2019 Las Vegas Motorcycle Auctions

Longtime enthusiasts and collectors Robert Smith and Somer Hooker share their observations.

By Robert Smith And Somer Hooker
Published on April 3, 2019
article image
by Robert Smith
Top priced 4-cylinder was Mecum’s 1912 Henderson model A at $302,000.

A record number of motorcycles flowed through the auction halls in Las Vegas, Nevada, this last January, as Mecum and Bonhams both held their annual sales. But in spite of the greater volume of motorcycles processed, prices were generally firm. Longtime enthusiasts and collectors Robert Smith and Somer Hooker share their observations, with Robert’s report first.

Crockers top Vegas sales

Excluding memorabilia and “road art,” Mecum offered 1,438 lots for sale, selling 1,276, or 89 percent, with a total value of close to $23 million without buyer’s premium. At just under $16,000, average price per lot was generally consistent with Mecum’s performance over the last decade.

A 1939 Crocker “Big Tank” at Mecum took top price at $704,000 (including premium). Runner-up was another Crocker, this time a “Small Tank” from 1937 at $423,500. Top British bike was an early Brough Superior SS100 Alpine Grand Sport from 1925, which fetched $357,500. Of the top 10 selling bikes at Mecum, four were 4-cylinder machines: a 1912 Henderson Model A at $302,500, a 1913 Pierce at $192,500, a 1923 Ace at $176,000 and a 1915 Henderson Model D at $170,500. Top Harley price was $143,000 for a 1928 JDH, and top Indian was a 1905 Camelback at $104,500.

Comments (0) Join others in the discussion!
    Online Store Logo
    Need Help? Call 1-800-880-7567