Bonhams celebrated its best-ever motorcycle sale at the Classic MotorCycle Show in Stafford on April 27, 2008, achieving several world record prices in a storming sale that totaled $4,188,081 (£2,112,099). This is the highest ever sale total for any UK motorcycle sale.

The 1934 Brough Superior 996cc SS100 made top price of $330,152 (£166,500) – a world record price for the model and the highest price ever paid for a British motorcycle at auction. This beat the previous record of $324,402 (£163,600) for a 1954 AJS Porcupine also sold by Bonhams at Stafford in 2000.

The Brough Superior, a rare example of this legendary pre-war superbike, represented the JAP-engined SS100 in its ultimate form. Incorporating ‘two of everything’ (carburetors, magnetos, oil pumps), it was one of only six made to this specification in 1934 and retained its original frame, engine and registration mark. The machine formed part of the Murray Motorcycle Museum Collection in the Isle of Man from 1973 to 2005.

Other highlights included:

• 1928 Coventry-Eagle 980cc Flying-8 – sold for $199,281 (£100,500). One of only a relative handful of overhead-valve-engined Flying-8s known to survive, this 1928 example was in highly original ‘oily rag’ condition and was offered for sale for the first time in 25 years. 
• 1928 Windhoff 746cc Four – sold for $199,281 (£100,500). A rare survivor of this innovative German marque, this unique and imposing machine had undergone a complete restoration prior to the sale.
• 1953 Vincent 998cc Series-C Black Shadow – sold $116,396 (£58,700). This highly sought-after Vincent – owned by two brothers for the first 50 years of its life – was sold by the third owner who undertook a sympathetic restoration of the remarkably original machine.
• Vincent and Brough models were very much in demand and were 100% sold in the Bonhams’ sale. These included a 1950 Vincent 998cc Series-C Shadow ($81,497, or £41,100), the Vincent Owners Club Spares Company 2007 998cc Black Shadow ($68,410, or £34,500) and the 1935 Brough Superior 982cc SS80 ($72,772, or £36,700).
• The ex-Geoff Dodkin, Barcelona 24 Hours, Brands Hatch 500 miles, Isle of Man TT class-winning 1964 Velocette Thruxton 498cc Production Racing Motorcycle sold for $74,953 (£37,800).

Two helmets sold for well above pre-sale estimates: the Barry Sheene Bell racing helmet, worn during the 1974 season and the first to carry his famous number 7, sold for $10,945 (£5,520), and the Premier racing helmet worn by Phil Read to win his final 500cc World Championship, sold for $12,314 (£6,210).

This was the first of four dedicated motorcycle sales at Bonhams this year, and launched the 2008 calendar in commanding fashion, with 88% of all lots selling. Ben Walker, Head of Bonhams’ Motorcycle Department said “We were naturally delighted with the results we achieved for our vendors. We attracted worldwide interest and the depth of competitive bidding on some motorcycles was extraordinary. We have a list of many customers still anxious to acquire various models and this all bodes well for the special single owner collections that Bonhams will be handling later this year: The Professor Fritz Ehn Museum Collection in June and the Brian Verrall Collection in September.”

All conversions as of April 28, when £1 = $1.9829.

In keeping with the spirit of adventure, the celebration of motorcycling and the acknowledgment of its legends, Legend of the Motorcycle has announced a limited engagement photo exhibit of the epic motorcycle journey the Long Way Down, by friends Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman, created exclusively for display at the Legend of the Motorcycle Concours d'Elegance by renowned celebrity photographer Timothy White.

Scottish actor Ewan McGregor (Star Wars: Episodes I, II & III, Moulin Rouge, Trainspotting and The Island) and English actor Charley Boorman (Deliverance, The Emerald Forest and Excalibur), both die-hard motorcyclists, first undertook a 19,000-mile around-the-world ride known as the Long Way Round in 2004. Then, this past summer, they completed another grueling three month-long adventure, the Long Way Down, riding from the northernmost point of Scotland to southernmost point of South Africa. Traveling off the beaten path through dozens of countries, the daring partnership experienced the countless hardships and wonders of Africa, all documented by live and still footage.

