Reader Tim C sent me an interesting photo of an American soldier in Germany – can you identify what bike he’s on?
1938 Velocette GTP
The “Velocette” came about in 1913 as a way to differentiate 2-stroke models from the 4-strokes that Veloce making at the time. Company founders preferred the “ette” to the point that they the renamed the brand. No matter the name, the British firm earned a reputation of a fine builder of top-notch 2-strokers with clever technology such as a oil …
1940 Excelsior Villiers Welbike
Post Sale Update: This Welbike sold for $10,100 after 54 bids on eBay. At the request of the British government, Excelsior developed the Welbike, a tiny single seater that was designed to be dropped into combat situations via parachute-equipped containers. The goal was that it could be unpacked and ready to ride within 11 seconds.
Brutale-Based 1 of 10 – 2014 Walt Siegl Motorcycles Bol d’Or
Walt Siegl came of age during MV Agusta’s reign of Grand Prix supremacy, so fast forward a few dozen years to where Walt has established himself as one of the premier custom builders in the world, and it makes sense that the Austrian would want to build a bike (or ten) celebrating MV’s rich racing heritage.
In Italy – 1954 MV Agusta CSS Disco Volante
The MV Agusta Disco Volante (Italian for Flying Saucer, affectionately named due to the distinctive tank) was formally known as the 175 CSS. It was a popular “Super Sport” that’s a perfect candidate for your local Giro.
Rare Italian – 1969 Romeo Sprint Super Sport
Post Listing Update: This Romeo did not meet reserve despite 16 bids up to $1,575 on eBay. Founded by Eduardo Po, Moto Romeo was an italian manufacturer based out of Modena from 1969 to 1975 that utilized Minarelli engines. In 1976, Eduardo’s sons took over and renamed the company Motrom. They initially wanted to call it “Motom” as a blend …
Restored – 1939 Norton 16H
Post Sale Update: This Norton sold for $10,601 after 32 bids on eBay. Between the impressively distant years of 1911 and 1954, Norton produced a series of bikes all around a 490cc side-valve engine. These bikes were referred to as the 16H – H stood for Home, as in a domestic model. The 16C (Colonial) was introduced in ’21 for …
Trendsetter – 1962 Honda C100 Super Cub 50
Post Listing Update: This Super Cub did not get any interest at the BIN of $1,500. If my review of the new Honda Super Cub has you jonesing for the bike that started it all, here’s a 50+ year old survivor that helped make American Honda the force it is today.
Press Release – Nonstop to Nowhere
On March 29th, Paul Pelland (you may know him as Longhaulpaul) already owns two long distance riding records, and he’s going to attempt number three “by riding a motorcycle 24 hours non-stop on a dynamometer”. If you live near Gardner, Massachusetts you can check out the attempt in person at Rob’s Dyno Services, otherwise you’ll be able to stream it …
Factory ATP Kit Replica – 1981 Yamaha Turbo 1
Post Sale Update: This Yamaha sold for $3,520 after 3 bids on eBay. I learned two things today: 1.) Yamaha Motor USA has their own Tumblr account 2.) Before the Seca Turbo, Yamaha dabbled with a factory-supported turbocharged machine. Meet the “Turbo 1”.
Sold at Mecum – 1986 Honda CBX750 RC17
This January, Mecum auctioned off this CBX750FE for $4,400 (plus buyer’s premium). Now the new owner is looking for $6,995. Will he get it?
572 of 800 – 2000 Buell X1 Lightning Millennium
Presumably named after its year of release, the Buell X1 Lightning Millennium was a limited production run (800 bikes) that was all about silver aesthetics. Half of the bikes were sold in the US, and the majority of the remaining units went to Europe.
February 2019 Result Highlights
Last month we saw some great bikes – but did they sell? And if so, for how much?
Story Intermission – Fonzie’s 1952 Triumph TR5
A couple of years ago, I shared a Triumph Trophy 500 that was claimed to be one of the three bikes used by Arthur Fonzarelli’s character in the show Happy Days. It was offered on eBay for $100k with no interest, then it sold last year at a “Hollywood Legends” event by Julien’s Auctions in Las Vegas for $179,200. One …
British Single Replica Racer – 2004 Molnar Manx Norton
The Norton Manx is one of the most legendary race bikes of all time, and rightfully so. The British single claimed the top spot of the podium at the TT from ‘31 to ‘54 (aside from two years). The Manx was produced (and remained competitive) for more than a decade-and-a-half by the famed British marque, which offered the machine in …