Update 4.23.2018: We’ve updated most of the listings below with their sale prices, and estimates from Bonhams were very close in most cases. Their showcase pieces did very well also. From Bonhams:
Bonhams Spring Stafford Sale took place this weekend (21 and 22 April) at the International Classic MotorCycle Show and saw an incredible 92% of lots sold, achieving a total of £3,376,045 (US $4,708,029).
Several world records were broken, including the 1970 Clymer Münch 1,177cc TTS ‘Mammoth’ which achieved a staggering £154,940 and the 1973 MV Agusta 750S which realized £96,700, the highest prices ever achieved for these models at auction.
Congratulations to Bonhams on a great sale and to all the new owners!
-dc
For those lucky enough to be in attendance at the Staffordshire County Showgrounds in Stratford, UK, there will be an amazing collection of motorcycles passing over the auction block courtesy of Bonhams. But fear not: you need not be in attendance in order to participate in the auction. And just so you don’t miss out on any of the key lots going up for sale, RSBFS is here to help you navigate through the drool-worthy articles on hand. Register early, and bid with confidence!
For the rest of us, let us know what you think of the sale and estimates in the comments below.
– RSBFS Team
1998 Ducati 916 SPS – This 4,000 mile machine has a Bonhams estimate of $21,000 – $27,000 USD. SOLD – US$ 20,196 inc. premium
1990 Ducati 851 SP2 by NCR – Never been raced, but chock full of NCR parts. Bonhams estimate: US $39,000 – $49,000 USD. SOLD – US$ 27,631 inc. premium
1989 Honda VFR750R Type RC30 – this works Honda is an Isle of Man TT and Macau Grand Prix veteran. Bonhams estimate: US$ 35,000 – 49,000. SOLD – US$ 40,393 inc. premium
1987 Ducati 851 – Alan Cathcart’s personal machine since new, this tri colore beauty has a Bonhams estimate of $49,000 – $63,000 USD
1998 Ducati 916 Senna III – This low mileage 916 is number 281 of 300. Bonhams estimate: $14,000 – $17,000 USD. SOLD – US$ 22,620 inc. premium
1998 Ducati 916 SPS – With a documented history (including complete engine rebuild) this SPS has a Bonhams estimate of $18,000 – $24,000 USD.
1999 Ducati 996 SPS2 – Only 150 examples of this Euro-spec model were built. Bonhams estimate: $13,000 – $17,000 USD. SOLD – US$ 13,733 inc. premium
1986 Ducati 400 F3 – With only 327 kilometers showing, this late Cagiva-era Ducati has a Bonhams estimate of $5,600 – $8,400. SOLD – US$ 5,655 inc. premium
2000 MV Agusta 750cc F4 S – This ‘1+1’ Biposto example of the astounding F4 lineup has a Bonhams estimate of $9,800 – 13,000. SOLD – US$ 10,987 inc. premium
1990 Suzuki GSX-R750L ‘Slingshot’ – Presented as virtually new after an extensive restoration, this bike will be sold at No Reserve. Bonhmas estimate: $4,900 – 6,300. SOLD – US$ 6,947 inc. premium
1988 Honda VFR400R Type NC21 – A rare oddity in the US, this baby RC30 shows approximately 23,000 miles. Bonhams estimate: $3,100 – $3,900. SOLD US$ 4,524 inc. premium
1978 BMW 980cc R100RS ‘Krauser’ – Though rather high mileage at 80k+, this looks well looked after. Bonhams estimate: US$ 7,100 – 11,000. SOLD – US$ 7,755 inc. premium
1971 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport ‘Telaio Rosso’ – Recently restored, previous magazine tester. Bonhams estimate: US$ 34,000 – 42,000. SOLD US$ 43,625 inc. premium
1976 Ducati 900SS – Used in the late 70’s in amateur racing, it was later returned to road duty but includes many spares. Bonhams estimate: US$ 35,000 – 45,000. SOLD – US$ 37,162 inc. premium
1977 Benelli 750cc Sei – odometer shows 13k KMs, includes receipts. Bonhams estimate: US$ 11,000 – 17,000. SOLD – US$ 22,620 inc. premium
1979 Honda CBX1000Z – Imported to the UK via Canada in 1982. Includes receipts and Delkevic exhaust system. Bonhams estimate: US$ 14,000 – 20,000. SOLD – US$ 15,349 inc. premium
1983 Suzuki GSX1100 Katana – Shows nearly 25k miles and includes some receipts. Bonhams estimate: US$ 7,100 – 11,000. SOLD – US$ 12,926 inc. premium
1979 Suzuki GS1000 – No mention of Wes Cooley, is it a clone? Bonhams estimate: US$ 6,400 – 9,200. SOLD – US$ 11,310 inc. premium
1970 Clymer Münch 1,177cc TTS ‘Mammoth’ – One of the featured lots of the Stafford auction. Completely restored. Bonhams estimate: US$ 110,000 – 140,000. SOLD – US$ 217,692 inc. premium
1973 MV Agusta 750S – Another featured lot at the Stafford sale and noted as one of the most desirable of post-war motorcycles. Bonhams estimate: US$ 99,000 – 130,000. SOLD – US$ 135,864 inc. premium
