any day.
Fastship
I remember a MV "America" sitting next to a Benelli "SEI" in a local dealer in Liverpool, both new & unsold for over a year.
These values are less to do with intrinsic values as they are with QE and phony money flooding the world from central banks raising even the values of bikes as "assets". When QE reverses prices will collapse.
Many of those '70's bikes I've owned or knew well. They were rubbish then and the passage of time renders them even more so.