The air crackled with anticipation. Bidders, a mix of seasoned collectors and wide-eyed enthusiasts, held their breath as the gavel hovered over the gleaming chrome of a vintage machine. The final bid was called, a collective gasp echoed through the room, and another piece of motorcycle history had found a new home, for a price that would make the average rider’s helmet spin. This is the captivating world of motorcycle auctions, where two-wheeled dreams and deep pockets collide.
Motorcycles, beyond being mere modes of transportation, have always held a special place in our hearts. They are symbols of freedom, rebellion, and the open road. For some, they represent a passion, an obsession, a work of art in motion. It’s no wonder that certain motorcycles transcend their utilitarian purpose and become highly sought-after collector’s items. But what makes a motorcycle worthy of fetching a fortune at auction? The answer lies in a complex blend of factors: rarity, pristine condition, a well-documented provenance, historical significance, and, of course, undeniable aesthetic beauty.
Prepare to be captivated as we journey through the history of motorcycle collecting. We’ll explore ten of the most visually stunning and historically important motorcycles that have graced the auction block, exploring what made each of them special. Prepare for a journey through two-wheeled art.
The Legendary Brough Superior SS One Hundred
Few motorcycles embody the essence of pre-war elegance and engineering prowess like the Brough Superior SS One Hundred. Imagine a machine built with meticulous attention to detail, a true “Rolls-Royce of Motorcycles.” That’s precisely what George Brough, the visionary behind the marque, aimed to create. The SS One Hundred was not merely a motorcycle; it was a statement.
Its design is a masterpiece of clean lines and balanced proportions. The sweeping curves of the fuel tank, the gleaming chrome accents, and the hand-painted pinstripes all contribute to an aura of timeless sophistication. The exposed valve gear, the distinctive saddle, and the overall stance exude power and grace in equal measure.
Beyond its aesthetics, the Brough Superior SS One Hundred holds a significant place in motorcycle history. Each motorcycle was individually tested and guaranteed to achieve speeds of one hundred miles per hour, hence the “One Hundred” designation. This was an incredible feat for its time, solidifying the Brough Superior’s reputation for performance and reliability. Examples have been sold at auction for sums exceeding six figures in most currencies. The SS One Hundred is prized for its scarcity (only a limited number were ever produced), impeccable condition (many have been meticulously restored), and fascinating history. To own an SS One Hundred is to own a piece of motorcycling legend.
The Streamlined Beauty of the BMW R Sixty Nine S
From across the Atlantic, BMW also made a mark on the history of motorcycling. The BMW R Sixty Nine S represents a pinnacle of German engineering and design from the nineteen sixties. It’s a harmonious blend of form and function, a motorcycle that looks as good as it performs.
The R Sixty Nine S boasts a sleek, streamlined silhouette, a testament to the era’s fascination with aerodynamics. Its iconic Earles fork suspension, combined with the horizontally opposed “boxer” engine, gives it a distinctive and instantly recognizable appearance. The meticulous craftsmanship, the high-quality materials, and the attention to detail are evident in every aspect of the machine.
The BMW R Sixty Nine S was not only beautiful; it was also a performance leader. Its smooth, torquey engine and responsive handling made it a favorite among enthusiasts and racers alike. At auction, pristine examples of the R Sixty Nine S command impressive prices, driven by their desirability among collectors who appreciate their classic design, impeccable engineering, and enduring appeal.
Cyclone Board Track Racer: Speed and Style from the Dawn of Racing
Step back in time to the early days of motorcycle racing, a period of daring riders and ferocious machines. The Cyclone Board Track Racer captures the essence of this era. Though the Cyclone’s lifespan was short, its impact was huge.
The Cyclone’s minimalist design is all about speed. Its stripped-down frame, low handlebars, and powerful engine are designed for one thing: to conquer the banked wooden tracks that were the proving grounds of early racers. The lack of brakes, the exposed mechanicals, and the overall rawness of the machine speak to a time when motorcycling was a truly visceral experience. It exudes danger and excitement.
The Cyclone Board Track Racer is extremely rare, with only a handful of examples known to exist. This scarcity, combined with its historical significance and undeniable visual appeal, makes it one of the most highly sought-after motorcycles in the world. Examples that find their way to auction inevitably attract the attention of serious collectors willing to pay a premium for a piece of motorcycle racing history.
Vincent Black Shadow: Darkness and Performance
Heralded as the world’s fastest production motorcycle for many years after its introduction, the Vincent Black Shadow remains an icon of British engineering. More than just fast, the Shadow is a striking machine.
Its all-black livery, a departure from the brightly colored motorcycles of its time, gives it a sinister and imposing presence. The exposed engine, the minimalist instrumentation, and the overall purposeful design contribute to its unique aesthetic. The Black Shadow is a motorcycle that means business.
The Vincent Black Shadow was not only visually striking; it was also a performance benchmark. Its powerful v-twin engine and innovative design made it the fastest production motorcycle of its era, capable of speeds exceeding a hundred and twenty miles per hour. Examples in excellent condition, particularly those with original components, command high prices at auction. The allure of the Black Shadow lies in its combination of style, performance, and legendary status.
