2015 Bonhams Motorcycle Auction

We all know the real meaning of that coy slogan about what happens in Vegas. It really means that what stays in Vegas is your money. It should read: “To play in Vegas, you gotta pay in Vegas.”

The early January auctions in the desert have become an annual pilgrimage in the last 20 years. Now condensed to two major houses, Bonhams and Mecum, the events draw sellers, buyers and the just plain curious from across the country and the world. This year nearly a thousand motorcycles were up for bid, and most of them sold – many at fair prices, and some at stupefying sums. But as they say, value is simply what someone is willing to pay.

Las Vegas is clearly the costume capital of America, and even the most outrageous outfits are considered routine. Revealing is the word most often used regarding cocktail waitresses in the casinos, and, much like the rise in collectible motorcycle prices, the cleavage contest at these auctions has risen accordingly. Some amazing examples of anatomical engineering are common.

On the other hand, the casinos have fallen far behind the curve in terms of catering to the growing number of beer enthusiasts. They could do much better by elevating the beer selection. Just sayin’.

The big Kahuna at Bonhams was the 1938 Brough Superior SS100 on the dais. The bidding reached $280,000. When you tack on the 15% commission on the first $100K, 10% of the balance, and 8% California sales tax … that’s quite a dip in the old cookie jar, and the bike still didn’t make reserve. The 1950 Series C Black Shadow of former Vincent maven Sid Biberman sold for $112,700, and another C Shadow barn-find brought $103,500. A 1961 Francis Beart Norton Manx ridden by Jimmy Guthrie sold for $75,900.

All told, more than four million bucks changed hands at the Bonhams auction. Prices in general were up, with the better Triumph Twins rising again after flattening a few years ago. Relative bargains were still available on Nortons, BSAs and various Japanese models.

“With a full salesroom and positive buzz throughout the duration, the internationally attended auction saw many motorcycles bought by global collectors,” said auctioneer Malcolm Barber. “Bonhams continues to show year-on-year growth in the market of collectors’ motorcycles here in the U.S.”

Full auction results are available at Bonhams.com. Stay tuned for our report from the even larger and more varietal Mecum auction held across town. In the meantime, scroll down to see samplings from the Bonhams auction and some of the stories behind them.