Unlimited marketing opportunities, often bundled with a tantalizing price tag, capture the attention of the masses in a public auction setting. While some bikes have sold for astonishing sums over the years, these are typically rare instances of unique machines, celebrity-endorsed designs, or limited-production racing prototypes. While bespoke café racers are rarely priced within a modest budget?
While uniqueness is undoubtedly a crucial factor in preserving value, bespoke café racers rarely command substantial sums due to their inherent lack of rarity and mass appeal. Carefully review the prices of pristine Honda CB500 motorcycles on local public sale platforms and compare them to those featuring modified or heavily customized builds incorporating aftermarket components. Even the most stunning custom-made item won’t hold a candle to its one-of-a-kind counterpart. That’s when it wasn’t just any ordinary item – until it was made by an internationally renowned designer or was owned by a celebrity.
We’re examining custom fashion designs, going beyond a superficial glance to delve into the nuances and intricacies of unique styles. We’re also examining factory-made café racer designs that fully meet the fundamental requirements of a café racer style. While unexpected expenses may arise, refrain from relying heavily on extraordinary expenditures at every turn.
We’re not highlighting the top 10 most expensive bikes, but rather examining those that commanded astronomical prices – considering both their market value and any extraordinary circumstances surrounding the sale. The vintage motorcycle’s humble price tag, once mere hundreds of dollars, now fetches thousands with the same jaw-dropping allure as a rare gem model commanding an astronomical yet expectedly hefty sum?
Ten Racin’ Champions That Dominated Public Sales
1962 Matchless G50 Café Racer – $4,500?
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A café racer from the iconic 1962 era is surprisingly up for grabs in a public auction – none other than this stunning Matchless G50 replica, its rarity sure to pique enthusiasts’ interest. If you’re unfamiliar with the Matchless G50, this British-built motorcycle was specifically designed for competitive circuit racing.
Initially introduced in 1958, the G50 model was built around a 350cc single-cylinder powerplant that had been enlarged to 496cc through boring. The final outcome yielded a remarkable performance exceeding 51 horsepower.
The device didn’t just operate with remarkable proficiency, but its sleek design also made it a visual stunner. At first glance, one might wonder what makes this high-end motorcycle worth such a bargain. The explanation why it was offered for thus little is that it’s solely a reproduction, lacking any unique value or contribution.
Actually, beneath this sleek exterior lies no ordinary British engine. This stylish motorcycle features a trendy Yamaha single-cylinder engine. While the design is thoroughly modern with its sleek, alloy construction, there’s still an undeniable air of craftsmanship surrounding this innovative tank. While it’s possible to argue that this motorcycle lacks distinctiveness, its value lies more in its reputation as a well-regarded Yamaha model merely dressed up in British attire, rendering its market price unexpectedly high.
Even when you disagree with this notion, you won’t be able to help but appreciate the undeniable beauty of this device. That’s because it’s a critical step in ensuring everything runs smoothly.
1966 Ducati Diana Café Racer: A Rare Gem for Sale – $10,450
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A rare find indeed: this customised Ducati Diana boasts an array of intriguing upgrades, making it a truly unique specimen. Rare Ducati Diana models, particularly those in immaculate condition, command high prices at public auction. Nevertheless, less common variants featuring non-traditional components are not as highly sought after. Despite its imperfections, this opportunity was presented with a substantial financial reward. When considering this off-road vehicle, it’s crucial to acknowledge its reliance on unoriginal components and the fact that it’s not designed for street use.
The Ducati Diana’s inventory specifications highlighted its potent single-cylinder 250cc engine, capable of propelling the motorcycle to velocities exceeding 100 mph with ease. In its heyday, this model was renowned for being the swiftest production run of 250 units on the market.
The distinctive features that set this Diana apart from others are the unconventional inclusion of a bulbous “jelly bean” gas tank, complemented by high-performance components and a one-of-a-kind custom paint design. Normally, such damage would significantly diminish the market value of a motorcycle like this. Despite being truthful, the statement surprisingly came at a remarkably high cost. Or insufficient, relying on one’s perspective.
This unique Ducati Diavel café racer stands out as something particular.
1970 Rickman-Metisse Triumph Café Racer 650cc – Twelve Thousand Dollars
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While the Rickman identifier can be a useful tool for certain purposes, its presence can indeed lead to increased expenses in various contexts. When a seemingly ordinary café racer hit the auction block, a surprising phenomenon unfolded. The Rickman brothers, Don and Derek, excelled in chassis design, refining their expertise through innovative advancements like pioneering oil-in-frame techniques and oversized fork diameters.
With a foundation rooted in genuine racing expertise, the Rickman reputation has transcended to mythical proportions. Because the last motorcycle personally signed by Sir Norman Rickman was manufactured in 1975.