Harley-Davidson Strap Tank: A Pioneer of American Motorcycling
Before it was a household name, Harley-Davidson was a small startup in Milwaukee with big ambitions. The Harley-Davidson Strap Tank represents the very beginning of this iconic American brand.
The Strap Tank’s simple, utilitarian design reflects the early days of motorcycling. The exposed engine, the rudimentary suspension, and the leather straps that secure the fuel tank to the frame all speak to a time when motorcycles were still a novelty. Despite its simplicity, the Strap Tank possesses a certain charm and a raw, honest beauty.
The Strap Tank is extremely rare, with only a handful of examples surviving to this day. It serves as a tangible link to the origins of Harley-Davidson and the early days of American motorcycling. Examples that appear at auction are highly sought after by collectors who recognize their historical significance and the rarity of these pioneering machines.
Norton Manx: The Quintessential Racing Machine
Domination on the Isle of Man. That’s what the Norton Manx was built for. The Manx is pure function, distilled into a beautiful form.
Its lightweight frame, sleek bodywork, and powerful single-cylinder engine were designed for one purpose: to win races. The purposeful design, the minimalist instrumentation, and the overall sense of speed and agility make it a visually striking machine. The Manx screams pure performance.
The Norton Manx was a dominant force in motorcycle racing for decades, winning countless races and championships. Its racing pedigree, combined with its undeniable visual appeal, makes it a highly desirable motorcycle among collectors. Those with strong racing history are more valuable than others.
Ducati Ninety Zero Zero Super Sport: Italian Flair and Performance
Few motorcycles exude Italian passion and performance like the Ducati Ninety Zero Zero Super Sport. From its sleek lines to its distinctive engine, it’s a visual masterpiece.
Its trellis frame, sculpted bodywork, and bright red paint scheme are instantly recognizable. The overall design is aggressive and purposeful, reflecting the motorcycle’s sporting intentions. The Ducati is a head turner.
The Ducati Ninety Zero Zero Super Sport was not only beautiful; it was also a performance leader. Its powerful engine and sharp handling made it a favorite among racers and enthusiasts alike. Examples in excellent condition command significant prices at auction, driven by their desirability among collectors who appreciate their Italian design, performance capabilities, and enduring appeal.
Triumph Bonneville: British Cool and Classic Style
The Triumph Bonneville is a design that still resonates. Its simple design that embodies the classic style that helped shape the motorcycle culture of the nineteen sixties.
Its parallel-twin engine, clean lines, and comfortable riding position made it a favorite among riders of all ages. The Bonneville is a stylish and practical motorcycle that is both fun to ride and easy to maintain. Today, Triumph continues the Bonneville legacy.
The Triumph Bonneville holds a special place in motorcycle history as one of the most iconic and influential motorcycles of all time. Examples in excellent condition are highly sought after by collectors who appreciate their classic style, reliability, and enduring appeal.
Honda CB Seven Fifty: The Motorcycle That Changed Everything
The Honda CB Seven Fifty is another one that changed the game. While not typically seen in the highest echelon of auctions, pristine or customized examples become collectors items.
The inline-four engine set a new standard for smoothness and reliability. The overall design was simple and functional, yet still aesthetically pleasing. While not as flashy as some of its Italian or British counterparts, the CB Seven Fifty possessed a timeless quality that has helped it remain popular to this day.
The Honda CB Seven Fifty revolutionized the motorcycle industry. Its affordability, reliability, and performance made it accessible to a wide range of riders and helped to popularize motorcycling around the world. While perhaps not as valuable as some of the other motorcycles on this list, pristine or highly customized examples of the CB Seven Fifty are increasingly sought after by collectors who appreciate its historical significance and its role in shaping modern motorcycling.
MV Agusta Seven Fifty S: A Symphony of Style and Speed
Finally, the MV Agusta Seven Fifty S represents the pinnacle of Italian motorcycle design and engineering. From its stunning aesthetics to its thrilling performance, it’s a true masterpiece.
Its sleek lines, vibrant color scheme, and distinctive four-cylinder engine made it a head-turner wherever it went. The attention to detail, the high-quality materials, and the overall sense of luxury set it apart from its competitors. The MV Agusta Seven Fifty S is a work of art.
The MV Agusta Seven Fifty S was not only beautiful; it was also incredibly fast. Its powerful engine and agile handling made it a formidable competitor on the racetrack. This combination of style, performance, and exclusivity makes it one of the most highly sought-after motorcycles in the world, with examples commanding premium prices at auction. The Seven Fifty S is often referred to as the most beatiful.
The Enduring Allure of Motorcycle Auctions
The motorcycles highlighted above represent just a small fraction of the beautiful and valuable machines that have crossed the auction block. These sales showcase the enduring allure of classic motorcycles. They are testaments to the artistry, engineering, and passion that have shaped the history of motorcycling.
These machines offer more than just transportation. They offer a connection to history, a chance to own a piece of art, and a thrill that few other vehicles can provide. It is this unique combination of factors that continues to drive the market for collectible motorcycles and ensures that these beautiful machines will continue to fetch top dollar at auctions for years to come.