Photos from this incredible journey, provided by Long Way Down producers David Alexanian of Elixir Films and Russ Malkin of Big Earth, are being curated by celebrated New York City-based photographer and motorcyclist Timothy White (recipient of numerous awards including 2004 International Photographer of the Year) into a special exhibit exclusively for Legend of the Motorcycle. Of his collaboration in the project, White says "My interest in motorcycling combined with photography, traveling, and my fascination with the art of the exhibition has attracted me to this work. Charley and Ewan's trek has inspired many of us and these pictures will reach even more like-minded people. Motorcycling is such a sensory experience, and this photography has a visual impact that makes the viewer feel like we were along for the ride. You cannot look at these pictures without feeling like you were there...or want to go". The photo exhibit will be accompanied by video footage as well as Boorman's actual expedition motorcycle, a BMW R1200 GS.

All three men - McGregor, Boorman and White - have been past participants in Legend of the Motorcycle. McGregor presented the Steve McQueen Award along with Peter Fonda in 2006, Boorman presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Willie G. Davidson of Harley-Davidson in 2007, and White showcased a special exhibit of portraits from his book Indian Larry last year.

Says Boorman, "Both Ewan and I really enjoyed our time at Legend of the Motorcycle and I think it's great they have organized this exhibition of our Long Way Down expedition. We had an incredible adventure through Africa and, as much as people think it's a potentially dangerous place, it is a beautiful and safe continent and these pictures show that."

Sponsored by Davidoff Adventure and BMW Motorrad, the Legend of the Motorcycle's Long Way Down Exhibit will be open to attendees of the Saturday, May 3rd event, which takes place at the ocean-side Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay, California (just south of San Francisco). For tickets and more information on this world affair, go to www.LegendoftheMotorcycle.com.

This week’s eBay browsing led us in many different directions, but mostly towards the dirt. We’ve had the itch for a good Seventies enduro for running trails and the dirt and gravel roads “round these parts” for awhile, and though maybe we’ll find one of those next week, our searching came to a halt as soon as we saw this great old Velo. It’s just too nice not to share…

This 1958 Velocette Venom has basically been rebuilt from the ground up. Apart since 1993, the owner has just finished re-assembling the bike and fired it up for the first time just this past Sunday, April 27. As a part of the restoration, the engine was rebuilt with a new big end, clutch, bearings, piston, valves, gaskets and more. The magneto and generator have been rebuilt, and everything has been professionally painted and powdercoated. All the chrome has been re-chromed. It’s wearing new brake shoes, new Avon tires, all new cables, new footpeg and handlebar rubbers. The list goes on and on, so we won’t. Check out the auction for more details, more photos, and the cyber-drool we left all over the page. Enjoy.

To view the auction go here.

 

Photo Courtesy of Donna Deppi

 

Visitors to the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum will have the opportunity to view classic bikes from a new perspective when the photography exhibit “Red Bikes” opens on July 24, 2008. The installation will feature nine large photographic prints by artist and motorcycle aficionado Dawn Deppi, each vividly capturing the powerful sculptural beauty of the machines. Deppi, who chose to photograph only vibrantly red motorcycles for the exhibit, is an accomplished artist whose work has appeared in numerous galleries and national publications.

The opening of “Red Bikes” will immediately precede the grand opening of the new exhibit “Awesome-Ness.” “Awesome-Ness” will chronicle the career of legendary motorcycle designer and builder Arlen Ness. Featuring 11 of Ness’ remarkable custom motorcycles, the exhibit also delves into the stories that fueled his influential career. Ness will personally join prominent colleagues and friends at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington, Ohio, on July 24 to dedicate the exhibit.

“Red Bikes” and “Awesome-Ness” both showcase the intersection of art and motorcycling. “Ness’ groundbreaking designs shaped the custom-bike movement in America,” said Mark Mederski, executive director of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. “Many of his motorcycles can be viewed as functioning sculptures.” The images of the “Red Bikes” exhibit allow visitors to appreciate, in glorious detail, the elements that come together to create a classic motorcycle. “The photography of Dawn Deppi captures the unique beauty of a well-designed motorcycle,” noted Mederski. “It is the ideal complement to the artistry of Arlen Ness.”

In the course of her career, Deppi has trained her lens on a variety of subjects, ranging from landscapes to classic cars. “My goal as a photographer is to look at common objects from an innovative angle,” said Deppi. “I think the prints featured in ‘Red Bikes’ achieve this and capture the passion of motorcycling.” It was Deppi’s passion for photography that led her to open her own studio in 1996. The business, “Eye of the Beholder, Inc.,” continues to grow at a rapid pace today.