Although this one was created in 1970. Built around a Triumph Bonneville’s 650cc twin engine, this stunning café racer embodies the essence of a classic Rickman motorcycle. The human body, a potent force that drives our existence. The Rickman Brothers designed and crafted a lightweight, corrosion-resistant nickel-plated chromoly steel frame that set new standards for durability and performance. While this frame is undoubtedly impressive, its performance doesn’t quite match that of some other Rickman models available today.
This exceptional 1959 Triumph Trophy 650 can boast of its extraordinary provenance, as it is one of only 20 examples produced with this specific DNA, yet it has never been started, let alone ridden. Throughout its existence, the display has consistently served as a stationary exhibit. There are no actual miles recorded on the odometer. It’s precisely the unique combination of craftsmanship and exclusivity that drives the value of this extraordinary Rickman piece upward.
1974 Norton Commando Cafe Racer Duplication – $17,600?
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When customization is done correctly, you can actually increase value rather than decrease it. Even when discussing iconic motorcycles such as the Norton Commando. While tampering with a revered icon like the Commando might initially seem sacrilegious, careful curation, thoughtful creativity, and sincere reverence can yield something truly remarkable.
The meticulous renovations to this exceptional property are seamlessly integrated, giving the impression that they were always part of the original design – a testament to Bill Steele’s vision as the builder of this magnificent home. At Detroit’s prestigious Autorama, Steele emerged victorious in the coveted Grand Grasp Award for bicycles, his expertise and dedication evident in his triumph.
Embellished with its untouched 828cc parallel-twin powerplant, producing a robust 60 horsepower and reaching a top speed of 125 miles per hour, the Norton’s pinnacle performance is unmatched. This meticulously restored 1969 Norton Commando, priced at $17,600, outshines many contemporarily modified peers with similar age and value.
Custom 1970 Honda CB750 Sandcast Café Racer – $17,600?
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This motorbike was priced at an exceptionally high value, though ultimately less than initially estimated. Estimated to fetch between $32,000 and $40,000, the rare sandcast CB750 left auctioneers perplexed as it sold for a surprisingly low $17,600. While the sale price of $17,600 is under its initial estimate, this represents a significant sum for a Honda motorcycle, regardless of its model, considering it’s not a high-end KTM brand.
While unusual bicycles do catch the eye, this particular model stands out for its unconventional design. It’s a novel four-cylinder scorching rod-inspired A sleek café racer boasting an audaciously bold and eye-catching paint job. Rather than its reputation as a stripped-down track car, the bike stands out as an extravagant long-distance machine, boasting a prominent front fairing and distinctive twin headlights. Let the throaty rumble of the engine’s harmonious notes reverberate through the air as you fire up the motor and put the pedal to the metal. The exhaust’s symphony will surely delight your senses! Regardless of the café racer-inspired design and accessories, what truly adds value to this motorcycle is… It’s not just about the paint job or the white leather-based saddle that makes this motorcycle unique. It’s the engine.
This rare 1969 Honda CB750 K0 comes complete with its highly sought-after sandcast engine features. Early sandcast models were extremely rare and often produced in limited quantities before Honda transitioned to die-casting techniques.
Vintage 1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR Café Racer – $18,700
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During the heyday of café racers, manufacturers and amateur modifiers alike could swiftly retrofit a pair of clip-on handlebars, stripping down excess components to create their bespoke creation. If you were handling a European or Japanese motorcycle. For iconic brands like Harley-Davidson, whose massive V-twin engines and cruiser-inspired designs made leaning towards the café racer style a significantly more daunting challenge.
Notwithstanding, even Willie G’s exceptional abilities were surpassed. With unwavering dedication, Davidson immersed himself in the challenge. Willie, grandson of one of Harley-Davidson’s founding fathers, reimagined the iconic brand’s design aesthetic to create the original café racer. By incorporating low-slung handlebars, a sleek flat-track-inspired tank, a compact seat, and a streamlined tailpiece, Willie breathed new life into the classic HD formula. In 1977, Harley-Davidson unveiled the XL Café Racer, also known as the XLCR, a high-performance variant that emerged as the speediest model in their lineup at the time.
What truly sets this property apart is its unique characteristic: it has been owned by a single individual since its inception and has remained relatively static over time, allowing for a level of consistency and familiarity that’s hard to find elsewhere. Earlier than the public sale, it was fully overhauled and tuned by G&Okay Engines of Minnesota, and handled with new perishables and extra.
Given its extremely low mileage and immaculate condition, it’s no surprise that this vehicle is being sought after at a premium price. While it may not be the rarest example of XLCR to hit the market, this particular one stands out as one of the most pristine and well-preserved.
The 1966 Velocette Venom Thruxton: A Piece of British Motorcycling History for Sale – $27,300
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Motorcycle enthusiasts often consider themselves lucky to own a Velocette Venom in recent times. The Velocette Venom Thruxton is an unusual and rare model, making it a sought-after find for motorcycle enthusiasts. While sharing considerable DNA with its Venom predecessor, the Thruxton boasted distinct enhancements, including a turned engine, big-valve cylinder head, high-performance Amal GP carburetor, clip-on handlebars reminiscent of racing machines, rear-sets for improved ergonomics, and an intricate twin-leading-shoe front brake system – all standard features.
