Monday, November 30, 2009

BMW SALE AT THE BMW MUSEUM

In what must be regarded as a marketing coup, Bonham's auction house held a sale (11/28/09) of the Willy Neutkens BMW collection at the actual BMW factory Museum in Munich (see my post on the new Museum here).

Neutkins was well-known in BMW circles as a focussed and dedicated collector, to the point of earning a place in the Guinnesss Book of Records as the holder of the largest private single-make collection of motorcycles in the world. He had an example of just about every production Bavarian flat-twin, from the earliest R32 to the end of the 'air-head' era, and developed a special relationship with the Factory over the years, using their archives and expertise to assure his restorations were accurate to the nut.

That doesn't mean the machines were 100% original, and a few examples of his collection had mis-matched frames and engines (eg, I heard from one collector of an R12 frame/R17 engine combo, etc), but for the most part it seemed his bikes were solid, and what a shopping experience it must have been for bidders! Pre-war BMWs especially are difficult to source nowadays, and an accurate restoration even more so. The combination created an air of excitement around the world for flat-twin enthusiasts, and the bidding reflected such.

The auction was a total sell-out, with BMW itself (Welt und Classiche - now combined under the direction of Karl Baumer) out-bidding my friend Yves on the ex-Works ISDT '53 R67/2 (seen below), which ranks among collectors as one of the most desireable 'street' BMWs.

Here's the Bonham's summary:
A clear highlight of the sale was the 1924 BMW 493cc R32 (Lot 40) which was at the heart of a five way bidding battle between three continents, eventually realising Euro 109,250 against a pre-sale estimate of Euro 33,000 – 45,000.

Bids also came from the BMW Museum, host of today’s sale, which secured the Ex-Works ISDT 1953 BMW 594cc R67/2 – Lot 76 - for Euro 26,450 (estimate Euro 19,000 - 22,000). This historic competition machine beautifully complements the other motorcycles in their own impressive collection.

One of the sale’s most emotional and charming purchases involved a lady bidder who secured the 1982 BMW 649cc R65LS (Lot 23) for Euro 2,530. Having bought the motorcycle when it was new – proceeding to cover an incredible 170,000km over 14 years on Continental tours – she was delighted to be reunited with it so many years later.

In all, over 320 customers had registered to bid, making this one of the most successful sales for the Bonhams motorcycle department.

Malcolm Barber, Bonhams CEO and auctioneer on the day commented, “The BMW archivists, directors and management team at the Museum worked closely with our company following instructions from the Neutkens family to market and offer their collection for sale. The combined strengths of our respective companies ensured full marketing, an informative catalogue and a perfect setting to obtain this fabulous result.”

Fred Jakobs, BMW’s Archivist for motorcycles at the museum commented, “I was delighted with the outcome of today’s sale, it was a pleasure for my company to work closely with Bonhams, they presented a first class auction. We too were delighted to have acquired the Ex-Works, ISDT, 1953 BMW R67/2BMW for our collection. It has come home and will be on display here at the museum next year it is the grandfather of our Enduro bikes”.

Many thanks to Yves J. Hayat for the photos!

Friday, November 27, 2009

Motorcycle Pictures of the Week - Sunbear Blair

Here are my Pictures of the Week as displayed on the Motorcycle Views Website. These are taken from the Moto Pic Gallery. See Sunbear Blair with his 1944 Indian Chief. There are no women winners this week. Get your picture in. For details, see Motorcycle Pictures of the Week.

If you'd like to see your bike as Picture of the Week, submit a picture of you and your bike along with a description of the bike.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Polar Bear Grand Tour - Hillbilly Hall

Check out pictures and descriptions of the fifth motorcycle run of the Polar Bear Grand Tour season to the Hillbilly Hall in Hopewell, NJ on November 22, 2009.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving


Taking off for the Holiday so I won't be posting for awhile. Keep leaving comments and I'll post them when I can. Later!

Happy Thanksgiving


Taking off for the Holiday so I won't be posting for awhile. Keep leaving comments and I'll post them when I can. Later!

World's Fastest Motorcycle!!


At one time. I believe the record was set in 1969. Sportser powered too. Another gift courtesy of Big Scott.

World's Fastest Motorcycle!!


At one time. I believe the record was set in 1969. Sportser powered too. Another gift courtesy of Big Scott.

"Keep on Chuckin"


Big Scott gave me these. They came with the '70 custom dresser he had. To refresh your memory go to:

http://aplee-motorcycleart.blogspot.com//2009/05/1970-nok-new-old-kustom.html

"Keep on Chuckin"


Big Scott gave me these. They came with the '70 custom dresser he had. To refresh your memory go to:

http://aplee-motorcycleart.blogspot.com//2009/05/1970-nok-new-old-kustom.html

Victory Motorcycles CORE concept bike to be at the 2009 Carole Nash NEC Bike Show





Victory Motorcycles CORE concept bike will make its first European public appearance at the 2009 Carole Nash International Motorcycle & Scooter Show.

Polaris Lead Industrial Designer Michael Song said “CORE is pure motorcycle. We wanted to strip everything that is not critical and build a motorcycle that borrows the production technologies we have incorporated into the Victory Vision. The frame and engine architecture of the Victory Vision was our inspiration however we wanted to make a statement beyond ‘custom’ and create something completely unique.”

Ride safe.


Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://bestmotorstyle2011.blogspot.com//
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

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Erik Buell, down but not out!!

Harley Davidson, Inc have announced today that Erik Buell will be leaving the company to set up Erik Buell Racing, a motorcycle race shop based in East Troy, Wisconsin following Harley-Davidson's decision to discontinue production of the Buell motorcycle range.

Erik Buell Racing will supply race-use-only Buell motorcycle parts and race preparation services for engines and motorcycles, and build and sell of Buell® 1125R-based race-use-only motorcycles under license from Harley-Davidson, and provide technical support to racers of Buell motorcycles.


Ride safe.


Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://bestmotorstyle2011.blogspot.com//
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

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Monday, November 23, 2009

KYMCO KR Naked 125 street bike to be unveiled



Taiwanese motorcycle manufacturer will unveil its new KYMCO KR Naked 125 street bike at the NEC Bike Show this week. However we have pic to wet your appetite.

Ride safe.


Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://bestmotorstyle2011.blogspot.com//
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

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Saturday, November 21, 2009

Pack Rats

Talk about a Garbage Wagon.

I remember when a rat bike was just an old bike (sometimes chopped), that was greasy and grubby with maybe a few odd pieces that were usually functional.

Now it seems it's mostly about piling on useless junk. Sorry but, I don't see what's cool about that!?

Pack Rats

Talk about a Garbage Wagon.

I remember when a rat bike was just an old bike (sometimes chopped), that was greasy and grubby with maybe a few odd pieces that were usually functional.

Now it seems it's mostly about piling on useless junk. Sorry but, I don't see what's cool about that!?

Erik Buell to Form Erik Buell Racing

The Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Company announced in a press release on November 20, 2009 that Erik Buell would be establishing a new company, Erik Buell Racing. Here's an excerpt from the press release:

    "Harley-Davidson, Inc. announced today that following the company’s recent decision to discontinue the Buell motorcycle product line, Erik Buell, Chairman and Chief Technical Officer of Buell Motorcycle Company, will leave the company to establish Erik Buell Racing, an independent motorcycle race shop."

For more information read the complete press release.

Friday, November 20, 2009

DERMOT DRAWS STANLEY




Dermot Walshe is a cartoonist of some clear talent, and an enthusiast of early motorcycles and history - clearly a man of excellent inclinations! His blogsite Zoomfrog was the recent host of his hand drawn exploration of Stanley Woods' first Isle of Man experience, racing a Cotton - the start of a long and illustrious career. Dermot's drawing style is as old-school as his content, in the manner of classics like Tin Tin; I love the sepia coloration, just like the photographs and films of the era.
Dermot is hoping for funding to make a full-length animated film out of his story... and let's hope he is successful!

Motorcycle Pictures of the Week - Michael

Here are my Pictures of the Week as displayed on the Motorcycle Views Website. These are taken from the Moto Pic Gallery. See Michael on his 2009 Indian Chief Vintage. There are no women winners this week. Get your picture in. For details, see Motorcycle Pictures of the Week.

If you'd like to see your bike as Picture of the Week, submit a picture of you and your bike along with a description of the bike.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Art Imitates Life


Many of the crazy images that were put out by Roth had some basis in reality. Note the Iron Cross on the gas tank.


Dick Cook aboard "Big Daddy's" mini bike. It was said to be too big for Ed. This thing is more ridiculous than in the art.

Art Imitates Life


Many of the crazy images that were put out by Roth had some basis in reality. Note the Iron Cross on the gas tank.


Dick Cook aboard "Big Daddy's" mini bike. It was said to be too big for Ed. This thing is more ridiculous than in the art.

Helmet Collector


Robert Williams with some of his collection of WWI Pickelhauben.

The Pickelhaube (plural Pickelhauben; from the old German Pickel = "point" or "pickaxe", and Haube = "bonnet", a general word for headgear) was a spiked helmet worn in the 19th and 20th centuries by German military.


As a kid, I was obsessed with these helmets. I always made sure I saw this one featured in the ending credits of Hogan's Heros. I would still like to have one.

Helmet Collector


Robert Williams with some of his collection of WWI Pickelhauben.

The Pickelhaube (plural Pickelhauben; from the old German Pickel = "point" or "pickaxe", and Haube = "bonnet", a general word for headgear) was a spiked helmet worn in the 19th and 20th centuries by German military.


As a kid, I was obsessed with these helmets. I always made sure I saw this one featured in the ending credits of Hogan's Heros. I would still like to have one.

Bronson Bikes

Next to the Easyrider bikes, the "Then Came Bronson" Sportster is probably the next most commonly imitated bike. Still, you don't see that many. I found these photos on the web (Flicker?), taken outside the H-D museum.

The third one back is a replica of the H-D Sprint used sometimes in the show for stunts.


It really wouldn't be too hard to build one. Most I've seen are not completely correct.


These two are the closest to the real thing in the bunch. They both feature a correct 21" front wheel.

Bronson Bikes

Next to the Easyrider bikes, the "Then Came Bronson" Sportster is probably the next most commonly imitated bike. Still, you don't see that many. I found these photos on the web (Flicker?), taken outside the H-D museum.

The third one back is a replica of the H-D Sprint used sometimes in the show for stunts.


It really wouldn't be too hard to build one. Most I've seen are not completely correct.


These two are the closest to the real thing in the bunch. They both feature a correct 21" front wheel.