1957 F.B. Mondial 250cc DOHC Grand Prix Racing Motorcycle – World Championship and Isle of Man TT-winning motorcycle of great historical and technical interest. Offered with assorted correspondence relating to its provenance. Bonhams estimate: US$ 110,000 – 170,000. SOLD – US$ 129,569 inc. premium
Honda 250cc RC163 Grand Prix Replica – The 250cc inline four gem was a championship winner, this replica is suitable for parades or vintage racing. Bonham’s estimate: $20,000 – $25,000
1974 AMF Harley-Davidson 250cc Grand Prix Racing Motorcycle – This Aermacchi-designed two-stroke is unrestored and was in the stable of the Cesena Motorcycle Club before being on display at the Rimini Motorcycle museum for the past 30 years. Bonham’s estimate – $17,000 – $21,000. SOLD – US$ 17,773 inc. premium
That Beemer is hardly broken in at 80k
The RC30 is Hislop’s 89 Macau GP bike – I would LOVE to have that one and would consider it if it were already in the US. It’ll sell well enough over there that I don’t see it being worth the hassle/expense of bringing it to this side of the pond. But just in case, does anyone wanna give me $40k for my nice stock RC30 🙂
Crazy what these RC30’s are getting up to these days. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s great but wow are the prices going crazy lately. I had one locked down and the guy backed out after Mecum, really bummed me out as it was a lock but that’s ok as another one came around. OW’s are next, you watch!!
Motoman, who was the guy selling the RC30? Just wondering if it was same guy who approached me about a sale. Why’d he back out and what was he offering it for.
These RC30 prices have been getting crazy. I’ve got two bone stock RC30’s that are pristine and that Jim Granger has been through thoroughly. Up to date service wise and all fresh oil, plugs, etc, etc. One’s a 3k mile bike and the other is 15k but you wouldn’t be able to distinguish the two. I sold one here on RSBFS a few years back and regretted it. BUT these prices have me thinking. Should I consider selling some of these homologation specials?? Current stable includes an Rc45, gsxr750rk, 1997 916 sps, 888 spo, 998r, d16rr…
I’m not one to sling mud but a buddy of mine found him. I’ll say this, he’s in central CA coastal area, leaving his main career to start his own motorbike repair shop. All I can say is that’s a bad start if this is the way he does business! It wasn’t cheap either, it was a super clean with lower miles for $32k and that was asking so I said what the heck. After mecum when I was supposed to drive up and get it, he said deal is dead unless I want to throw in the NSR250 I had for sale… yeah, no thanks! It was only ever ran on race gas of that rings a bell w the one you were offered.
Kevin, if you don’t need to sell you shouldn’t man. In my opinion, you won’t be hurt hanging onto them! You have some pretty special bikes on that list. If you end up moving any of them…do a “featured ad” on here, I’d definitely be interested in a couple although I have many of those already!
Motoman, sounds like you have an insane collection! Mine pales in comparison. I’ve been filling up the stable lately with newer bikes. I go back and forth between old and new but enjoy all of them. The new stuff is great fun to ride but the older stuff holds its value so much better and there is a coolness factor that the newer bikes can’t touch. Incoming Speciale later this week. Wonder if the RC’s can keep up??
btw, here’s the link to the RC30 I sold on here through a featured ad. Should have never sold it, but luckily I was able to replace it with a lower mileage example. 🙂
https://evu.hhv.mybluehost.me/raresportsbikesforsale/1990-honda-rc30-available-in-california-with-only-4500-miles/
Thanks Kevin. Yep, I have quite a few, in the process for opening up a place to show them all…details will follow soon for members of the site, just secured a nice building. Beautiful RC30 bud, just checked her out, wish I could of jumped on that one for sure! My new one is literally a 10 mechanically which is great as I like to ride most of my bikes but not super low miles…low enough for me though. I’ve been changing my tact lately, not shooting for zero or super low miles like I used too…I just have to ride them all. Stay in touch brother and look forward to hearing more about your collection one day. (Adam)