As we move into January, Vegas is about to host the world’s two biggest motorcycle auctions. Last week we looked at the offerings from Bonhams – now let’s look at the inventory of nearly 900 bikes that Mecum has in store. You can order tickets and get more information here. If you’re interested in bidding, note that there’s a 10% buyer’s premium in person and a 12% premium on the phone or internet.
Here’s my favorite five, though there’s obviously plenty more to peruse:
1. 1975 Ducati 750SS. This is number 82 of the original 401, and Mecum says that it is one of just 10-20 left with original paint. It’s been with the same owner for the last 25 years and it comes with the original brakes and tires. It’s been signed by Paul Smart, Cook Neilson, Jon White and Reno Leoni.
2. Trackmaster Miler Factory Prototype. This street tracker features a Harley-Davidson 88 cubic inch Evolution motor, aluminum tank and seat pan, disc brakes, and a hand crafted straight pipe exhaust. It’s a prototype that will be sold on the factory MSO.
3. 1955 Cabton RTS. I’ve never heard of Cabton before, but it was a Japanese motorcycle company that built bikes between 1934 and 1960. It was created in a partnership between IMC and Mizuho Motors, and the name was apparently an acronym that stood for “Come and Buy to Osaka Nakagawa“. These are tremendously rare and this specific example is thought to be the only one in the US. The RTS was the highest spec model with a 19 horsepower, 600cc motor.
4. 1971 Cheney Ducati ISDT. This gorgeous racer uses a Cheney frame with a Ducati 450 motor. It was built and then enjoyed by Sig Erson and restored in 2015. The bike features an Amal carb, Ducati Scrambler exhaust, Koni adjustable shocks, and Preston Petty-styled fenders.
5. 1911 Flanders Four.
Walter Flanders was an expert in mass production, which is why he was hired by Ford in 1906 to help develop the processes that would lead to the manufacture of the Model T. Within two years, Flanders had resigned to co-found a new automotive company. Flanders motorcycles were built between just 1910 and 1914 – the first bikes were sold in 1911. The “4” was Flanders’ first bike, and it was designed to be a cheap commuter. One of Flanders’ slogans was that “the only cheaper transportation is a sailboat.” The 4 in the name signified that this bike produced 4 horsepower, it had nothing to do with the number of cylinders in the engine (it’s a single).
Here’s a list of all the lots, and here’s a list of what Mecum’s considers the Featured listings.