Following its successful debut motorcycle offering in Auburn, Indiana earlier this month, Auctions America by RM is busy preparing for two new dedicated motorcycle sales – an auction at the Barber Vintage Festival in Birmingham, Alabama, October 8 and its all-new Las Vegas Premier Motorcycle Auction, January 12 – 14, 2012 in Nevada.
The two new sales are part of the company’s growing calendar of world-class vintage motorcycle events and auctions, having launched a vintage motorcycle division earlier this year to complement its collector car offerings and cater for client interests and requests.
“Despite fluctuations in the economic sector, the collector motorcycle market remains vibrant”, says Glenn Bator, Head of Auctions America’s vintage motorcycle division. “Like quality collector cars, great bikes are continuing to attract great prices at auction and remain a popular ‘alternative investment’ for collectors and enthusiasts, with the added value of being able to see, ride and enjoy them.”
“We’ve enjoyed a great early reception to Auctions America’s new motorcycle offering, securing a number of important private treaty sales as well as achieving an 64% sell-through for the select motorcycles offered during the recent Auburn Fall weekend. We look forward to continuing to build on these results at both our upcoming Barber and Vegas sales and welcoming enthusiasts to what promise to be not-to-be-missed events,” Bator adds.
Scheduled for October 8 at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Birmingham, Alabama, the Barber Motorcycle Auction continues the tradition of an auction at the renowned Barber Vintage Festival. In total, some 150 classic two wheelers are expected to cross the podium during the Saturday afternoon sale, catering for a diverse range of tastes and budgets. Notable sale entries include: a restored, well-documented 1956 Triton 650cc T120R, a beautiful example of an original Triton Cafe Racer (Est. $25,000 – $30,000); a highly sought-after, expertly-restored 1915 Harley-Davidson V-Twin Electric Motorcycle, the first year for Harley-Davidson’s all electric lights and three speed transmission (pictured top, Est. $65,000 – $75,000); and, a beautiful 1926 Ace 1000cc Motorcycle, one of the most elegant of all early American motorcycles (Est. $75,000 – $85,000).
“The Barber Vintage Festival is one of the country’s premier motorcycle events and a wonderful showcase and celebration of the hobby. We’re excited to be working with the Barber Festival team and pleased with the diverse offering of bikes assembled for the sale. For collectors looking to join the roster and consign their bikes to the auction, a few limited consignment opportunities are still available,” Bator adds.
Auctions America by RM kicks off the 2012 collector calendar with its debut Las Vegas Premier Motorcycle Auction, January 12 – 14 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. The multi-day sale will present approximately 400 bikes, spanning a range of marques and eras with early consignments secured from around the world, including as far away as England and Italy. Headlining early entries is a selection of very rare, early bikes from the renowned Jerry DeMille Collection including a 1911 Wagner; a 1911 Sears Single Cylinder; a 1910 ½ Yale Single Cylinder; and a 1929 Cleveland (pictured right).
In addition to the auction, Auctions America’s debut Vegas event will feature an exclusive motorcycle seminar on Saturday, January 14, with noted industry experts taking to the floor to share their market insights and predictions. Special guest panelists include Buzz Walneck, Founder of Walneck’s Magazines; Doug Mitchell, noted motorcycle author; Mark Hoyer, Editor of Cycle World magazine; and respected collector, Joe Bortz.
“We’re thrilled to be adding Vegas to our growing motorcycle events calendar. Strong early interest from around the world combined with a great venue and stellar list of early entries has set the scene for a ‘must attend’ weekend for discerning motorcycle collectors and enthusiasts,” Bator comments.
“In addition to the auction, the motorcycle seminar – a part of Auctions America’s continuing educational series – is set to be another highlight, promising an informative and entertaining discussion from some of the industry’s most respected names,” Bator adds.
Both the Barber and Vegas sales will feature leading auctioneer Dennis Wisbey, joined on the podium by Glenn Bator who will offer color commentary.
For further information, full event details or to discuss motorcycle consignment opportunities, please contact Glenn Bator at [email protected] or +1 805-798-1802 or Wayne Pitt at
A frequently updated list of auction entries for both sales is available online at www.auctionsamerica.com.