The Quail Motorcycle Gathering was held this past weekend and in conjunction with the other activities, Bonhams held an auction. I was curious about the results so I browsed past Steve McQueen's FIM international driver's license, which sold for $42,700, and instead looked over the motorcycles. The top seller was a 1950 Vincent Series C White Shadow which sold for $111,150. A … [Read more...]
Ducati Desmosedici RR – Motorcycle or Art?
The Ducati Desmosedici RR may not be a motorcycle at all, I'm beginning to think it's art. Not long ago, in a post titled Collectible Motorcycles - Memories and History, I said this: Will any Desmosedici owner run it hard and really enjoy it or will they all be carefully preserved under glass? Most likely, they will all be treated as so special the risk of actually breaking … [Read more...]
Collectible Motorcycles – Memories and History
Yesterday I asked whether collectible motorcycles were collectible by intention or accident. It seems the intentional collectible is a kind of hopeful fantasy, on the part of both manufacturer and buyer. They want lightning to strike twice by recalling the former glory of a model long gone, or sometimes on the company's part, they want to create something special out of thin … [Read more...]
Collectible Motorcycles – Intentional or Accidental?
Are the most highly prized collectible motorcycles intentionally designed from the start to be collectible or do they happen by accident? Is it some cosmetic or stylish addition that makes the difference or a focus on quality and function that stands out? Asked that way, the answer may seem obvious, marketers and designers try to force the issue but buyers determine what they … [Read more...]
Minnesota Motorcycle Auction
Just noticed there's a motorcycle auction coming up October 6th in St. Paul, Minnesota. Some nice bikes on the block including the vintage Harley Davidson hill climber shown above. Although it's really easy to browse and buy almost any motorcycle online, sometimes, if you have the time, it's nice to check out an auction and see things up close. So, if you are planning to be in … [Read more...]
Arcane Worldwide Racing Liquidation Auction
There's an auction May 31st, 2007 to liquidate the assets of Arcane Worldwide Racing. Yes, this is short notice but I just found out. Hank Booth raced motorcycles at the Bonneville Salt Flats and this no reserve auction takes place in Great Falls, Montana. His Arcane Worldwide Racing is up for auction with several motorcycles and quite a few tools and parts on the block. … [Read more...]