1915 Harley-Davidson Twin Model 11For biker fans of all-things American, the E.J. Cole Motorcycle Collection is a must see.Many enthusiast consider the E.J. Cole Collection an American treasure, and it surely lives up to that name. The collection of more than 230 bikes took more than 50 years to complete, and includes model years ranging from 1903 to 1991.
Now the E.J. Cole Collection is going on the block during Mecum Auctions at South Point Casino and Exhibit Hall in Las Vegas March 20-21.And it’s huge – the auction will feature 239 lots, with 231 of those offered at no reserve. Mecum reports that some of the bikes have never before been seen by the public, let alone offered up for sale, making this offering one of the most unique of its kind.“It is the largest single grouping of American-built motorcycles ever offered to the public from one person’s collection,” commented Ron Christenson, president of Mecum’s Motorcycle division.1911 Flying Merkel Board Track Racer“We are confident that the entire collection could fetch as much as $15-20 million at auction. It’s an amazing group of motorcycles and its proportion is truly epic. It’s already being dubbed ‘The Antique Motorcycle Auction of the Century.’”Included in the collection are two of Cole’s favorites – a 1907 Harley-Davidson Strap Tank (Lot S62) and a 1910 Flying Merkel Board Track Racer (Lot S79) – along with a few motorcycles that were once owned by the iconic actor Steve McQueen, including a 1915 Cyclone Board Track Racer (Lot S57), an 1907 Indian Tri-Car (Lot S67), a 1942 Crocker Big Tank (Lot S69) and a 1912 Minneapolis Big 5 Single (Lot S89).A number of Cole’s motorcycles have been proudly displayed at museums in South Dakota and Iowa. These motorcycles will be gathered up and presented for auction in Las Vegas, but Cole is hopeful the new owners will lend, as he has often done, their newly acquired antique motorcycle to one of the fine motorcycle museums around the United States.1917 Henderson 4Speaking of the collection, E.J. Cole says “I didn’t really have a preference [among makes]. As long as it was a motorcycle and American-made and I didn’t have one, I went after it. I just mainly tried to buy one of everything there was, and that’s about it. I just went for everything.”Mecum reports that Cole also acknowledges his reluctance to let go of what he’s spent more than 50 years putting together: “If my age hadn’t gotten ahead of me, why I’d still be out trying to add to it, but being that I’m 89, I feel like it’s time to quit.” He adds that, “Here at my place nobody gets to see them and they need to be out where people can enjoy them.”Cole has leant a few of his bikes to museums in South Dakota and Iowa. He hopes future owners will also lend the bikes to fine motorcycle museums found throughout the USA.For more information on the E.J. Cole Collection or to register as a bidder, visit Mecum.com or call (262) 275-5050.E.J. Cole Collection Auction Info:
March 20-21, 2015
South Point Casino and Exhibit Hall 9777 Las Vegas Blvd. S. Las Vegas, NV 89183
Admission: $20 per person, per day; children 12 and younger receive complimentary admission
Preview: Gates open on Friday, March 20 at 10 a.m. and on Saturday, March 21 at 8 a.m.
Auction: Friday, March 20 from 4-6 p.m. and Saturday, March 21 beginning at 11 a.m. (All times Pacific)
Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory + Steve ’Stavros’ Parrish
byMotos and Friends by Ultimate Motorcycle
Hello everyone and welcome once again to Ultimate Motorcycling’s weekly podcast—Motos and Friends. My name is Arthur Coldwells.
Our first segment features the new Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory. Senior Editor Nic de Sena brings us his report on the flagship version of Aprilia’s upright middleweight machine. He gives us insight into whether it’s worth spending the extra money on the Factory version, and also of course, whether this sporting Aprilia is really the motorcycle for you.
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The next guest segment of Motos and Friends is brought to you by the faster and most technologically advanced, 2023 Suzuki Hayabusa—one of the most iconic sportbikes ever. Check it out in person at your local Suzuki dealer now, or visit suzukicycles.com to learn more.
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In this segment, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with (arguably) one of the most interesting Suzuki race riders of all time. the iconic RG500 alongside teammate double World Champion Barry Sheene. The two were almost as famous for their exploits off-track, as for their success on it. Those were the days! Steve also raced the Isle of Man TT for about ten years where he won 13 Silver Replicas, and got a podium finish. His insight into that particular brand of mayhem are fascinating.
But there’s waaay more to Steve Parrish than his motorcycle racing. He is also the most successful Semi-Truck racer ever, and, little known piece of useless trivia—he’s my birthday twin: 24th February. He is a natural entertainer and you can’t miss his recounting of the world’s most entertaining—and arguably terrifying—double-decker bus ride ever. If any of you were actually on that hell-ride then we’d love to hear from you!