If you’re like many kids, fall meant the arrival of Christmas gift catalogs at your home. My brother, sister and I quickly grew obsessed with the thick, dream books as we planned and schemed to choose the toys and gifts we felt Santa was obliged to bring us. I’ve been experiencing similar emotions these past few days scrolling through the motorcycles displayed on the Mecum Motorcycle Auctions website for the upcoming Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction. New bikes are being consigned for this, the country’s largest motorcycle auction each day and with every click, I’m experiencing that same, heady rush of anticipation last felt when five-speed Stingray bicycles filled my dreams.
Trust me, the two-wheelers on offer at the auction, slated for the South Point Hotel and Casino February 3 to 6, are a lot more exciting than a five-speed. Here are a few choice rides that are likely to fill any rider’s wish book list:
Ducati MK II Desmo Single-Cylinder
If you’ve ever wished to test your skills in classic roadracing or just fancy a fun, lightweight Italian single, this 1970 Ducati 350 thumper fits either bill. The lightweight Desmo singles with bevel-drive cams laid the groundwork for Ducati’s very successful 90 degree twins that followed and are known for their reliability and easy maintenance. This baby is done up in classic ton-up style with a red half fairing, Motocicli rearset foot controls and a humpback seat already in place. Full lighting equipment makes the bike street legal while a fresh engine rebuild and 12-volt electrics makes it ready to ride. Look for Lot #N138 to be auctioned on Thursday, February 4th with no reserve.
Phil Read Replica Honda CB750
Seven-time British Grand Prix racing champ Phil Read’s exploits on Honda’s legendary SOHC CB750 Four in 1977 at the Isle of Man TT inspired a limited run of just 150 replicas of his red, while and blue, fully-faired track missile. These commemorative edition bikes were designed to be ridden on the road as they’re equipped with full Cibie lighting equipment, a handmade aluminum fuel tank, high-performance chrome exhaust and uprated suspension. The late racer and frame engineer Colin Seeley designed and helped create these very special machines, and they’re pure Honda engineering brilliance right down to the five-spoke Comstar wheels. Look for it on Friday, February 5th, Lot# R173.
1971 Dunstall Norton Commando
British racer and revolutionary performance tuner Paul Dunstall was instrumental in modifying Norton twins, well before branching out into Japanese bikes. He conceived of motorcycles like this big bore Commando street racer in the early 1970s, wresting more speed and handling prowess from the final generation British parallel twins. This screaming yellow Norton is bored out to 801cc and equipped with dual Lockheed front disc brakes, two-into-one Dunstall exhaust with a chrome megaphone silencer, a fiberglass fairing and bodywork bearing the Dunstall logo, plus a remote oil cooler and shouldered alloy wheel rims. There’s no reserve on this quick, sexy Brit that goes on sale Friday, February5, lot R157.
1991 Harley-Davidson 883 Storz Sportster
California’s Steve Storz spent decades re-working Harley Sportsters for more thrust and racetrack-inspired handling. One of his more famous creations is this far-out, two-tone 883 XL of 1991 vintage. The air-cooled Sportster has been subject to the full Storz musclebike treatment with a full two-into-one Supertrapp exhaust system, WP adjustable racing shocks, rearset controls and inverted roadracing forks. The lack of a speedometer speaks to this bike’s racing history as does the safety wiring still in place on axles and drain plug. The front wheel now sports two drilled disc brakes while lightweight magnesium wheels make for sharper cornering. The XR750-inspired bodywork wears striking black paint on one side and Harley racing orange on the other, making this one hella-distinctive ride. There’s no reserve on lot #N133 when it’s auctioned on Thursday, February 4.
