Bonhams Sells Historic Vincent and Another Steve McQueen Indian

The functional sculpture seen here recently sold at a Bonhams auction held Sunday, 28 April, in at the International Classic MotorCycle Show at the Staffordshire County Showground in the U.K. This 1952 Vincent Black Shadow is a historic machine in so many ways, it actually set eight new records while attempting to set a 24-hour endurance mark in France. The main goal was not achieved, unfortunately. The Black Shadow was already a legend before it ended its production run in 1955, and this specific model has an incredible provenance - about £113,500 (~US$176K) worth of historic appeal, to be precise. Steve McQueen's 1914 Indian Model F also changed hands, this to the tune of £32,200 (~US$49,750). There is more, so check the links:

http://tinyurl.com/cy39jkv

http://tinyurl.com/buu2cvb

Rare MV Agustas at Auction - The Gary Kohs Collection

See, this is absolute proof that I was never meant to be a collector of fine motorcycles. The past few years have seen some of the nicest, rarest, and most beautiful MV Agusta machines roll across the auction block...and this writer is worth more dead than alive! These bikes will only go up in value in the next decade as the super-wealthy start collecting vintage motorcycles (and it is becoming a fad among the Wall Street set). Thus, those lovely 'fire engines' and fire-breathing beasts will forever remain a dream, even to ride as they will probably be put behind glass and displayed or locked away in a massive garage outside Manhattan.

Anyway, if you happen to have some spare coin, head to Monterey in August:

http://tinyurl.com/7brk6b8

Lamborghini Design 90 - Did You Know?

Did you know it existed? Very few did...probably one reason only six Lamborghini Design 90 motorcycles, a partnership between the ultra-car company and French motorcycle racing extraordinaire Boxer, were built. Enjoy that 1980s design aesthetic.

http://tinyurl.com/63rwbq6

Mladin Gear to Be Acutioned & Some WSBK Portimao Previews

Mat Mladin, long-time AMA Pro Racing Superbike competitor and multi-time champion, will be auctioning off some of his Rockstar Makita Suzuki gear, most items autographed, for the De Coster's Kids Motivational Program charity. The De Coster charity was set up by Bob Sparenberg with the purpose of keeping kids off drugs and other intoxicants and focuses them on getting their lives ready for the future. Take the link to learn more.

http://tinyurl.com/ylcdm8u

The second round of the 2010 World Superbike Championship is soon to be upon us. It will take place at the now very popular Portimao circuit in Portugal. We now have some race previews popping up ahead of the event. First up is Paul Bird Motorsports Kawasaki; Chris Vermeulen is still injured and is hoping to get fit ahead of the event. Tom Sykes is only hoping to improve on his 13th place at the Phillip Island round.

http://tinyurl.com/yz76osn

We also just received news that Makoto Tamada will have a one-off ride on the Reitwagen BMW at the Portimao WSBK round: http://tinyurl.com/yhw6gdm

Monday Afternoon Moto News - IronHorse Auction Date Set & Honda VFR1200F Sales

We probably all heard that American IronHorse has closed and its assets will be offered at auction by a liquidation specialist. Well, they have finally set a date for the auction itself - bids may be entered on items in the auction up until 17:00 (local time) 19 March 2010 and the auction will be taking place in New York City on 23 March 2010. All trademarks will be up for sale as well as the entire builder's shop (tools, patents, motorcycles, motorcycle parts, etc.). For all of the details, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yl3lowt

In the UK, the Honda VFR1200F became the top-selling motorcycle in the nation during the month of February. This comes at the expense of critics there which pretty much panned the new sport-tourer from the team at Honda - MCN(UK) called it a serious let-down and not worth the asking price. Given the competition, it was not exactly un-called for - the VFR needs a little more high-tech equipment to really unseat such tourers as the BMW models, Ducati's Multistrada and even the Guzzi Stelvio ABS. But, the buyers seem happy enough...and Honda is the one laughing its way to the bank...

http://tinyurl.com/y8ak7c9

Even MORE News - Father and Son AHRMA Effort & Two Auctions!

