The London-based agency has spent endless hours working with Bonhams Auction House to deliver a report that recognizes the top 30 most treasured motorcycles in the world.Included in that group are the top 10 most valuable motorcycles in 2018, and the top 10 bikes with the largest appreciation value.
When the research was complete, a 1951 Vincent Black Lightning took honors as the world’s most expensive motorcycle.1951 Vincent Black LightningDuring the Las Vegas Bonhams motorcycle sale on January 25, this Black Lightning set an auction record for the highest price ever paid for a single motorcycle. The price? In unrestored condition, $929,000.Verve says the historically significant 1951 Black Lightning race bike is one of only 30 similar models built by Vincent in Stevenage, England. After leaving the factory, the special-order Vincent was exported to Australia. While there, and under the ownership of racer Jack Ehret, the bike set Australia’s land speed record.This Black Lightning was nearly double the price of the runner up, a 1932 Brough Superior BS4 Project. Following is the list of the top 10 by value and appreciation, and some information about the top 30 most treasured motorcycles.
Top 10 Most Valuable Motorcycles (2018):
1951 Vincent Black Lightning – $929,000
The ex-Hubert Chantrey, 1932 Brough Superior 800cc Model BS4 Project – $458,197
1929 Brough Superior 968cc SS100 – $434,866
Rare ‘one-of-one’ Black Shadow variant in Chinese Red – 1951 Vincent White Shadow – $421,351
1939 Vincent-HRD 998cc Series-A Rapide – $380,888
1939 Vincent-HRD 998cc Rapide Series-A Project – $373,157
1927 Brough Superior 981cc SS100 Alpine Grand Sport Project – $357,695
The ex-George Brough, London-Edinburgh Trial – 1939 Brough Superior 990cc SS100 – $349,964
The ex-Murray Motorcycle Museum, 1934 Brough Superior 996cc SS100 – $334,502
1926 Brough Superior 981cc SS100 Alpine Grand Sport Project – $326,771
Top 10 Motorcycles by Value Appreciation (inflation adjusted appreciation value, 2018):
1951 Vincent Black Lightning – 4475.23%
1929 Brough Superior 968cc SS100 – 3023.07%
Rare ‘one-of-one’ Black Shadow variant in Chinese Red – 1951 Vincent White Shadow – 2789.63%
The ex-George Brough, London-Edinburgh Trial – 1939 Brough Superior 990cc SS100 – 2735.30%
The ex-Hubert Chantrey, 1932 Brough Superior 800cc Model BS4 Project – 2666.55%
1927 Brough Superior 981cc SS100 Alpine Grand Sport Project – 2585.46%
1926 Brough Superior 981cc SS100 Alpine Grand Sport Project – 2422.67%
The ex-Murray Motorcycle Museum, 1934 Brough Superior 996cc SS100 – 2164.34%
1937 Matchless 1,000cc Model X – 1008.66%
1939 Vincent-HRD 998cc Series-A Rapide – 981.17%
Discussing the list of the top 30 treasured motorcycles, Ben Walker, international director for Bonhams collectors’ motorcycle department, said: “When choosing which motorcycles to feature we’ve tried to select machines from across the collecting spectrum – from the early Pioneer period with the 1908 Triumph 3½hp Combination through the post-classic 1990 Honda VFR750R Type RC30.“These are machines that will appeal to all areas of enthusiasm – not just because of their value but also because of the nostalgia that they evoke.”Honda RC30In regards to appreciation, Walker said: “It is fascinating to see how the values have increased since the machines were new. Knowing what we know now – the percentage increase in value and how difficult it is to acquire these machines – it would be great to step back in time and buy them when new….”For more, including prices and descriptions of each bike, visit Top 30 Treasured Motorcycles.
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!