It’s generally accepted that auctions are the most efficient means to calculate the real value of an item and bring buyers and sellers together at a suitable cost for both parties. But, when a particular history is included, and all those potential purchasers who constitute the online population have varying worths for one item, an auction is also the ideal tactic for bringing about the ‘auction winner’s curse.’
A lot has been said about auctions and auction theory, but when a particular history is involved, and all those potential buyers who make up the web community have different opinions on value. This article provides an exclusive peek into the collectible motorcycle market. It looks at all 50 bikes, their prices, images, the highest 50 motorcycles, the most recognized brands, where they were sold, and the most prominent auction houses in the Top 50 Analysis.
1) 1958 Ariel 650 Cyclone
US$450,000
October, 2014
Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
Those who possess a Brough Superior motorcycle can be motivated by the fact that this particular model sold for a high price not due to its notable history or famous owners, but because it was completely renovated and one of the best versions. The Brough is widely known for its advanced features, like the Bentley and Draper spring frames, double headlights, and three-speed gearboxes.
2) 1926 Brough Superior SS100 Alpine Grand Sports
US$452,234 (sold for £280,800)
October, 2012
Battersea, U.K.
This SS100 Alpine Grand Sports model from 1926 is one of the best maintained, with both its engine and frame numbers corresponding and a well-maintained ownership history. It is equipped with a JAP, 8/45 hp, 980 cc OHV V-twin engine, a Binks twin-jet sports carburetor, a three-speed counter shaft hand-change gearbox, a single center spring multi-plate clutch, Harley-Davidson bottom link front forks, a sturdy frame, and brakes operated both by a cable in the front and a rod in the rear.
3) 1922 Brough Superior SS80
US$463,847 (sold for £291,200)
October, 2012
Duxford, England
The bike, which had the moniker “Old Bill”, was ridden a lot by George Brough and was the victor in more than 50 events while he was steering it. When it was sold, it came with an abundant, thoroughly documented background which also featured Titch Allen, the famous leader of the Vintage Motorcycle Club, as an extra.
4) 1939 BMW RS255 Kompressor
US$480,000
January 2013
Las Vegas, U.S.
This 1949 Rennsport RS255 Kompressor recreation was constructed by Walter Zeller, a BMW works rider, with parts from the BMW factory that he got through his influence. This machine contains an authentic 1939 BMW RS255 Kompressor engine, a 1951 Rennsport “plunger” frame, and several modifications that make it closely resemble the original RS255 Kompressor which was used in several competitions in Europe before and after World War II.
5) 1929 Brough Superior SS100 ‘Alpine Grand Sports’
US$492,973 (sold for GBP£315,100)
November, 2014
London, U.K.
The SS100 Alpine Grand Sports is given its label from the Alpine Trial, a historic alpine reliability test that took place before the WWI. This trial commenced in 1910, and it ran through numerous alpine regions of Austria, Croatia, and Slovenia. Furthermore, it also incorporated the sharp curves of the Stelvio Pass. The Alpine Trial eventually evolved into the World Rally Championship, albeit it initially featured both cars and motorbikes.
6) 1915 Cyclone Board Track Racer
US$551,200
July, 2008
Pebble Beach, U.S.
The Cyclone was a game-changer with its forward-thinking, OHC-driven four-valve V-twin engine which helped it reach a high sale price. Without much research, one can easily tell that these bikes were a rare commodity a hundred years ago, especially one that is so well-preserved. The Cyclone was uniquely designed with a 996cc, 45-degree bevel-driven V-twin OHC engine that was said to have reached 111 mph in 1915, setting a joint-world record for motorcycle auction prices for several years.
7) 1910 Winchester 6 HP
In late August 2013, a Worldwide Auctions report presented that one Winchester 200 motorcycle (known as the ‘gun that won the West’) still existed. This weapon was made by Winchester Repeating Arms Company in 1910. A firearm admirer supposedly acquired the motorcycle at an auction and assumed it to be a good buy.
8) 1907 Harley-Davidson “Strap Tank” Single
US$$715,000
March, 2015
Las Vegas, U.S.
Mecum MidAmerica predicted that the Cole Collection Harley-Davidson Strap Tank Single would sell for between $800,000 and $1,000,000, which is the highest estimated value for the item.
9) 1915 Cyclone Board Track Racer
US$852,500
March, 2015
Las Vegas, U.S.
The E.J. Cole Collection concluded the day with the highest ever genuine offer for a motorcycle at an auction, with a hammer price of $775,000, which was increased to $852,500 with a 10% buyer’s premium, for the 1915 Cyclone Board Track Racer, an OHC V-Twin Board Track Racer with a bevel-driven engine that could reach speeds of 111 miles per hour (179 km/h). Although we were barely short of our million dollar target, the motorcycle attained significant success.
