A Hundred Years of Motorcycle History Coming to The Iconic Auctioneers

A hundred years of motorcycle history coming to the Iconic Auctioneers Shuttleworth summer sale on July 14th .

The Iconic Auctioneers Shuttleworth Summer Motorcycle Sale offers more than a century of the best of motorcycle design, so for the serious collector as well as the bike connoisseur This is a sale not to be missed.

The entries in the sale range from the 103-year-old motorcycle pictured above, to one manufactured last year and never been ridden. Starting the century off is this fabulous, John Morris restored, James Model 8 “Porcupine”. Produced in Birmingham but a bicycle company that went into motorcycle production at the turn of the 20th century and known for quality bicycles including ‘penny-farthings’. Their first motorcycle was marketed in 1904. This, restored two-stroke 250cc Model 8, is presented in very good overall condition. Known as the “Porcupine” due to the unusual shape of the engine cylinder.

Fast forward twenty years to this stunning 1945 Indian 340 Chief 1 with its ‘skirted Art Deco fenders’ an Indian Chief is one of most recognizable motorcycles on the road. The first Indian bikes produced post war had new features that included girder front forks and plunger rear suspension. This, front leaf spring, example was restored in 2014 to its current good overall condition. Converted to 12-volt electrics and right-hand throttle for ease of use it was running up until three years ago and has been on display in our vendor’s house since, so will require some recommissioning. A US-import it was UK registered in 2016 and is offered to auction with a history file containing copy manuals, Indian Owners Club literature and starting instructions. Estimated at £25,000 – £30,000.

The 60s are synonymous with the legendary Bonneville models and there are three already entered to this sale, the above T120C Bonneville TT Special Competition was introduced to the US-market in 1964 for the growing trend for off-road competition and is the early version of the TT Special. This restored, matching numbers example is presented in good overall condition. A US-model exported to East Coast dealer, Tricor, in period is now UK registered and has formed part of a private Collection for last few years, so will need some recommissioning before use.

Representing the 1980s is one of the rarest Kawasaki Z1000 in existence, the Z1000H Fuel Injection model. Kawasaki’s first venture into the world of fuel-injection production motorcycles, this model was only produced for one year with only 200 bikes being imported to the UK. This example is presented in restored condition and is in good running order. UK-registered from new and complete with a comprehensive history file. Correct numbers and in very original condition.

Another gem from the 80s is this rare Rothmans Honda NSR250R SP. Honda introduced the NSR250R in 1987 as a competitor to the popular race replica Yamaha TZR. The model developed over the years from the MC16 to the 1994 MC28 until two-stroke 250 GP bikes were phased out. This MC18 model is presented in good overall condition and in running order. Originally registered in Japan, then imported into the UK and currently registered in the Isle of Man.

One of only 57 UK-market 998S Final Editions. After the introduction of the 999 model, Ducati launched the 998 FE model (special order) to appease those who preferred the legendary 916. UK-market bikes were equipped with the ‘Testaretta’ 136bhp 998cc twin-cylinder DOHC unit from the 996R. They were identifiable by a unique ‘Final Edition’ plaque on the triple clamp, the number of 998 victories on the fuel tank together with the Italian ‘Tricolore’ on the rear fairing. Presented in original and unrestored condition and still fitted with its original exhaust system. Showing 6,700 recorded miles and in good running order this motorcycle is Estimated: £10,000 – £15,000.

At the far end of the age spectrum this 2023 Triumph Rocket 3R ‘Chrome Edition’ in ‘as new’ condition having never been ridden. Triumph’s Rocket 3, released in 2004, sent shockwaves through the motorcycle world with its massive 2.3-litre, 3-cylinder engine offering enormous power and torque for a cruiser. It received a major update in 2019 and an even bigger 2.5-litre engine. Available in three models, the GT (touring), the R (sports) above and the limited edition TFC model. This motorcycle is on offer from a private collection and will doubtless turn many heads.

More information about the motorcycles detailed above, along with all the other entries in the  Shuttleworth Summer Sale on 14^th July at Shuttleworth,  Old Warden Aerodrome, Bedfordshire, SG18 9EP, can be viewed online at www.iconicauctioneers.com/the-shuttleworth-spring-motorcycle-sale-2024/2024-04-07/ipp-100  or in person at the venue on Saturday 13^th July.  The auction will commence at 11am on 14^th July, bidding is available in person, online, via the telephone or commission (pre-bid). For more information or to get a free no obligation quote for your motorcycle or collection, contact the Motorcycle team on +44 (0) 1926 691 141  or email enquiries@iconicauctioneers.com.