Next weekend, Mecum is auctioning off 55 motorcycles (and a whole bunch of cars) in Monterey, California. Let’s see what they’ve got in store!
Bikes will be auctioned from Wednesday the 16th through Saturday the 19th. There are two collections that are part of the available motorcycles – three bikes and five cars are from the collection of legendary guitarist J. Geils, while another ten bikes come from the collection of James Giorgio Sr. Here’s a list of all of the lots, and what follows are my 5 favorite examples.
But first, here’s a little J. Geils for you to listen to you while you peruse:
1. 1990 Norton F1 Rotary – estimated to sell between $30,000-$35,000. This is #44 of the 130 that were built, and it has less than 4,000 miles. The only road bike Norton built in the 1990s, it’s a replica of the rotary racers that the British firm dominated local racing with. This example is said to be original and correct with a recent full service by an ex-managing director of Norton.
2. 1983 Benelli 900 SEI – estimated to sell between $9,000-$13,000. Purchased new by J. Geils, he turned it into a cafe racer over the years and called it his favorite bike. The seat and clipons are notable modifications but the whole thing just looks fantastic.
3. 1938 Morgan F4 Roadster – estimated to sell between $35,000-$50,000. Restored in 1990, this Nile Blue beauty features a 8 horsepower Ford inline-4 flathead motor and a 3-speed transmission. It’s right hand drive, so you’ll want to take advantage of the extra visibility afforded by the drop top!
4. 1956 Norton Manx 350 – estimated to sell between $40,000-$45,000. I may be featuring this solely because it has a dustbin fairing, but this example actually competed in the Isle of Man TT – its first year, it placed 15th. It’s since been restored and the motor was rebuilt by Ray Petty.
5. 1977 MV Agusta 850SS – estimated to sell between $65,000-$85,000. One of 27 factory 850SS models, this was the fastest road bike in the world when built. This specific example is for competition only thanks to a Magni chain conversion, Lockheed front brakes, Dell’Orto SS31 carbs, a dry clutch, full race bodywork, magneto ignition, magnesium wheels, and a whole lot more. It’s been autographed by Phil Reed and Giacomo Agostini and thanks to all the racing modifications, Mecum describes it as “as close to an MV Agusta factory racer as you will find.” This is from the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum.
This bike-uriousity brought to you by Larry G!