10) 1915 Harley-Davidson 11F Twin
$98,280
January, 2014
Las Vegas, U.S.
Mike Parti restored a 1915 Model 11F twin and it achieved 97 points at the AMCA meet in Canyon City, Colorado in May 2001. This was an incredible restoration of the first 3-speed Harley, which is highly sought-after by the pre-1916 motorcycling community. This particular motorcycle sold for $98,280 at Mecum Mid America’s Las Vegas auction in 2014.
11) 1927 Zenith-Jap 8/45HP
US$319,653 (sold for £177,500) September 2008
London, U.K.
In April 1927, Roland Martin bought a brand new Zenith-JAP motorcyle and AJS-manufactured Graiseley TT Model 259 racing sidecar from Blay’s of Twickenham. He was one of the few private owners who had a workshop at Brooklands and adjusted and tuned other people’s motorbikes for racing. Martin was passionate about rallies, but he preferred to ride a combination. The Zenith that was powered by KTOR was one of the most desired models and it cost £140 in 1927. Documentation of both the bike and sidecar are available.
12) 1939 Crocker “Big Tank” Twin
US$302,500 June, 2008
California, U.S.
Between 1936 and 1942, the Crocker Motorcycle Company produced one hundred V-twin motorcycles in the US. These powerful cruisers were better than other popular models of the time from Harley-Davidson and Indian. Nowadays, they are highly sought-after collector vehicles. The company still produces kit motorcycles, as well as parts and supplies. In 2008, RM Auctions sold one of these bikes from the famous Joe MacPherson’s (Joe’s Garage) collection and it fetched an astonishing $302,500, which is the most money ever paid for a Crocker at an auction.
13) 2011 Ducati GP11 VR2 Desmosedici
US$317,862 (sold for EUR245,700) May 2012
Monte Carlo, Monaco
In 2012, Ducati put two Desmosedici MotoGP bikes up for auction, which were the most sought after motorcycles in the world. Valentino Rossi was the only racer to use the Desmosedici at the world championship level, although he was victorious in 125, 250, 500cc two-stroke, 1000cc four-stroke, and 800cc four-stroke competitions. Rossi had the potential to tie the record of eight MotoGP titles held by Giacomo Agostini and become the greatest athlete ever, however his performance declined when he moved to Ducati. During the whole of 2011, he only managed to win one race and was never able to acquire triumph with the Desmosedici.
14) 1957 MV Agusta 500CC Grand Prix Racer
Auctioneers Estimate: £160,000 – 180,000(US$319,728 – 359,694)(Failed to meet reserve) April, 2007
London, U.K.
It is regrettable that this MV Agusta “fire engine” was not able to win a world championship, as it was one of the few that did not. It was driven and later acquired by John Surtees, who is the only racer to have earned both the Formula One Drivers and World 500cc (now MotoGP) Championships.
15) 1934 Brough Superior SS100
US$330,170 (sold for £166,500)April 2008
Stafford, U.K.
In 1934, a total of eight Brough Superior SS100s were manufactured, and the history of each of its owners over the last eight decades was documented. Matthews & Co of Stratford-on-Avon sold the SS100 to its first buyer, who resided in the Stratford vicinity. By 1973, the SS100 was being displayed among other classic motorcycles at Murray’s Motorcycle Museum on the Isle of Man. In 2005, the motorcycle underwent a full restoration, both mechanically and aesthetically, before being auctioned by Bonhams in April 2008.
16) Pope Francis’ 2013 Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide
US$330,938 (sold for EUR241,500)
February, 2014
Paris, France
In 2014, at the Grand Palais in Paris, an auction conducted by Bonhams called Les Grandes Marques du Monde resulted in a sale of a 2013 Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide motorcycle for EUR 241,500 (US$330,938). This was an impressive figure, considering the Pope Francis had owned the bike before it was given to him as a gift by Harley-Davidson in honor of the company’s 110th anniversary. This amount was about 25 times the price of a new motorcycle.
17) 1929 Brough Superior SS100
US$332,969 (sold for £210,000)
October 2011
Stafford, U.K.
Before the Second World War, the Brough Superior SS100 gained recognition from Motor Cycling magazine as the speediest individual-owned street car in the world. In 1931, the magazine gave it the nickname “Moby Dick” and the car managed to hit a maximum speed of 106 mph. This car has one of the most intriguing stories in automotive history and is definitely worth learning about.