Art Delor and his son, Alex, will be competing in the Daytona Bike Week AHRMA races in Florida this week (starting today, actually). Delor races a historic Indian and even takes it as far as wearing an authentic Indian racing uniform and keeping his 1939-40 Indian logbook. His 17-year-old son Alex is his pit crew, and he has over 9 years of experience with helping his father race. There is more after the links.

http://tinyurl.com/ycgtgh2

http://tinyurl.com/y9eea2b

With results from Monday: http://tinyurl.com/yd649ee

Bonhams managed to clean out the RAF Museum in Hendon, UK. However, they were selling motorcycles from history, not British aerial warfare artifacts. The Pampalona Collection was up for auction with over 100 machines, mostly pre-1950, and 88% of the items offered were sold. For some details about the event, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/y9gdoxu

The Daytona Antique and Classic Motorcycle Auction will be held on Saturday 6 March 2010 at Stetson University in Deland, Florida. There is not much detail beyond that after the link, but at least you can get the address.

http://tinyurl.com/yfzeub4

Early photos from the event: http://tinyurl.com/y8qj4zh

MORE Afternoon Moto News - Yamaha Celebrates & Bonhams Vintage European Auction

Yamaha Motor Company has released some videos to celebrate their 2009 racing season. Champions Ben Spies, Cal Crutchlow, Tony Cairoli and James Stewart and their race machines are featured in these highlight videos from last season. Yamaha has a way with these things and they are well worth watching.

http://tinyurl.com/yarmqy2

At the Bonhams sale of An Important European Collection of Pioneer, Vintage and Collectors’ Motorcycles at the RAF Museum, Hendon on 27 February 2010, a selection of small and some strange European motorcycles will be auctioned. They will have everything there from a three-seater 1937 Böhmerland 603cc Langtouren all the way to a "penny farthing" - which is a converted bicycle. For more information, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yhy473o

Saturday Morning Moto News - Bakker Nelis, Recalls & Buell Liquidation

Remember the Suzuki TL1000? It had a great engine, but was let down just a bit by its chassis. Well, Dutch chassis man Nico Bakker has taken the engine from that Suzuki machine and placed it a frame of his own design - it is destined to become a Triumph Speed Triple competitor, but it is a bit more expensive. Take the the link to see for yourself...

http://tinyurl.com/y97xeg2

We have heard endless articles written about the Aprilia RSV-4 engine recall...but, we have not heard much about Kawasaki's recall of their 2009 Super Sherpa KL250G9F. Apparently, there is an issue with plastic pieces - from the painting process - getting into the engine and seizing a camshaft. You need to get that one checked quick!

http://tinyurl.com/yzhzllh

Over at the former Buell plant the liquidation of the factory has now started. There were many interesting items available on the first day, but there were only a few 'great deals' available at this time. The vehicles, for instance, were all at Blue Book value. It must have been a rather sad day for fans of the marque...but some got good deals and some will get them later.

http://tinyurl.com/yfwxlue

Even More Monday Afternoon Moto News - Buell Auction and Husky

The Buell factory in Easy Troy, Wisconsin, will be auctioning off equipment from the factory and some motorcycles used for design duties - though none of them are Buells. The motorcycles are a 1999 BMW R1100RT, a 1998 KTM Dakar, a 2007 Triumph Speed Triple and a 2008 KTM SuperDuke. Also available will be trucks, tools, lifts trailers and much, much more. It all starts on 28 January 2010 and will lats about a month, or until most everything sells. Get there or lose out on some great deals.

http://tinyurl.com/yb6wun7

Husqvarna is looking for more dealers in the United States. Now that they are part of BMW, the company is in great financial shape and is producing some of the most interesting, good looking and useful motorcycles in the world. I would become a dealer, but they would probably not have me. So, if you are lucky enough to be attending the Dealer Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana, 13 - 15 February 2010, stop by their booth and you may find yourself selling Husky bikes.

