On September 19th, Bonhams is auctioning off the collection of Robert White in London. There’s some cool cars, cameras, and watches, but we’re here for the 47 motorcycles.
Here’s my favorite 5, but click this link to see the entire collection, which includes a whole lot of exotic Italians.
1. 1996 Royal Enfield Robin Diesel – estimated to sell between $2,600-$4,000. This bike (VIN: 5B54106BU62) was built by “R-B developments”, and it utilizes a Fuji Robin diesel engine placed in a Royal Enfield frame. The engine was good for all of 8.5 horsepower and a top speed of barely 55 miles per hour, but the trade off was that you’d get a claimed 200 miles per gallon! This example spent much of its time on the Isle of Man, and it shows 2,250 miles on the odometer. Did I mention 200 mpg?
2. 1956 Moto Parilla 125cc Works Racer – estimated to sell between $20,000-$26,000. This bike (VIN: 500504) is apparently well-known by Parilla enthusiasts and it features a works “bialbero” (dual overhead cams) engine with gear driven cams and a production chassis with some newer parts. It’s claimed to have an older restoration.
3. 1956 Gilera Saturno Cross – estimated to sell between $11,000-$16,000. This bike (VIN: 268722) is a rare motocross version of the iconic Gilera Saturno, a bike that was also available in sporty street trim and race trim. In 1952, Gilera introduced the MX version, and it was offered until 1956. Modifications included a 21″ front wheel, knobbies, skid plate, mudguards, revised tank/seat, and more. It’s one of the prettiest MX bikes I’ve ever seen.
4. Gilera 500cc Grand Prix Racer Replica – estimated to sell between $66,000-$79,000. This bike (VIN: 508) was built in 2004 as a replica of Gilera’s Four racer from 1957. It’s barely been used and has been signed by Geoff Duke. The engine produces 53 horsepower at the rear wheel and it’s paired with a five-speed transmission. It has IoM TT stickers on it from 2006 and 2007.
5. Lastly, my favorite – 1921 Megola 640CC Touring Model – estimated to sell between $160,000-180,000. Megolas are fascinating for many reasons, but the obvious one is the radial engine built into the front wheel. I’ve only seen a Sports model in person and was not aware that the Touring model seen here even existed. The engine is a 640cc five-cylinder unit, but that’s not the craziest thing about this powertrain. It has only one gear, and no clutch. So you either had to bump start it or get the front wheel spinning with the bike on the center stand. Because of the lack of clutch, the owner’s handbook had a helpful suggestion if you encountered something that prevented you from moving forward – just keep circling until your route was clear! A few replicas have been made since the 80s, and this is one of those examples (it was built around 2012). While the frame is a replica, the engine, carb, and magneto are original.
6. I couldn’t help myself, there’s just too many good bikes. Here’s a bonus – a 1956 MV Agusta 175cc Inezione Prototype – estimated to sell between $26,000-$33,000. The story here is that MV supposedly built three prototype engines to see how feasible fuel injection would be for their motorcycles. Ignoring the fuel pump (which is driven off the timing gears), the bike is standard MV from the time – though the tank is a custom unit “fabricated by an independent specialist.”
Again, click here to see all the bikes. What’s your favorite?