Sale of the Century: The 2019 Las Vegas Motorcycle Auctions

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

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.

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Auction Link: Bonhams

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

$17,050 | 1972 Kawasaki 750 H2

Auction Link: Mecum

$17,050 | 1984 Yamaha RZ350

Auction Link: Mecum

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

Auction Link: Bonhams

$18,150 | 1985 Kawasaki Z1300 A

Auction Link: Mecum

$18,700 | 1978 Hercules Wankel

Auction Link: Mecum

$18,700 | 1985 Suzuki GSXR 750

Auction Link: Mecum

$19,800 | 1971 Laverda 3C Prototype

Auction Link: Mecum

$19,800 | 2016 Kawasaki H2

Auction Link: Mecum

$19,800 | 1973 Kawasaki Z1 900

Auction Link: Mecum

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

Auction Link: Mecum

$22,000 | 1925 Ner-A-Car

Auction Link: Mecum

$23,100 | 1990 Honda VFR 400R NC30

Auction Link: Mecum

$24,200 | 1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR

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

Auction Link: Mecum

$25,300 | 1985 Kawasaki SR125

Auction Link: Mecum

$25,300 | 1987 Ducati 851 'Superbike Edizione

Auction Link: Bonhams

$26,400 | 1974 Ducati Desmo Mk3

Auction Link: Mecum

$27,500 | 1969 Honda CB750 Sandcast

Auction Link: Mecum

$28,600 | 1985 Yamaha RZ500

Auction Link: Mecum

$29,700 | 1987 Norton Classic Rotary

Auction Link: Mecum

$30,000 | 1974 Laverda 750 SFC

Auction Link: Bonhams

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

Auction Link: Mecum

$34,100 | 1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma

Auction Link: Mecum

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

Auction Link: Mecum

$44,000 | 1978 Yamaha OW35

Auction Link: Mecum

$44,000 | 1978 Ducati 900SS

Auction Link: Mecum

$49,500 | 1928 Douglas DT 5 Racer

Auction Link: Mecum

$49,500 | 1978 Ducati Mille Mike Hailwood Replica

Auction Link: Mecum

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

$55,000 | 1931 Husqvarna Model 50 TV

Auction Link: Mecum

$55,000 | 1948 Egli-Vincent Twin

Auction Link: Mecum

$55,000 | 1954 Matchless G45 500 Twin

Auction Link: Mecum

$55,000 | 1976 MV Agusta 750 America

Auction Link: Mecum

$55,200 | Collection Of 1971 Honda SLs

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

Auction Link: Mecum

$57,200 | 1920 Reading-Standard Twin

Auction Link: Mecum

$57,200 | 1960 Norton Manx 500

Auction Link: Mecum

$58,650 | 2008 Ducati D16RR Desmosedici

Auction Link: Bonhams

$64,900 | 1936 BSA Y-13

Auction Link: Mecum

$66,000 | 1916 Harley-Davidson Keystone Racer

Auction Link: Mecum

$68,200 | 1962 Matchless Model G50 Racer

Auction Link: Mecum

$68,200 | 1976 Yamaha TZ750

Auction Link: Mecum

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

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

Auction Link: Mecum

$71,500 | 1911 Merkel V-Twin

Auction Link: Mecum

$71,500 | 1934 Husqvarna 500 Racer Replica

Auction Link: Mecum

$71,500 | 1934 Zundapp K800

Auction Link: Mecum

$73,700 | 1938 Brough Superior SS80

Auction Link: Mecum

$77,000 | 1913 W.E. Brough

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

Auction Link: Mecum

$77,000 | 1928 BMW R47 Racer

Auction Link: Mecum

$77,000 | 1968 Munch 4TT Mammut

Auction Link: Mecum

$77,000 | 1971 MV Agusta 750S

Auction Link: Mecum

$79,750 | 1913 Dayton Big Twin

Auction Link: Mecum

$82,500 | 1962 Lito Motocross

Auction Link: Mecum

$82,500 | 1924 Nut V-Twin

Auction Link: Mecum

$82,500 | 1925 Moto Guzzi CV2 Racer

Auction Link: Mecum

$84,700 | 1955 Vincent Black Prince

Auction Link: Mecum

$85,250 | 1927 BMW R47

Auction Link: Mecum

$85,250 | 1936 AJS V-4

Auction Link: Mecum

$88,000 | 1915 Pope Model R Twin

Auction Link: Mecum

$88,000 |1975Laverda750 SFC

Auction Link: Mecum

$88,000 | 1951VincentRapide

Auction Link: Mecum

$90,200 | 1974 Ducati 750 SS

Auction Link: Mecum

$93,500 | 1917 Pope Model T-17

Auction Link: Mecum

$93,500 | 1938DKW250SS GP Road Racer

Auction Link: Mecum

$93,500 | 1928IndianAce

Auction Link: Mecum

$95,450 | 1950 Vincent Black Shadow

Auction Link: Bonhams

$99,000 | 1894 Hildebrand And Wolfmuller Replica

Auction Link: Mecum

$99,000 | 1934 Crocker Speedway Racer

Auction Link: Mecum

$104,500 | 1905 Indian Camelback

Auction Link: Mecum

$104,500 | 1994 Harley-DavidsonVR1000

Auction Link: Mecum

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

Auction Link: Mecum

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

Auction Link: Mecum

$110,000 | 1929 Opel Neander

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

Auction Link: Mecum

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

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

Auction Link: Mecum

$115,000 | 1993 Ducati 550 Supermono

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

Auction Link: Mecum

$126,500 | 1978 MV Agusta 750 Sport

Auction Link: Mecum

$126,500 | 1916 Henderson Model F Short Frame

Auction Link: Mecum

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

Auction Link: Mecum

$132,000 | 1938 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead

Auction Link: Mecum

$132,000 | 1913 Henderson Four Deluxe

Auction Link: Mecum

$137,500 | 1954 BMW RS 54 Racer

Auction Link: Mecum

$137,500 | 1973 MV Agusta 750 S

Auction Link: Mecum

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

Auction Link: Mecum

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

Auction Link: Mecum

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

Auction Link: Mecum

$154,000 | 1929 Cleveland Tornado Four Cylinder

Auction Link: Mecum

$156,750 | 1922 Ace Four

Auction Link: Mecum

$170,500 | 1915 Henderson Model D

Auction Link: Mecum

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

Auction Link: Bonhams

$176,000 | 1923 Ace Four

Auction Link: Mecum

$181,500 | 1992 Honda NR 750

Auction Link: Mecum

$192,500 | 1913 Pierce T Four

Auction Link: Mecum

$220,000 | 1925 BMW R37

Auction Link: Mecum

$247,500 | 1975 Ducati 750 SS

Auction Link: Mecum

$302,500 | 1912 Henderson Model A

Auction Link: Mecum

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

Auction Link: Mecum

$423,500 | 1937 Crocker Small Tank

Auction Link: Mecum

$704,000 | 1939 Crocker Big Tank

Auction Link: Mecum