http://tinyurl.com/yc9g59q

Thursday Has Even More Moto News for Us - Historic Auction, Desmosedici and AHRMA

Coming up at a Bonhams auction in Stafford, England, on 25 April 2010, a model from the very first production motorcycle batch will be auctioned off. The 1895 (circa) Hildebrand & Wolfmüller is considered by experts to be the first motorcycle built on a production line and it was also the first two-wheeled vehicle to be called 'motorcycle' - actually, it was the German 'motorrad'. The estimate is between £110,000 to £300,000!

http://tinyurl.com/ylhwzgd

Ducati has now decided to explain why they have changed the firing order of the cylinders of the Desmosedici GP10. It is often referred to as a 'big bang' engine and Ducati has done it to make their MotoGP bike easier to ride and, thus, race. They have also had to update almost all parts of the engine internals to improve the engine life to meet the new 6 engine limit for the season.

http://tinyurl.com/ylnbuxx

The AHRMA has selected Bubba Blackwell to be Grand Marshall for the 2010 Road Racing Events at Daytona International Speedway. Blackwell has a long list of race victories, was "AMA/CCS Heavyweight Superbike National Champion" and then went into doing stunts around the US on a H-D XR-750. You can be a part of the events 1 - 2 March 2010 at the Speedway.

http://tinyurl.com/ychnbmw

Tuesday Afternoon Moto News - Mid-America Auction, A Yamaha Wheel and Wrooom!

This is the first report I have come across from the Las Vegas Mid-America vintage motorcycle auction. Apparently, the number of bikes in the auction was less than previous events by about 100 consignments. However, there were plenty of great historic motorcycles to get your hands on if you had the money. About 20% were Triumphs, so the linked article focuses on this more than the others. Enjoy!

http://tinyurl.com/yjcmlut

Finally, more news: http://tinyurl.com/yh6nnvh

And, about Day 3: http://tinyurl.com/yb4pzcn

Another design which did not make it into the previous post. This is something really out of this world! It is a one-wheel 'motorcycle' from the mind of Japanese designer Yuji Fujimura. He calls it the Yamaha Wheel Rider. Really, you owe yourself a look...

http://tinyurl.com/yc5pd68

And, finally for this post, we get the press release from Ducati about the Wrooom 2010. There are plenty of bits about the new GP10 bike, Nicky Hayden and Casey Stoner. Since it is a PR, just have a read and learn what Ducati wants us to know about the huge (and very expensive) event held in the Italian ski resort of Madonna di Campiglio.

http://tinyurl.com/yd2lsqb

Monday Afternoon Moto News - Comoto and a Bonhams Auction

From the minds at Hirsch Design comes the 2010 Comoto. Yes, it will be for sale this year, and not too far away from now. This electric motorcycle (cum mountain bike?) machine is certainly for off-road only, but it does have the tools to make it fun. The bike only weighs 118 pounds and can go more than 40 mph for about 30 miles on one charge. No word on pricing yet...


http://tinyurl.com/yd6gknn

Another big auction is coming our way, but it is in England at the RAF Museum in Hendon (London). Over 100 rare and even pre-20th-century motorcycles will be for sale - all are pre-1950. This is part of the Pampalona Collection which normally resides in Spain. You do not want to miss this one!

http://tinyurl.com/yjsoval

Thursday Morning Classic Bike News

The first part of this post is another eBay find - a 1941 Indian Sport Scout. It looks to be un-restored and the owner claims only 19,000 miles. It is also said that the engine turns over and has good compression, but no other details are mentioned. At last look, the auction was at US$10,100 and the reserve price had not yet been met. Take a look at history and imagine being able to buy this one...

http://tinyurl.com/ybvu22d

Next, we have a story about a tour through Texas on British singles, believe it or not. Given the extensive road network and huge distances between places in the state, it is hard to imagine driving so far on such small motorcycles, but the author and some friends did just that. They spend a great deal of time enjoying the Texas Hill Country...and so should you!

http://tinyurl.com/y96w8u4

Even More New Year's Eve News from the Moto World

Let's start with some very rare motorcycles for sale...