Opening Ceremonies Star Arlen Ness
“Awesome-Ness” and “Red Bikes” open at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington, Ohio, on July 24, 2008. Opening day highlights include a 5 p.m. dedication ceremony for “Red Bikes,” featuring Dawn Deppi. At 6 p.m., Arlen Ness and friends will debut the “Awesome-Ness” exhibit following a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Both events are open to the public. While at the Museum, visitors will also be able to enjoy the all-new “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” exhibit, which celebrates its grand opening June 27 – 28, 2008. Scheduled to precede AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, July 25-27, at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, the openings of “Awesome-Ness” and “Red Bikes” are the perfect beginning to star-studded weekend featuring motorcycling heritage and history. For more information, visit www.motorcyclemuseum.org for more information.

It’s not everyday you find an old motorcycle in perfect original condition, and it’s even less common to find one that’s never even been started.

This Rocket III came from McBride Cycle in Toronto, where it was delivered when new. It became a part of the shop’s collection and remained there until it was purchased by Michael Kiernan (www.michaelsmotorcycles.com).

In fact, we featured this bike and its great story in the May/June 2007 of Motorcycle Classics, and now, for the right price, it could be yours. To read the rest of the story, go here.

 

To visit the eBay auction, go here.

 

 

Blog by Margie Siegal

Editor’s note: From time to time, The Classic Life will feature blogs from guest writers. Margie Siegal, contributor and friend of Motorcycle Classics, had the chance to visit New Zealand earlier this spring and came back with a few photos and the following great story. Enjoy!

My favorite vacation is to pick a spot with nice roads and good scenery, fly there, rent a motorcycle and explore.  Top on my list for some time has been New Zealand, and this year I found myself with ticket in hand, waiting to board Air New Zealand for the flight to Bike Nirvana.

 English settlers who reached New Zealand in the 1800's must have found themselves reminded of home. NZ, located south of Australia, is two large green and mountainous islands, totaling the equivalent square mileage of California. The climate is moderate, and it rains almost as much as it does in London. I was there for two weeks and it rained two and a half days during that time.

If you ride, the draw is the roads- well paved, well banked, well repaired, narrow, twisty and scenic.

Three or four days into my trip, I was headed for the South Island, a three-hour ferry ride from the North Island, where I had rented a 600cc Honda.

I negotiated the maze leading from the motorway to the ferry waiting area and, following the directions of the guy with the flag, rode over to the right hand lane. There were two bikes ahead of me. I gave them a casual once over- and then a more interested look. The two bikes, loaded with luggage, were single cylinder British Ariels. Soon, we were joined by a well kept Ariel Square Four and two prewar machines with rigid rears and rubber knee pads on the tanks.

The riders, a jovial bunch of men in their fifties and sixties, were off to the annual Ariel Club meet. Spirits were high despite the strong breeze off Cook Strait. The sky was blue, the forecast was good, and the bikes were sparking on whatever number of cylinders they possessed.

We rode up the gangplank (what wonderful noise the ten or twelve Ariels made) and lashed the bikes down in the hold. Then, upstairs to the lounge area to hang out and watch craggy islands go past. Like vintage enthusiasts everywhere, the Ariel clubbers were easy to talk to and very welcoming. Several wives showed up. They had been following in their cars with food and luggage and seemed happy to get away for a holiday. They suggested I ride along with the Ariels and see if there was space at the Blenheim Top Ten Holiday Park, a twenty minute ride from the ferry, where everyone was staying.

New Zealanders are, on average, polite, intelligent and competent, and the holiday park, a New Zealand staple, is an example of NZ politeness, intelligence and competence.  Similar to a glorified KOA, a holiday park features space for tents and campers, small clean cabins both with and without bathrooms, paved driveways, clean restrooms with plenty of hot water, a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator, an electric barbeque, an internet room and a TV lounge. 

There was a cabin available at the holiday park, and I got to join in the party. Steinlager and Tui beer was passed out as a prelude to serious benchracing, for example, the story about the Ariel Square Four owner who trailered his bike to a meet in the rain. He stuffed toilet paper in the carburetor bell mouth to keep water out. The bike started after being unloaded at the meet, then immediately died and refused to restart. "I never could figure it out- turned out there was a piece of paper left in the carb and it got sucked in the intake."