18) 1907 Harley-Davidson “Strap Tank” Single
In 2006, Bill Harley and Arthur Davidson’s new business was supported by the sale of their “Strap Tank” bike, which was part of the Otis Chandler Collection by Gooding & Co. and sold for the amount of US$352,000.
19) 1939 Vincent-Hrd Series-a Rapide
US$357,291 (sold for £198,400)
September 2008
London, U.K.
In 2008, when the Brian Verrall Collection was put up for sale, this particular motorcycle was included among the items. It is notoriously hard to locate a Series-A Vincent. The first introduction of the prototype Series-A Rapide was done at the 1936 London Motorcycle Show. Production started in the same year, however, due to World War II, it had to be stopped in 1939 and was resumed in 1946 with the Series-B. At present, there are only a few Vincent V-twin motorcycles still in existence.
20) 1939 Vincent Hrd Series a Rapide
US$366,775 (sold for £225,500)
April, 2012
Stafford, U.K.
During the three-year period between 1936 and 1939, a total of only 78 examples of the Series A Vincent twin motorcycle were produced. This specific bike was part of the Brian Verrall collection and was sold off by Bonhams at an auction in 2008 for an impressive sum of £198,400.
21) 1950 Vincent Black Shadow Series-C
$98,720 (GBP£63,100)
November, 2014
London
Back in 2014, a 1950 Vincent Black Shadow Series C motorcycle which had a documented record was auctioned off for GBP£63,100 ($98,720).
22) 1939 Indian Four With Sidecar
$99,000
March, 2015
Las Vegas
The 1938 and 1939 F-head Fours were the end of the line for rigid-frame models, as the ones that came after that featured plunger suspension and weighed fifty more pounds. Because of this, many people regard this model as the last of the sporty four-cylinder Indians. As the company was owned by the DuPont family, a wide range of colors were available, and this striking yellow and black example is a perfect example. This 1939 Indian Four was part of the E.J. Cole Collection and was sold for ninety-nine thousand dollars. It has been restored and comes with a suitably sized Indian sidecar that has a spare wheel.
23) 1912 Harley-Davidson Single Belt-Drive
$115,000
November, 2011
IIIinois
Auctions America presented the 1912 belt-drive Harley-Davidson single, which was part of the Lee Roy Hartung Collection, for auction in November 2011. It was in pristine condition, still running perfectly as if it had never been used, and its description was “time-warp untouched condition”. The winning bid was $115,000.
24) 1936 Brough Superior SS80 With Watsonian Sport Sidecar
$115,000
January, 2015
Las Vegas, U.S
Despite not being a bike with identical numbers, the background of this 1936 Brough Superior SS80 with Watsonian Sport Sidecar is remarkable. Both the numbers were owned by the same individual, and the bike had been recently restored prior to its sale at the 2015 Las Vegas auction. It was one of Bonhams’ most successful sales and sold for a whopping $115,000.
25) 1939 Indian Four
In March 2015, EJ Cole’s collection featured a model of the Indian Four with four matching numbers, which sold for $115,500.
26) 1909 Pierce Four
$115,500
March, 2015
Las Vegas, U.S
In 1907, Percy Pierce examined the European two-wheeled sector to figure out how to create cars for Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company located in the USA. The FN four-cylinder model was taken as the foundation for the Pierce engine, shaft drive, and fork design, though the Pierce engine utilized a T-head sidevalve layout instead of an atmospheric inlet valve.
27) 1955 NSU Sportmax
$116,634 (sold for GBP£69,440)
April, 2014
Imperial War Museum, Duxford, U.K
At the conclusion of the 1954 racing period, NSU proclaimed the launch of the new 250cc single-cylinder Sportmax. Numerous privateers achieved their initial triumphs in the subsequent years on the Sportmax, which created 28 horsepower @ 9,000 revolutions per minute. This Sportmax is likely the most triumphant ever, having generated Grand Prix outcomes for two of the all-time-greats.
28) 1913 Flying Merkel Model Seventy Twin
$117,000
January 2011
Las Vegas, U.S
This Flying Merkel, which was made in the year 1913, is a Model Seventy road bike that can be started only by pedaling it and it has a 7 horsepower V-Twin engine with 61 cubic inches (1000cc) displacement. This pioneering American motorcycling model has been displayed in a noteworthy Long Island collection since it was purchased at Bonhams’ Las Vegas auction in 2011 for $117,000.
29) 1916 Excelsior “Big Valve X” Board-Tracker
When it was first released in June 1915, the Excelsior X caused a stir by taking the top spot in the Boston 300-mile relay race, beating out the teams from Harley-Davidson and Indian. Right after its launch, Carl Goudy rode an Excelsior X to an impressive victory at the Maywood Motordrome in Chicago, where he set new records in a 300-mile race. This bike was nicknamed the “Big Valve X” due to its large valves on its cylinders, which were a remarkable 2½ inches wide, giving it increased speed.