The blog Rare SportBikes for Sale has listed an incredible collection up for sale. From a classic MV Agusta 850SS to a Ducati 900SS and even a Cagiva Mito! Only some prices are mentioned, but you can expect the very rare ones to sell for somewhere in the 5 to 6 digits - if only I had a trust fund! Please take a look and you might find something you want and can afford...

http://tinyurl.com/ychte3u

We also have a quick note about yet another BMW recall. Almost all models of the F650GS and F800GS - at least those made between January 2008 and January 2009 (which includes model years 2008 - 2010) - are being recalled to fix a stalling problem. Have a look...

http://tinyurl.com/yafnda2

We are also reminded of the 19th Annual MidAmerica Vintage Motorcycle Auction in Las Vegas. It will be held from 7 - 9 January 2010 and will include several machines from all eras of motorcycle production, but with special focus on the 1970's and 1980's Japanese motorcycles. If you can get there, GO!

http://tinyurl.com/ybmavbk

Thousands Gather for Australian Motorcycle Auction from The Stable

The Stable is a large motorcycle shop which went out of business about a month ago, unfortunately. The owners of the shop auctioned off everything from the now defunct store. The auction included over 60 motorcycles, 15 of which were new, and was a big success...unless you count the fact that there is one less place to shop for a new or used motorcycle now.

http://tinyurl.com/y9hlbhu

Nick Anglada Builds Baseball-Themed Custom for Charity

Nick Anglada and Ken Griffey, Jr. actually worked together on the project and it will be auctioned off to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The work which went into changing the Yamaha / Star cruiser is amazing - the vaporised titanium coating alone sets it apart, and is sure to have cost some serious money. Have a look - not my taste, but it will certainly be loved by someone, especially the children who it helps.

http://tinyurl.com/yc9c7dc

Two Very Rare Motorcycles to be Auctioned - Brough Superior SS80

These two historic machines will be auctioned off by H&H Classic Auctions in a few days. Both are Brough Superior SS80 motorcycles, one from 1926 and one from 1930, and both are very rare motorcycles. The 1926 model is pictured here. Cash in your 401(k) and own a piece of history - and some very cool motorcycles!

http://tinyurl.com/yfr44b4

Second Annual Quail Motorcycle Gathering Scheduled for 2010

This event is one which many of us dream of attending - it is held during the local "Legends" weekend in the Monterey, California, peninsula. The Quail Motorcycle Gathering is only in its second year and it already has a broad following - especially in the historic motorcycle crowd - and it will only get larger. This is an expensive trip (the link will also get you a discounted admission to the Gathering), but it will be worth it if you love drooling over beautiful motorcycles, or you want to purchase one at the Bonham's auction held during the event.

http://tinyurl.com/yl4a7ov

The 1914 Jefferson V-Twin Motorcycle - To Be Auctioned

The Mid-America auction to be held in Las Vegas during 7 - 9 January 2010 will have many historic and rare motorcycles for sale. The 1914 Jefferson V-Twin will be one of those. It is the pinnacle of manufacture for the tiny American company as they stopped production in 1914. The machine has some advanced features for the time and was a worthy competitor in the industry...too bad that it had to end, but you may get to own one if you attend the auction!

http://tinyurl.com/yf5pw7d

Must Read: Online Used Motorcycle Scams to Avoid

The topic of this article is something with which even I am familiar - having been lucky enough to catch the scam before any of my own money was lost - and which everyone who is looking to sell of buy a used motorcycle online. They will try everything to get what you have for themselves, so you must be extremely cautious - especially if anything in the linked article happens to you. Read it and make sure you understand it all.

http://tinyurl.com/yzwvv3e