The next morning was the bike show, held in the parking lot of the government offices at Blenheim. In a typical show of NZ politeness and ingenuity, Marc Trilford decided that oil from leaky old engines should not be leaked on the pavement of the new parking lot, and got free cardboard from a local Honda dealer to put under bikes.

 One bike on display was a ratty 1928 single. While I was first told, "No one is owning up to it," it actually belonged to Ann and Brian Wilson, and was continually registered since date of manufacture. "It's well loved," they said.

By 11 a.m. everyone was saddled up again for a tour of Queen Charlotte Sound. The road, chiseled into a cliff, was the narrowest and most twisty road I had been on in NZ, but none of the Ariel riders blinked at the hairpin turns. The scenery, of course, was absolutely spectacular.

One of the most loved BMW’s of all time, the R90S, with its signature half fairing, is a great classic bike to own and ride today: So great, in fact, that it was the bike we here at Motorcycle Classics featured on the cover of our Premiere Issue in the fall of 2005.

Just over 17,000 R90s’s were produced between 1974 and 1976, and with 67hp and a top speed of 125mph, they’re still plenty powerful and quick to ride as an everyday commuter and weekend tourer today.

This 1975 R90s (VIN No. 4980822) has just over 32,000 miles on it, and has been professionally repainted by BMW of Ft. Worth, Texas. The owner claims that the bike is perfect with no dents, no scratches, new Metzler tires, and a new battery. They also claim that the bike is 100 percent original except the seat has been recovered in the original style, and a VDO volt meter and VDO clock have been added.

The current owner bought the bike six years ago from a BMW enthusiast/rider/collector, and though he loves the bike, he is neither riding nor showing the bike and has decided it’s time for someone else to enjoy it. Sounds like a deal to us!

Check it out here.

Update! Turns out we weren't the only enthusiasts that thought this bike would make a new owner proud, as before we could even get this newsletter out the door, the R90S had found a new home! Enjoy the photos anyway, and next week we'll search eBay and highlight another great bike perfect for your garage!

 

 

This week’s eBay searching put us in a two-stroke mood. Maybe it’s the spring in the air, or the fact that this semi-warm weather is perfect for putting around your favorite old neighborhoods and backroads on a fun little bike. Whatever it is, it got us wishing for a small-displacement two-stroker, and this is the one we kept coming back to.

Thought small by today’s standards, the 250 wasn’t the baby of the Suzuki’s GT-line, as there was also a GT185 in 1975.

This GT has just over 5,600 original miles and appears to be in great original condition, including the original paint and seatcover.

Check it out here. 

 

As our friend Paul Crowe over at The Kneeslider (www.thekneeslider.com) pointed out last week, our friends at Metro Racing (the guys who make all those cool vintage T-shirts) are sponsoring an upcoming vintage dirt track race and are bringing in Jay Springsteen for a Vintage Dirt Track School in Harpursville, N.Y. on Thursday, June 26.

Here’s the press release from Metro Racing (www.metroracing.com):

Vintage Dirt Track School at Square Deal AHRMA National. Learn setup and sliding from two of the best in the business.

As if the Metro Racing/Square Deal AHRMA Vintage National Dirt Track double header weekend over June 26-28, 2008 in Harpursville, NY needed any more value added - it just became an absolute do-not-miss. Period.

On Thursday, June 26th, a small group of 15 riders will take part in the Jay Springsteen Vintage Dirt Track School. Springer rode vintage bikes when they were new and for one-day only the three-time Grand National Champ is ready to help you become a better rider. Springer will be joined by master tuner and long time dirt track guru, Woody Kyle. Woody will help the class with bike setup and give pointers to make your bike perform to its peak potential. At just $375. per rider, this is the opportunity of a lifetime - two of the greatest minds in dirt track at your disposal! Not to mention that you can apply what you learned over the next two days for the AHRMA Vintage Dirt Track National(s).

Rounding out the weekend is the Boots Oakley Vintage Show & Swap Meet which is sure to bring out the best in bikes and stuff. In fact, you can see the track from the swap area - so you can swap and watch! And a People’s Choice Bike Show awards in several categories.