30) 1975 Ducati 750SS ‘Round Case’
In May 2008, a Ducati 750SS was acquired as a single-owner motorcycle with its engine factory-sealed. It was sold in San Francisco for $117,000 and auctioned off by Bonhams as a low-mileage, owner-original version of Ducati’s popular ‘bevel drive’ bike without having been raced.
31) 1912 Harley-Davidson x8e Big Twin
$117,300
January, 2015
Las Vegas, U.S
The 1912 Harley-Davidson X8E Big Twin is known for its remarkable colour scheme. It is believed to have been decorated with a red paint job in a drunken spree by former owner, Steve McQueen, and his companion, Von Dutch, so it will always maintain its improvised painting. In a Bonhams Las Vegas auction in January 2015, it was sold for $117,300 in perfect running form. It appears to be the original factory painting beneath the improvised paint.
32) 1914 Indian ‘Hendee Special’ 7 HP Twin
$126,500
March, 2014
Amelia Island, U.S.
A 100-year-old, unaltered ‘Indian Hendee Special’ two-cylinder Indian motorbike is available and still functional. This type is one of the few extant models of a very unique production, and is one of the most intriguing manifestations of early motorcycles. The motorbike is equipped with an electric starter, the first of its kind.
33) 1911 Flying Merkel Model 50
$126,500
October, 2006
Los Angeles, U.S
Gooding & Co auctioned off the Flying Merkel Model 50, a restored motorbike from the Otis Chandler Collection, in 2006 for a price of $126,500.
34) 1915 Indian 8-Valve Racer
US$147,125
August, 2010
Pebble Beach, U.S.
A motorbike manufactured in India with 8 cylinders was auctioned off at the Pebble Beach event in August 2010 for the sum of $147,125.
35) 1913 Henderson Four
Way back in 1911, William and Thomas Henderson started the Henderson Motorcycle business, and they created a prototype that year. The firm then began making a 934cc (57 cubic inch) four-cylinder motorcycle in January 1912, which proved to be a hit. Even though its cost was high at $325, people were attracted to the bike due to its power and smoothness. It was also a part of the Otis Chandler Collection.
36) 1955 Vincent Black Prince Project
US$153,094 (sold for £91,100)
June, 2014
Oxford, U.K.
Philip Vincent believed that the inclusion of weather protection and an engine and gearbox enclosure would turn the Vincent Series-D into the perfect motorcycle for the sophisticated rider, yet the tardy arrival of the fibreglass panels, in addition to the ongoing demand for models with more classic styling, resulted in more than half of the bikes made at the Stevenage plant being built without the protective covering.
37) 1940 Harley-Davidson El
US$159,000
January, 2014
Las Vegas, U.S.
When it comes to its place in history, nothing surpasses an American motorcycle. The 1936 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead, a V-twin engine with 61 cubic inches (1000cc) and overhead valves as well as a lubrication system that recycles oil, was very innovative for its period.
38) 1934 Crocker Speedway Bike
An appraiser estimated that a 1934 Crockett Speedway Racer (Lot S73) was worth somewhere in the range of $150,000 to $180,000 and it eventually sold for $159,500.
39) 1955 Vincent Victor Series D Prototype
US$176,801 (sold for GBP £107,100)
April, 2011
Stafford, U.K.
In 1955, the Vincent was improved with a weather guard and a casing for its engine and transmission, making it the ideal motorcycle for sophisticated riders. Approximately 200 V-twin motorcycles were created as part of the Black Knight and Black Prince series prior to the conclusion of manufacturing at the end of that year. Additionally, one prototype of a 500cc single-cylinder machine with an enclosure was constructed.
40) 1934 Indian Sport Scout
US $ 177,500
November, 2006
San Francisco, U.S
In 2006, an Indian Sport Scout belonging to Steve McQueen was sold for US$177,500 at a Bonhams motorcycle and memorabilia auction in San Francisco. Additionally, another motorcycle with a connection to McQueen, who was a huge fan of Indian motorcycles, was part of the auction.
41) 1948 Vincent Hrd Black Lightning
US$375,303 (sold for £246,000)
April 2013
War Museum, U.K.
The Black Lightning was known for being the quickest motorcycle ever when it was first made. It was a competition variation of the Black Shadow, which is why it was equipped with straight through exhausts and Amal TT carburetors. After undergoing a seven year restoration, this Lightning has established itself as a superbike and produces a powerful sound. It has been given several distinguished awards, including the Vincent Owners Club’s Best Vincent award at the Annual Rally in 2000 and the Best in Show award at the Stafford Classic Bike Show in 2005.
