- One-off Geoff Duke Manx Norton
- Wide selection of Japanese performance motorcycles
- Five great Italian motorcycles, including Ducati MHR 900cc
- Harley-Davidson WL750 'Police Tribute' 750cc
- Rare ex-Chinese military 1966 Chang Jiang sidecar outfit
With 47 motorcycles, outfits and scooters dating from 1916 built in six different countries on offer, Shannons timed online Summer Auction from February 21-28 creates a unique shopping festival for classic bike enthusiasts.
For British motorcycle fans, the Holy Grail of the two-wheelers is a 1957 Norton Manx 500cc 'Geoff Duke Race Bike' that was built around 1957, to a special order for the legendary British racer.
Featuring a single loop Featherbed experimental frame built by famed Norton Race Division frame builder Ken Sprayson, the bike is now fitted with a 88SS experimental 4988cc twin cylinder engine built in 1962.
Bought dismantled in 1984 from an old TT rider, this unique Manx Norton racer rested in bits for nearly 30 years before being re-assembled by its long-time owner. Today it is in good condition with a patina of light competition and road use.
Offered with a large folder containing the owner's copious correspondence with various historians and experts, including a letter from Geoff Duke, this one-off silver race bike is expected to sell for $40,000-$50,000,
Other significant British bikes in the auction include four fabulous Triumphs dating from a 1929 ST 500cc 'project' and include a 1973 Hurricane X-75, a 1955 Thunderbird 650cc and a limited edition 1977 Bonneville 750cc Silver Jubilee. Four BSA solos, starting with a 1916 K Model and including a 350cc solo, 650cc Gold Flash and Lightning models, and a rare 1956 Phelon & Moore Panther M100 Sloper in original condition are also in the auction.
The five great Italian motorcycles include a lovely, original 1983 Ducati MHR 900cc, a magnificently-restored and ready-to-ride 1973 Laverda 750 SF1 and a two-owner and unrestored 1972 Moto Guzzi 850T.
From the United States comes a 1974 restored and sought-after cira-1942 Harley-Davidson WL750 'Police Tribute' 750cc solo.
Japanese two wheel enthusiasts are well catered for with 26 motorcycle and scooters (13 Hondas, from 50cc Mini Bikes to a 1982 CBX550F 'Custom Cafe Racer') and an unrestored 1985 CBX750F; five Suzukis and six Kawasakis.
Rarely-seen German scooters are a 1954 Zundapp Bella R100 and a 1958 Maico Micoletta 250cc – both in good condition.
But if you really want to get a conversation started, there's a rare ex-Chinese military 1966 Chang Jiang sidecar outfit in the auction Based on the Soviet IMZ M-72 military motorcycle, the Chang Jiang CJ750 was powered by an air-cooled, four-stroke flat twin motor derived from BMW's pre-War R71 and like the BMW was shaft-driven.
Imported from China in early 2008, the outfit has since been refurbished mechanically and would be a jaw-dropper at any Cars & Coffee gathering. It is offered with 'no reserve' and is expected to sell for $6,000-$9,000.
To view all auction lots, visit www.shannons.com.au
To talk to a Shannons Auction Team member directly, call the 1300 078 500.