Honda’s CBX blows past previous records
Having bought and sold a half-dozen Honda CBXs myself, I have observed the steady climb in values as well as what was once a clear hierarchy of traits that made for a valuable CBX. The record-breaking sale of this modified black 1980 model for $49,500 suggests the CBX is in a changing world, however. Original, untouched examples of ’79 and ’80 models without fairings once topped the market.
At Mecum, it appears buyers expanded their horizons. Later bikes, even if modified, commanded just as much and sometimes more than earlier CBXs. The record breaker was especially surprising, extensively modified as it was with a bubble fairing, aftermarket seat, and exhaust (the original exhaust was included in the sale). Similarly, a Fair-condition 1980 CBX with aftermarket exhaust, seat, suspension, and grips sold for $17,600—a price that would have landed a perfectly-restored original example only four years ago.
Harley-Davidson’s Knucklehead punches toward six figures
A Knucklehead is no longer a $50,000 bike. It’s now a $100,000+ bike.
The sale of this 1936 example for an eye-watering $203,500 exemplifies the trends that put Knuckleheads on our “9 bikes we’re watching in 2021″ list. That sale was not the only one, either: on average, Knuckleheads at Mecum’s Las Vegas auction sold for 15% over the Hagerty Price Guide #2 or “excellent” value.
British bikes are a stronger value than ever
Despite headlines of record-breaking sales seemingly every week, not all trend lines shoot high and right. The line traced by British motorcycles has coursed laterally (and sometimes even a little bit down) more than most over the last seven years, and that represents an opportunity to get onto some great machinery at reasonable prices.
The 1959 Triumph T120R Bonneville got people excited about motorcycles and the British motorcycle industry in the same way the first Mustang sent Boomers to Ford dealerships in droves. As such, the Bonneville sits high in the pantheon of the most collectible British motorcycles. Despite that, trends have not treated the model well. In 2007, Bonhams sold a 1959 Triumph T120R Bonneville for $28,080. In 2016, one at Mecum crept higher, selling for $30,800 after fees. This January at Mecum Las Vegas, two examples of that same model in similar restored condition slid downward, selling for $17,600 and $26,400.
Similarly, At Mecum’s auction a 1963 BSA Rocket Gold Star Spitfire sold for $23,650, barely inching up from one that sold for $19,750 over a decade ago at the 2011 Vegas auctions.
As Bonneville and other British bike prices languished, mass-produced Japanese bikes began to soar. A restored 1971 Honda CB750 sold for $9,000 at Mecum Las Vegas in 2016 while this year, a CB750 in perfect restored condition sold for $28,000. This dramatic shift in demand has occurred despite the massive supply differential—one year of CB750 production totals more than five times all motorcycles Triumph produced in 1959. The upside is that this represents a significant value proposition for fans of British marques.
Deals are out there, even at the auction block
At a time when Japanese bikes from the ’70s are some of the hottest machines around, this 1972 Honda CL175 sold for $990. Now, a decade ago complete, running bikes could be had for that price all day long. But at least they still exist.
“Limited edition BMW” is synonymous with desirable, but for only $5500 this 2004 BMW Boxer Cup Replika could have been yours. Auctions frequently outperform the private-sale market, but sometimes with a more niche-audience bike like this a seller is better off in the private market where they can wait for the right buyer to come along. At auction, the seller must hope that two interested parties are ready to duke it out right there.
