Harry Sucher (RIP) was an early member of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America and one of the most knowledgeable men out there on classic motorcycles – he wrote impressive histories on both Indian and Harley-Davidson. As you might expect from such a guy, he also had a great personal collection of motorcycles, one of which was this Sunbeam Model …
Vintage Flat Tracker – 1928 Harley-Davidson JD Twin Cam
Homer Knapp was a legendary gearhead who founded Hollywood Motorcycle Machine back in 1966. Unfortunately, he passed away late last year, and his bikes have been moving on to their next owners thanks to Classic Motorcycle Consignments – hopefully you’ve seen their ad on the sidebar as they’re a Bike-urious sponsor. Of Homer’s extensive motorcycle collection, one of the most …
Icon Defined – 1929 Henderson KJ
In American motorcycling 3 manufacturers dominate any discussion. Harley Davidson, Indian and Henderson. From 1912 to 1931 they were generally considered as the cream of the American market. They led the market with a flair. In 1925 Henderson introduced a 45 CID V-Twin that HD and Indian BOTH copied, and which lives on today in the 883 Sportster.
1939 Gilera Saturno 500
Another marquee I had never heard of…but in this case, probably should have. Gilera was an Italian motorcycle company that was in business from 1909 to 1969 when it was acquired by Piaggio. By 1939 the company had 3 500 cc models and would dominate the racing world with them right after the war. They had 2 four cylinder models …
Rare Restoration – 1936 Douglas Endeavour
Post Listing Update: This Endeavour did not get any action at the BIN of $45,000. The Endeavour was a groundbreaking bike for Douglas, and their marketing materials reflected that notion with descriptions like “the motorcycle of the age, a masterpiece on who wheels…silent, safe, light, luxurious. The last word in engineering practice and design.“. Despite all that, very few were …
Stuck Motor – 1913 Harley-Davidson Model 9E
Post Listing Update: This 9E project did not meet reserve despite 77 bids up to $33,900. Featuring a “7-8 horsepower” engine, the Model 9E was a twin that had a roller chain transmission. 1913 got a few refinements over the previous year, including larger inlet and exhaust chambers, more clearance between the tires and mudguards, wider forks, and more. MSRP …
Knucklehead Hillclimber – 1936 Harley-Davidson EL
Post Sale Update: This hillclimbing EL sold for $18,000 after 26 bids on eBay. 1936 was the first year of Harley’s famous Knucklehead engine. The EL model debuted with a MSRP of $380 and the new engine was good for 40 horsepower. There are of course other specifications worth sharing, but they won’t relate to this specific example – which …
Ending Soon – 1930 Indian 101 Scout with No Reserve
The Indian Scout was introduced in 1920 – eight years later the 101 Scout was released and some motorcycles consider it to be the most iconic Indian motorcycle ever built thanks to a bevy of racing-inspired upgrades. Said upgrades included a stronger frame, improved suspension, a longer wheelbase, and a front brake. However as the Great Depression took hold, Indian …
Cannonball Participant – 1929 Henderson KJ
Post Sale Update: After 20 bids, this Henderson sold for $45,100. In 1928, Henderson stole Arthur Constantine away from Harley-Davidson and put him in charge of redesigning their DeLuxe. The next year, Henderson released the KJ, also known as the Streamline. This example has been with the same family for years and ran in the Cannonball Rally in 2012.
Original Paint in Holland – 1932 BMW R2
View Post1915 Indian Big Twin
6-18-16: This Big Twin is back up for sale, find it with bidding up to $34,100 here on eBay. The last Indian to feature the F-head engine in a cradle-spring frame, the Big Twin is one of the milestone bikes of Indian’s long history. 1915 was the last year of production before Indian stopped racing efforts to help with the …
1913 Flying Merkel
Built between 1911 and 1915, the Flying Merkel is one of the most iconic American motorcycles of all time. These are so cool that I’m going to break my personal rule of only featuring bikes with asking prices because I just want to make sure you’re aware of it.
1939 Rudge Special
Post-Listing Update: This Rudge Special did not get any interest at the opening bid of $22,000. Rudge-Whitworth ceased operations in 1939 so they could switch to radar production for the war, making this one of the last bikes to roll out of the British factory. The Special was a touring version of the Ulster, which was one of Rudge’s most …
Needs Some Work – 1939 Indian Bonneville Sport Scout Racer
Post-Sale Update: After 53 bids on eBay, this Bonneville Sport Scout sold for $21,000. In 1939, Indian released “Bonneville” versions of the Sport Scout and Chief after Fred Ludlow set 750cc and 1,200cc records in Bonneville on Indian powered bikes. The “Bonneville” bikes got you high comp pistons, longer-duration cams, and the option of magneto ignition. This example was last …
1939 Harley-Davidson Big Twin Sidecar
The seller calls this a U/ULH because the motor is from a U but it has ULH barrels that were bored .20 over. Either way, he’s had the three wheeled rig since 1969 and it’s claimed to run and handle perfectly after a ‘complete refurbishment’ 5 years ago. Hope you like red!