Also this weekend not to miss:
Camping on premises, no hook-ups, showers in the club house.
Racers - don’t forget the Metro Racing trophy girls
Participation award to ALL racers
Victory Champagne for the top 3 in each class
2nd Annual Larry Weiss Memorial trophy to the winner of the 70’s Singles
class Saturday
Spanish Short Track Attack - Open to all Spanish made 250cc machines.
This is a support class with no sign up fee. It’s free to ride with special
trophies!
T-shirt toss into the crowd at intermission
Sponsorship packages available Metro Racing at 877-746-3876
Special Metro event t-shirts
Free race flags for the kids to get rider autographs

Contact Metro Racing at 877-746-3876

 

Photo Courtesy of Randall Cordero

The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington, Ohio, the country’s premier showcase of motorcycling heritage and history, has revealed the names of more than 25 significant personalities and groups to be featured in the upcoming “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” exhibit.  The exhibit will spotlight the world’s most recognizable enthusiasts and present priceless machines, exclusive memorabilia and tales from celebrities’ favorite two-wheel adventures. Featured MotoStars, Motorcycle Hall of Famers, industry leaders and enthusiasts will gather on the grounds of the Museum in Pickerington, Ohio, June 27-28, 2008, for the exhibit’s grand opening and the “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” Ribbon-Cutting Weekend.  Featured bikes include the motorcycle actor and motorcyclist Francesco Quinn rode in the new Quentin Tarantino and Larry Bishop film “Hell Ride,” seen above.

Prominent personalities from a variety of industries have offered motorcycles and ephemera to the exhibit.  Notable athletes include Jeff Lacy, super middleweight boxing star, and Wally Dallenbach, Sr., champion race car driver and founder of the Colorado 500, a charity dirt bike ride now in its thirty-third year.  Barrett Brooks, Super Bowl-winning Pittsburgh Steelers tackle, will lend his Sara Liberte-built custom bike, as well as personal memorabilia.

The music industry is also well-represented in “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles.”  Queensryche guitarist Mike Stone’s Buell motorcycle and Erik Buell-designed guitar will be featured alongside custom motorcycles built for Def Leppard drummer Ric Allen and Blink182 drummer Travis Barker.  Additionally, a leading Buddy Holly collector will provide rare ephemera from the rock n’ roll legend.

Hollywood’s longtime romance with motorcycling is chronicled in the exhibit.  Chad McQueen honors his legendary father, the late actor Steve McQueen, as “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” presents memorabilia, photos and McQueen’s competition motorcycle from the International Six Day Trials.  Actor and motorcyclist Francesco Quinn will lend the motorcycle he rode in the new Quentin Tarantino and Larry Bishop film “Hell Ride,” in addition to offering an intimate glimpse into the two-wheel passions of his father, legendary actor Anthony Quinn.  Dan Haggerty, known worldwide as star of the television series “Grizzly Adams,” will also participate in the exhibit.  A Hollywood stuntman, biker movie actor and bike builder for celebrities like Ann-Margret, Haggerty helped create the chopper featured in the most famous motorcycle movie of all time, “Easy Rider.”  The iconic motorcycle television series “Then Came Bronson,” starring Michael Parks, will be represented through a custom Harley-Davidson.  Additionally, Perry King, star of over 50 films and television movies and spokesperson for Los Angeles Olive Crest, an organization providing Homes and Services for Abused Children, provides a motorcycle from his stable.  “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” will also display a rarely seen custom motorcycle built for the flamboyant Oscar-winning star of screen and song, Cher. 

Finally, through the eyes of respected stunt people, the exhibit offers a rare look behind the scenes at Hollywood’s portrayal of motorcycling.  Stuntman Gary Davis, whose skills lit up the screen in everything from “Viva Knievel” to “Terminator 2,” and stuntwoman Debbie Evans, who dazzled viewers in “Terminator 2,” “The Matrix Reloaded” and the Brad Pitt - Angelina Jolie thriller “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” both contribute high-flying insights.

“MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” exhibit curator David Morris is dedicated to relating the diverse nature of motorcycling aficionados.  The breadth of motorcycling’s cultural impact is portrayed by renowned artists, such as Charles Schulz and David Hockney.  Schulz’ son Craig, a competitive motocross racer, will lend the exhibit a full size statue of Snoopy as “Joe Motocross.”  Craig will also provide artwork drawn by his father inspired by Craig’s racing adventures.  David Hockney, one of the twentieth century’s most important exponents of the Pop Art movement, will partner with Dr. Charles Falco, co-curator of the Guggenheim Museum’s seminal “Art of the Motorcycle” exhibit, to present a unique view of the motorcycle experience.  “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” is also privileged to have the participation of Thomas Krens, Director of the Solomon R Guggenheim Foundation.

Custom motorcycle builders, now recognized as artists in their own right, are also highlighted in “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles.”  Ed “Big Daddy” Roth pioneered the new wave with his outrageous and visionary creations.  Son Darryl opens the family vault to bring “Big Daddy’s” art and legendary trike to the exhibit.  He is joined by “Big Daddy” contemporary Carl Morrow, a legendary builder whose past clients include the King of Malaysia.  The art of Von Dutch, Hollywood motorcycle cult figure, is also represented courtesy of a prominent collector.  Contemporary creators showcased include Cyril Huze, a member of the International Master Builders Association Hall of Fame, and Sara Liberte.  Liberte, represented through the bike she created for Barrett Brooks, will lend insights into the world of customization from the perspective of a female builder.  As a writer and photographer, Liberte is uniquely positioned to share her story.   Her latest project is garage-girls.com.

Celebrities from a variety of industries have been instrumental in the success of charity motorcycle rides.  “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” will present the story of the country’s most well-known charity rides.  These include “The Love Ride,” the largest charity motorcycle ride in America, “The Ride for Kids,” “The Buffalo Chip at Sturgis” and the “Camp Boggy Creek’s Ride for Children.”

“We are thrilled by the personalities and groups who have offered to support ‘MotoStars’ and look forward to announcing further exhibit contributors in the coming months,” says Mark Mederski, executive director of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum.  “The Museum is committed to making ‘MotoStars’ as diverse and comprehensive as possible, and the industry leaders already contributing are making this goal a reality.  We are eager to share the stories of these prominent motorcyclists and show visitors the strength and passion of the motorcycling community.”

“MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” is the latest in a series of award-winning exhibits at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum.  For an online tour of current Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum exhibits and a schedule of upcoming events and special activities, please visit www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

In Writing: “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles,” The Book
The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum will release “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles,” The Book, in conjunction with the exhibit.  The coffee-table volume will complement the exhibit, presenting a comprehensive examination of the relationship between celebrities and motorcycling.  In addition to exploring celebrities’ fascination with motorcycle culture, the book will delve into the impact of celebrity culture on the motorcycle industry.  More details about the book, “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles,” are available at www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

Play a Starring Role: How to Contribute
Following the exhibit’s installation at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, a national tour of “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” is planned.  Manufacturers, builders, collectors or individuals interested in lending appropriate bikes or ephemera in support of “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” are invited to contact exhibit curator David Morris at damorris@motorcyclemuseum.org or (386) 852-9898.

About the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum
The goal of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum is to tell the stories and preserve the history of motorcycling.  Located on the campus of the American Motorcyclist Association in Pickerington, Ohio, the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum honors those who have contributed notably to the sport, and three major exhibition halls showcase the machines and memorabilia that have shaped motorcycling. The Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and is closed on New Year’s, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Adult admission is $10 per person; students 12–17, $3.  AMA members $5.  Seniors receive a $2 discount and members of motorcycle clubs and organizations are eligible for a $1 discount per ticket.  A $25 family rate and group rates are also available.  For more information, call (614) 856-2222, or visit the Museum’s website at www.motorcyclemuseum.org

 

 

With a bit of wrenching and a little cleaning, wouldn't this be a great classic for running around town? We sure thought so, and that's why it's this weeks' eBay bike. This 1968 Honda CL450 Scrambler appears to have stood the test of time, and though it's not currently running, that may keep away just enough buyers to make this a steal.

With around twelve thousand original miles, this is the perfect candidate for a light restoration if you're in the mood. That said, you could also just rebuild the carbs, add a new battery, and chances are with a little tuning,  you'd probably have it running. After that, it's just a question of how pretty you'd like to make it. And since all of the hard-to-find parts are still on this bike, it's definatley worth the extra dough you'd pay over buying a lesser bike and chasing down pieces. So why not add a little Scrambler to your stable? You can't tell us this doesn't look like good fun!

To see this auction, click here.