- 38 classic motorcycles and scooters
- 1995 Honda VFR750 Winfield Superbike Replica
- Totally rebuilt single-cylinder Velocette Venom 500cc 'Thruxton'
Classic motorcycle enthusiasts should go shopping at Shannons upcoming timed online auction from November 8-15.
Two-wheel treasures amongst the 38 classic motorcycles and scooters on offer, include a who's-who of desirable British sports bikes, a tribe of very cool early Indians, several super-fast Japanese race-bike replicas, a super-rare British Chell Sport 125cc and a rare early Chinese Xing Fu 250cc.
A restored 1964 Vespa VBB 150cc scooter, a 1968 Honda 90 Scooter, a 1977 Honda Z50 J1 Mini Bike, a 1983 Honda Z50R Mini Bike and a stunning 1957 German DKW Hummel/Bumblebee 50cc step-through, are also on offer for more relaxed two-wheel riders
Meanwhile dirt bike enthusiasts will be looking at the 1987 Honda CR500R ('no reserve' $12,000-$15,000) and the 1975 Kawasaki KT250 Trials bike ($8,000-$10,000).
The most desirable of the road motorcycles and probably the fastest is a 1995 Honda VFR750 Winfield Superbike Replica of the Japanese company's venerable V4-powered VFR750 RC30 and its RC45 successor, which arrived in 1994.
These special versions of the VFR750 won the Australian Superbike Championship three years running in 1993 1994 and 1995, culminating in the Australian Winfield Racing Team planned to build 25 exact replicas of the 750cc Superbike winner.
But when the Australian Government banned all tobacco advertising in motorsport, the Winfield Racing Team was disbanded when just 16 of the planned 25 replicas had been produced, meaning that these magnificent bikes are even rarer than they might have been.
Number 13 of the completed 16 is a one-owner bike that has never been ridden, making it truly one of a kind and enhancing its value to collectors. Shannons expect keen bidding from enthusiasts in the $30,000-$45,000 range.
Other Japanese sports bikes, both offered with 'no reserve', are a GP-inspired 1987 Honda NS400R that is expected to bring $10,000-$15,000 and an iconic and well cared for 1989 Suzuki GSX-R 750 superbike ($12,000-$18,000).
Another classic performance bike of the era also offered with 'no reserve' is a well-preserved 1972 Honda CB750 K2 in excellent condition that is expected to sell for $12,000-$18,000.
Also desirable to collectors is a very original example of Kawasaki's original superbike – a 1975 Kawasaki H2C 750cc – coming from the final year of production out of a private collection.
Classic British bikes in the auction – all expected to sell from $5,000-plus, include a rare, lightweight Chell Sport 125cc; two 1935 AJS models; a 1955 Triumph Terrier and a 1970 Triumph Tiger T100C 500cc .
The BSAs include a sought-after and beautifully-made 1952 BSA-JAP Mk1 1100cc V-twin with a good history, a 1954 BSA-JAP 500cc single, a 1954 BSA-JAP 1000cc V-twin (all three at 'no reserve' and expected to sell for $15,000-$20,000), while an all-original 1970 BSA Rocket 3, 750cc three-cylinder bike should sell for $18,000- $22,000.
Slightly upmarket and coming from a passionate Californian enthusiast's collection is a desirable single-cylinder Velocette Venom 500cc that has been rebuilt from the ground up to higher performance Thruxton specification.
The bike has travelled a mere 234 miles since the rebuild and the vendor guarantees it will do 100 mph. It is expected to sell for $24,000-$30,000.
Two sought-after Ducatis in the auction are a 1975 Kawasaki H2C 750cc sports bike in excellent condition ($15,000-$25,000), while for collectors there is a wonderful 1982 Ducati 900 SS that is expected to sell with 'no reserve' for $50,000 - $60,000.
Another one for enthusiasts is a circa-1958 Norvin 500cc racer that brings together a single cylinder 620cc Vincent Comet engine in a new frame that replicates a Norton Featherbed.
Created from scratch by life-long bike enthusiast Mick McCrudden, this unique hand-built one-off racer is expected to appeal to true enthusiasts and sell in the $35,000-$45,000 range.
Stepping back in time, collectors will be bidding for three superb Indians – a fully-restored and very correct 1926 Prince 350cc single ($20,000-$30,000); a Type 102,1928 V-Twin 50cc Scout ($50,000-$60,000); and a rare 1941 Indian Scout 741 Military motorcycle fitted with a 500cc V-twin engine in 'barn-find' condition that is offered with 'no reserve' as a 'project' – $15,000-$20,000.
If you are after a conversation piece, you can't go past the rare 1980 XingFu 250cc motorcycle – possibly the only one in Australia – that was produced from 1960-1995 and is expected to sell with 'no reserve' for $10,000-$15,000.
Perfect for the collector of unusual motorcycles, the Xingfu has only ever covered 32 kilometres and presents in remarkably well-preserved condition.
Two wheelers for commuters and kids are a 1965 Vespa VBB 2T 150cc scooter ('no reserve' $4,000-$8,000); a 'no reserve 1957 DKW Hummel/Bumblebee 50cc step-through; a 1958 HondaC90 Scooter ($4,000-$7,000); and a two 50cc kids' Mini Bike – a 1983 Honda Z50R and a 1977 Honda Z50 J1 – both 'no reserve' $8,000-$12,000.
To view all auction lots, visit www.shannons.com.au To talk to a Shannons Auction Team member directly, call the 1300 078 500.