• Super-desirable 1970s 900SS and 750S models – both complete but in 'project' condition
  • Two fabulous Ducati 900 Mike Hailwood Replica (MHR) motorcycles from 1979 and 1981
  • As new MV Agusta Brutale 800RR 'Lewis Hamilton Edition'
  • Super-rare twin rotary-engined 1988 Norton Commander P53 tourer

Six outstanding Ducatis from noted Queensland and Sydney collectors – all offered with 'no reserve' – are amongst the 32 classic motorcycles in Shannons upcoming Timed Online Summer Auction from February 22-March 1.

Showcasing the halcyon days of Ducati superbikes in the 1970s and 1980s, the leaders of the pack are a circa-1974 Ducati 750 Sport, a twin cylinder circa-1976 900 Super Sport and a fully-restored 1979 Ducati MHR 900

The 750S today remains one of Ducati's most revered performance models, with the example being auctioned presenting nicely in its lovely 1970s fashion colour combination of yellow-orange with black trim and alloy spoked-wheels.

Offered in 'project' condition, as it requires some mechanical recommissioning to get it back into running condition, it is expected to appeal to collectors globally and sell in the $30,000-$40,000 range.

For a similar investment there is a 'survivor classic' big-bore twin cylinder circa-1976 Ducati 900 Super Sport that comes to auction in very good original condition after being in storage since mid-2010.

The current owner of the 1975 Ducati 900 Super Sport says that Brook Henry at V2 in Perth stripped, assessed and replaced the bike's original engine with one rebuilt from a 1975 860 GT.

Also right up there on the International desirability scale is a rare, wonderful and fully-restored 1979 Ducati MHR 900 ($48,000 - $58,000) – a replica of the special chrome moly-framed Super Sport model with its highly-tuned 900cc engine that 'Mike the Bike' Hailwood rode to a sensational victory in the 1978 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy against more powerful Honda opposition.

Twelve months later, Ducati released a race replica based on the TT-winning Super Sport, complete with a stunning red and green fairing and reworked exhaust to extract more power from the big V-twin.

Just 4,601 900 MHR bikes were made between 1979 and 1984, with each of the survivors now a blue-chip collector's item today.

A second Ducati MHR in the auction is a very original 1981 'survivor' that is being offered in 'project' condition ­– having not been started in recent years,.

Listed on the Bevel Heaven registry and perfect for the serious Ducati collector, this MHR even has its original windscreen and crankcase seal in place, indicating the casings have never been apart, making it ideal for collectors.  

Supplied with original registration certificates, some service history, and showing just 25,914km on its odometer, it is expected to be in demand at its projected 'no reserve' selling price of $25,000-$35,000.

Another appealing Ducati 'project' in the auction is a circa-1973 Ducati 750 GT that has been garaged since 2011 and is offered complete, but not running ($20,000-$25,000)

As an appealing Italian alternative to a classic Ducati, Shannons also have another very rare performance classic bike in the auction – a limited edition 2019 MV Agusta Brutale 800RR 'Lewis Hamilton Edition' motorcycle that is also offered with 'no reserve' and expected to sell in the $38,000 - $46,000 range.

Build number 004 of just 144, this one-owner superbike is in superb condition with just 99km showing on its odometer from new.
The LH44 was first delivered to an enthusiast from Mount Vernon, NSW in December, 2019 and has remained in his collection ever since.  Supplied with a genuine MV Agusta trickle charger, electronic master key and full books, the 800 RR Brutale LH44 is perfect for the Italian superbike collector or Lewis Hamilton fan. 

A British bike in the auction guaranteed to set yourself apart from the pack is a super-rare 1988 Norton Commander P53.

Originally out of the UK, this big Norton tourer is powered by a twin-rotor 588cc Wankel rotary engine – one of just 253 Norton Commanders built with a rotary engine – making it an extremely rare bike in world terms.

Its twin-rotor 588cc Wankel rotary engine produced 63kW at 9000rpm and 75Nm at 7000rpm and was mated to a five-speed gearbox, sitting on a 1,486mm wheelbase

In this configuration, the Commander was primarily a tourer with full bodywork and a tall windscreen, with its twin panniers integral with its fibreglass bodywork.

Two types of Commander were produced, the P52 single-seat model for police use and the dual-seat P53 civilian tourer. Befitting its touring role, the Commander's final-drive chain was protected by a full enclosure, while parts such as wheels, forks, switchgear, clocks and brakes were brought-in Yamaha items from its XJ900. 

Showing just 9,900km on its odometer at the time of cataloguing in just over 30 years, the Commander P53 presents nicely in its burgundy paint with its full fairing, dual panniers and black seat. It is expected to sell in the $24,000-$30,000 range.

The Commander is one of a diverse range of 33 motorcycles, scooters and three-wheelers in the Shannons Summer Online Auction – 18 offered with 'no reserve'.

To view all auction lots, visit www.shannons.com.au To talk to a Shannons Auction Team member directly, call the 1300 078 500.