42) 1932 Brough Superior “BS4” 3-Wheel Austin-Engine
US$375,913 (sold for £246,400)
April 2013
War Museum, U.K.
The Brough Superior BS4 is an exceptional and hard-to-find bike, with an Austin 7 water-cooled four-cylinder engine and two rear wheels. Even though the two-rear wheel design implies that it was likely used with a sidecar, this motorcycle was instead configured to be ridden on its own.
43) 1949 Vincent Black Lightning Supercharged
US$383,317 (sold for £221,500)
October, 2008
Stafford, U.K.
Reg Dearden, with the assistance of Phil Vincent and his Vincent company, constructed this bike for the purpose of competing for the World Land Speed Record. The full story is worth reading, since the attempt was never actually made for various reasons. This motorbike is a truly unique piece of machinery with impeccable credentials.
44) 1942 Crocker Big Tank
US$385,000
March, 2015
Las Vegas, U.S.
In March 2015, a Crocker V Twin from the E.J. Cole Collection manufactured in 1942 was put up for auction, with an estimated selling price of between $300,000 and $350,000. Ultimately, the bike was sold for a record-breaking $385,000, surpassing its projected value by $85,000.
45) Harley-Davidson 1959 Flh Panhead
US$385,000
January, 2015
Kissimmee, Florida, U.S.
Before he achieved fame, Jerry Lee Lewis had the nickname of “The Killer” and was recognized as one of the first “bad boys” of rock & roll. It is remarkable that, despite the fact that many of the wild people in the music industry have since passed away, his initial success was still five years prior to the Beatles or the Rolling Stones arriving on the scene. For his accomplishments, Lewis has been rewarded with twelve gold records, a few Grammy awards, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and was chosen by Rolling Stone magazine as number 24 on the list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.
46) 1934 Brough Superior SS100
US$394,101 (sold for £242,300)
April, 2012
Stafford, U.K.
This bike has its original frame and engine, along with a works record card, some original documents, and an issue of Motorcycle Classics magazine with a review written by Alan Cathcart. It is powered by a redesigned JAP 8/75hp twin-cylinder engine with two oil pumps, magnetos, and carburetors, and uses a four-speed Sturmey-Archer gearbox. In 1934, only eight SS100s were produced; one of them was ordered by Lawrence of Arabia, though he never got to receive it since he died in a motorcycle accident. This bike has been featured in Murray’s Motorcycle Museum on the Isle of Man and the Goodwood Revival.
47) 1911 Flying Merkel Board Track Racer
US$423,500
March, 2015
Las Vegas, U.S.
This bike has its original frame and engine, along with a works record card, some original documents, and an issue of Motorcycle Classics magazine with a review written by Alan Cathcart. It is powered by a redesigned JAP 8/75hp twin-cylinder engine with two oil pumps, magnetos, and carburetors, and uses a four-speed Sturmey-Archer gearbox. In 1934, only eight SS100s were produced; one of them was ordered by Lawrence of Arabia, though he never got to receive it since he died in a motorcycle accident. This bike has been featured in Murray’s Motorcycle Museum on the Isle of Man and the Goodwood Revival.
48) 1894 Roper Steam Motorcycle
High bid of US425,000 (passed in)
January, 2012
Las Vegas, U.S.
This particular motorbike didn’t manage to get sold at auction, but we still included it in our top 10 list since it would have been a frontrunner if its reserve price of $425,000 had been met. You can get a full account of this time-honored bike in the feature article we released when the bidding was going on. It is thought by some to be the oldest running motorcycle globally and it is part of the Roper family, which may comprise of the first-ever constructed motorbike. Unfortunately, Sylvester Roper passed away after a crash while riding this motorbike.
49) 1939 Brough Superior SS100
US$425,943 (sold for £253,500)
April, 2014
Stafford, U.K
Brough Superior was a British motorbike company that stopped making bikes in 1939. However, this particular bike was created for and widely used by George Brough, who was one of the final Broughs to be manufactured. This bike is as original and has as much documentation as any other Brough that has been preserved.
50) 1929 Brough Superior SS100
US$448,156 (sold for £286,000)
October, 2010
Sparkford, U.K.
Those who own a Brough Superior motorcycle can draw motivation from this case, which was able to fetch such a high price because it was completely renovated and was a model of the best kind. The Brough is renowned for its advanced features, such as the Bentley and Draper suspension frames, double headlights, and three-speed gearboxes.
Also read:- 50 Most Expensive Cars In The World