New Paul Fraser Collectibles' top 10 collectible motorcycles With news that Valentino Rossi is selling a special bike for charity, Paul Fraser Collectibles take a look at 10 of the best collectible motorcycles to appear on the market in recent years...
News-Antique.com - May 03,2011 - 1) Rossi's Yamaha YZF-R1 1000cc
Sporting Rossi's personal "Five Continents" AGV helmet design, this amazing and much specialised motorcycle was the brainchild of former racing champion and AMA Hall of Famer Don Emde.
This incredible team effort R1, personally autographed by Rossi, will be presented in "track day" trim but it is fully street legal and will be offered with all the necessary
accessories and California title.
2) An Original Indian Chief
The flagship motorcycle of the Massachusetts based Indian Motorcycle Manufacturing Company; Chiefs were produced from 1922 until the company's demise in 1953.
By 1940, all models had the trademark skirted fenders and sprung frame that set it apart from its rival cruiser the Harley-Davidson. Much more colourful than its black-clad adversary, the Chief was a lively and vibrant machine that turned heads wherever it went.
This 1948 beauty recently sold for $14,000.
3) The 'Rolls-Royce of Motorcycles'
Brough Superior motorbikes were made by George Brough in Nottingham, England, from 1919 to 1940. They were dubbed the "Rolls-Royce of Motorcycles" by H. D. Teague of The Motor Cycle newspaper.
Favoured by T E Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) and George Bernhard Shaw, around 1,000 still exist and one sold for £131,300 in Stafford last month. It should make an excellent investment.
4) The 1955 Series D Victor prototype
Vincents are always in demand and an Easter Sunday sale at Bonhams provided plentiful opportunities for devotees of the Stevenage, UK, marque to expand their collections.
As expected, the top performer was the 1955 Series D Victor prototype, the only one of its kind ever made. It sold for £107,100 ($177,013) - more than double its top estimate of £50,000.
5) Hindall Triumph 500 Desert sled
In the late 1970s, if you were serious about racing in the desert you either rode a Hindall or wished that you did.
Earlier this year at William Bunch Auctions, a Hindall Triumph 500 Desert sled, based upon a frame kit produced by Harry Hindall, (Southern California aerospace engineer and well respected 1970s desert racer). The price-tag was $85,000.
6) M-72 Soviet wartime military motorcycle
As if by way of contrast, a very different beast from the '70s racing classic was also offered at William Bunch: a piece of rolling militaria in the form of a fully functional 1944 M-72 Soviet wartime military motorcycle with side car.
Meticulously preserved - fully functional and registered in Delaware, USA, with the original Russian paperwork included, the bike boasts a 746 ccm boxer engine 24 HP, 4 speed gear box with reverse, and shaft drive.
7) Champion Jack Surtees's teenage bike
Jack Surtee is a racing legend and winner of the 1956 500cc World Championship. His 1948 Vincent 500 Grey Flash with sidecar went under the hammer at Artcurial's Rétromobile sale this February.
As a youth, he raced Grey Flash motorcycles while working at the Vincent factory. This model is equipped with an Amal GP 36 carburettor and a competition magnesium Albion gearbox and listed by the auctioneer at
