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...
Headlining the motorcycles consigned to Bonhams' first sale at the Grand Palais, Paris, on February 5 was a rare, radial-engined Megola.
Powered by a 640cc five-cylinder engine built into the front wheel, the Megola was described by motorcycling historian Erwin Tragatsch as "probably the most unorthodox motorcycle ever made on a commercial basis".
It didn't sell until after the auction so its final price is unknown, but the unique bike would be expected to achieve around its €145,000-200,000 listing.
9) Fast four-cylinder 1929 Henderson Streamline KJ
This January, The Auto Collections at the Imperial Palace Hotel and Casino went under the hammer in Las Vegas and one of the highlights was a 1929 Henderson Streamline KJ.
The fast four-cylinder Henderson was a favourite of speed demons - and also officers of the law who chased after them. In this case the bidder passed over $45,630 before making a quick getaway.
10) The 'toilet' Harley-Davidson Peashooter motorcycle
One enthusiast found an unorthodox way of getting their hands on a great bike when they discovered an early (1929) Peashooter motorcycle in the bathroom of an Australian treasure mine.
The machine was a factory racer with overhead valves. The bike was a 20-year-old motorcycle at the time - although very desired, it was yet to be coveted as an antique.
Things are different in 2011, and the bike with the ignominious past was sold for $125,800 earlier this year.