The technically complex motorbike had already been expensive when it first hit the market. The potential value alone justifies the extensive public offering. However there’s extra. The Triumph Thruxton was an extremely rare find. It’s estimated that only around 1,100 were ever produced.
Some experts believe that a few fake products were created using various materials, although this is relatively rare. The explicit male mannequin depicted here is an unique manufacturing unit mannequin.
The vehicle sold to the public comes equipped with a comprehensive history, bolstered by verifiable documentation that confirms its legitimacy as an authentic factory-assembled model. This rare post-war Velocette boasts a distinct combination of body, engine, gearbox, and registration numbers, rendering it an extraordinary opportunity to own a highly sought-after collector’s item.
1968 Triumph Rickman-Metcalfe 750 Café Racer – $31,900?
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Here’s another product of Rickman’s innovative engineering. This unique 1968 Triumph café racer, priced significantly higher than its counterparts. This iconic British café culture gets elevated to new heights with the union of a Triumph 750 twin engine, paired with a racing-inspired body and adorned with authentic café racer components, resulting in a truly exceptional machine. It’s the complete bundle.
Like all Rickman-Made bikes, the Triumph café racer features a progressive, hand-engineered design. Crafted from a nickel-plated body, this innovative design features numerous lightweight components strategically placed to minimize its overall weight. The custom-built vehicle features intricately crafted hand-laid fiberglass components, including precision-designed facet covers, aerodynamically sculpted fenders, a robust gas tank, and an ergonomic seat.
What’s exceptional about this Triumph twin-cylinder engine is its provision of a reworked Weslake cylinder head design featuring eight valves. By fine-tuning the engine’s performance, it achieves a notable boost in energy output, exceeding 60 horsepower through precise calibration of its settings.
Here is the rewritten text: This rare Triumph café racer boasts the finest components from its era, rendering it an exceptional and exceedingly scarce specimen. What’s the worth of a basic British motorcycle, all shiny and new, for someone with no racing experience? Priced impressively at $31,900.
2020 Officine GP Design MV Agusta Brutale “Onirika 2853” Café Racer – $34,000?
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Revamped motorcycles don’t have to follow traditional trends. A bespoke neo-café racer masterpiece crafted by Officine GP Design, brought to life in collaboration with Motul, has been purpose-built solely for auction, with all proceeds destined to support a charitable initiative dedicated to empowering underprivileged youth. Officine GP Design successfully reimagined a café racer with a striking fashionable twist, making it available at an impressive price point.
Built atop an MV Agusta Brutale 800, the Onirika 2853 is a futuristic tribute to solo-seat urban speedsters. While there’s little remaining of MV Agusta’s distinctive motorcycle, its powerful physique endures, accompanied by MV’s potent 798cc triple-cylinder engine still roaring to life. Each distinctive component of this motorbike was meticulously handcrafted, making every detail a testament to the value placed upon its creation.
At the 2016 Verona Motor Bike Expo, the Motul Onirika 2853 made its debut to a enthusiastic reception. Despite the excitement, only a handful of bidders were motivated enough to open their wallets when the auction concluded with a stunning $34,000 price tag for this highly sought-after café racer.
1974 Ducati 750 Super Sport – $137,000?
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And now for something truly costly: a 1974 Ducati 750 SS that will set your wallet back.
This checklist initially contained approximately 750 SS fashion models, subsequently put up for public auction; however, we’ve decided to focus on a single exceptional example: this extraordinary $137,000 vehicle. For a motorcycle, café racer, or anything else, it’s an extremely excessive value. The rarity of this highly sought-after gemstone, coupled with its mesmerizing beauty, fuels its astronomical value.
In 1974, the Borgo Panigale production facility manufactured approximately 400 “unworn” Ducati 750 SS models, many of which have since disappeared from circulation. Their condition was largely a consequence of their former life as high-performance racing machines, with only a limited production run ensuring that many had experienced the intense thrills and spills inherent in competitive racing. Despite modifications to their engines, the fiberglass components of these vehicles have suffered damage or degradation under stress, leaving only a scarce number of pristine examples in existence today?
On observation, the Ducati 750 SS proved to be an unbeatable motorcycle on the track. The Ducati Monster S4 748cc Desmodromic V-twin engine boasts an impressive 70 horsepower and 52.8 lb-ft of torque at the rider’s command. The motorcycle’s lightweight and agile chassis, paired with premium Marzocchi suspension, ensures a thrilling ride that’s equally suited to carving through twisties as it is cruising down the highway.
At the inaugural Imola 200 highway race, Paul Sensible’s initial skepticism towards the 750 SS quickly dissipated when he discovered he had shattered the lap record by a considerable margin upon arriving at the pits. As he navigated the 750 SS with precision, Sensible became oblivious to the speed at which he was moving.
Given its exceptional performance and limited production run, it’s no surprise the Ducati 750 SS commands such a premium value.
