MECUM AUCTION WISH LIST: WISH YOU OWNED ONE, WISH YOU COULD GET RID OF ONE

On Apr 3, 2024 Last updated Apr 2, 2024

This is obviously not a motocross bike, but we are showing you this 1967 Mondial Bialbero 250 road racer because it sold for $167,000 in Las Vegas.

By Mark Donaldson

“Did everyone go broke at the same time!” That statement on mid morning Saturday sums up the mood of the annual Mecum Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction this year. As in past years there were hundreds of motorcycles up for auction, from restoration projects to full restorations, with everything in between, over the 4 day event. Previous auction results from the past few years have many collector motorcycles rising in value and at this years event many were set to cross the bidding stage with a “no reserve” (the highest price bid wins the auction). With the mood in the arena, many of those sellers went home disappointed or bought their motorcycles back because of the low sale prices. Many of the bidders this year were there to look and were not there to buy.

This 1977 Maico 400 was used in the motocross film “Sidewinder 1.” it is one of only two still in existence. It sold for $7,700.

Mecum’s Las Vegas Motorcycle auction has once again come and gone. Each year we enjoy attending the event, not only for the hundreds of motorcycles that are for sale but also to catch up on friendships with those that are in attendance. Many hours are spent walking and re-walking the aisles of motorcycles, discussing the finer details of specific models or just enjoying the variety of the yearly offerings. The auction is also an education, as there are experts and historians in attendance who are willing to share their expertise and knowledge. The names and faces can change over the years but the excitement and passion for motorcycles does not change.

Although it looks like an original, this 1967 Steve McQueen Rickman Triumph was one of 300 built as replicas. It sold for $22,000.

The mood of the assembled bidders may also change from year to year. On Wednesday, the first day of the auction, there seemed to be fewer attendees but the numbers increased each day and the attendance seemed to be at normal levels starting on Thursday. Many motorcycles crossed the stage and were sold well below the prices that had been attained over the past few years. To their credit the auctioneers worked very hard trying to extract the best possible price for the sellers, but you could also hear the frustration in their voices as they “know” what price a certain motorcycle should sell for. Yes, there were some standouts that commanded fantastic prices and Bultaco’s were mostly still on the upswing. Certain rare models or a known restorer with an exceptional reputation will most always see a good return on their restoration, but there were plenty of motorcycles that crossed the stage that were very well bought.

This Triumph TR5 MX was the last-ever Triumph motocross bike to roll down the assembly line—until Triumph introduced the 2024 Triumph TF250-X this year.

Despite the overall mood at the auction this year, as an attendee it is always an event to look forward to. Getting to spend time with friends, share meals and stories, memories of those who are no longer with us, brings us back year after year, and yes we want to see the motorcycles. We are already looking forward to see what January 2025 brings.

Matchless fought for British “Big Single” dominance against BSA and Triumph. This is a 1957 Matchless 498cc G80RR.

This 1964 CZ 360 twin-pipe sold for $15,400.

This 1977 KTM 400 was raced by motocross pioneer Lars Larsson when he was the West Coast KTM distributor. It sold for $10,450.

Imagine a pristine 1980 Honda CR250R selling for $2750.

Vintage Kawasaki motocross bikes are hard to restore because of a poor parts supply, but this spotless 1978 KX250 sold for $23,200. However, a 1974 Kawasaki H2 Mach IV 750 triple sold for $40,700.

Condition is everything, if you want full price. This well used 1985 CR500 only brought $4400.

This clean 1977 Bultaco 370 Pursang MK9 sold for $26,400.This unrestored 1954 Triumph T15 Terrier was Triumph’s first unit-construction engine, with a 149cc, pushrod, overhead valve engine. It was also Triumph’s first motorcycle with rear plunger suspension.