Motorbikes

Overview

Motorcycles have a very committed following, and similarly to cars people often hanker after what they originally wanted as a youngster.

If space is at a premium then a two wheeled machine may be more suitable, because the space needed for even the smallest of cars can house a small collection of motorbikes.

Original, unmolested or well restored machines are popular with buyers, as recent results at Harper Field show. A 1951 BMW made over £16,000 when two bidders were both absolutely determined to take it home - the quality of restoration was second to none, and when delivered it immediately fired up and ran as if had just come out of the factory.

At the other end of the scale a 350cc OHV Blackburne engine d1927 Cotton made £4,800 - found in a property in Cheltenham where it had been stored in a part dismantled state for a number of years, a trip to the Gloucester records office verified the number plate as having originally been from the bike and even better was first registered to Cotton themselves, possibly as a works racer.

Japanese machines such as Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha were a revolution in their day, a far cry from the more conservative British machines, and a recently sold 1961 Honda CB92 had been owned by the vendor’s father then by the vendor himself since 1965. It had been dry stored for a number of years so required some recommissioning, but was complete and turned over. At only 125cc it still produced 11.5hp due to being the sports version and was bought by someone who had one when a teenager and wanted to relive this time. It made £5,300 with strong bidding from the internet, in the room and on multiple telephone lines.