On March 20-21, Mecum Auctions is heading back to Vegas to put 225 motorcycles on the block. Here’s some of my favorites for your perusal, or click here to get the full list of bikes.
As usual, I don’t pick the most expensive bikes to highlight, just ones that call out to me for any one of varying silly reasons. Here’s my favorite 10:
1922 Ner-A-Car – estimated to sell for $18,000-$20,000. Incredibly, these had hub-center steering (first production bike to do so) to complement the very low center of gravity. The step-through design and bodywork kept riders clean, allowing them to wear ordinary clothes on their way to work or local shops.
1975 Chang Jiang KL750 Yangtze – estimated to sell for $5,000-$7,000. Imported from China in 1981, it includes Chinese documents but no title. Good luck…
1949 Harley-Davidson Sundance Custom – estimated to sell for $25,000-$35,000.
1916 Dayton Motorwheel – estimated to sell for $10,000-$15,000. Yes, that’s an engine in the front wheel. Two things to notice – the front fender is also the leaf spring, and the front wheel is slotted and designed to act as a cooling fan. For more information, check out this write-up at the US Scooter Museum.
1904 Geer Blue Bird – estimated to sell for $50,000-$75,000.
1942 Harley-Davidson Military – estimated to sell for $35,000-$45,000. One of only 1,000 built and just 10 built with solid wheels, this beauty has been restored.
1928 Indian Altoona Racer – estimated to sell for $90,000-$120,000.
1942 Indian Four Cylinder – estimated to sell for $85,000-$110,000, this restored example was the first bike off the production line in the final year of Indian Four production.
1915 Militaire Model 2 – estimated to sell for $130,000-$150,000, this is a restored example of a very interesting motorcycle. It featured hub-center steering, a cast steel frame that also functioned as the sump, and outrigger wheels!
1907 Indian Single Tri-Car – estimated to sell for $155,000-$175,000 is quite original – even the upholstery, and features the cornshucker drive (only available in 1907-08).