2024 Mecum Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction

Doing the math in my head, count me in for nearly thirty Mecum auctions over the last decades, all names considered. From the start my role played out in a journalistic capacity, the first time chasing Guzzis around the old (since demolished) Tropicana Hotel for the club newsletter. As a Moto Euro staffer, education was gained watching publisher Larry Williams run a couple bikes through Mid-America’s selling process, but that wasn’t the best part. Late last year, the loss of Jim Shantel erased a cherished riding partner and auction buddy. I found myself thinking of him often. As a founding member of The Usual Suspects and himself a collector, Jim had great insight. It took me years to realize the reason Jimbo was always the center of attention was because he loved everyone better. There’s real substance under all that glitter and gamesmanship. Call me sentimental, but I doubt our friendship would’ve been so memorable without those fast, chilly rides to the Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction.

While on the subject of knowledgeable enthusiasts, it has been my great fortune to be surrounded by them for the duration of my writing career. Given the chance, I find it especially helpful to run my thoughts by the experienced members of this circle, so thanks goes to specialists Tom Hetrick, TJ Jackson, Kent Riches, plus the additional auction information contributed by Mike Larson. Comparing notes on the trends and market changes over time, everyone I’ve spoken with agrees that a great event became spectacular when Mecum Auctions took over. Growing the bike list and audience numbers equally, that increased scope has placed Mecum Las Vegas among the giants of vintage motorcycle events.

Attending a private tour sponsored by Cafe Racer Magazine, local enthusiast Mike Larson explained the Mecum representative leading the group specialized in valuating collections. “He has a pretty good handle on things” said Mike, and by way of example refereed to a stunning Kawasaki 750 H2 that sold for over $40,000. “Craig, our tour guide said lots of them will show up next year, as owners will want to cash out. That surplus will drive the price back down to reality”. More info included news that prices for Vincent and other British models has dropped 20%, while vintage dirt bikes are ascending. Streaming live on Motor Trend TV, 30% of Mecum’s auction sales come through the internet, and that percentage is growing. Mecum employs 300 people at the Vegas event, and every bike rolling across the stage has its serial numbers run across a national database by local police. “So often, there’s little rhyme or reason to pricing” concluded Mike. “Two Darmah 900s: one a low-mile first edition in red and white, the other restored in what I assume is the more desirable black and gold. That one hammered for twice as much.”

Sharing his thoughts below, Bill Ross joins me in contributing three favorites, while Alex Woodbury put his focus into just one. Mutually agreeing on our personal best of show, I observed how each of us went through the process of examining nearly 2000 motorcycles, rooms of vintage memorabilia, and more. Mingling through the crowd and often recognized, Bill seems drawn to cleverly engineered specials and racers, while Alex digs for what’s giving more bang for the buck. Systematically plotting my route atop the concourse (and after a stop at the snack bar) I walk until something speaks to me. Snapping everything that did, we can’t show you all of them but Mecum can, so register with your email at mecum.com for every motorcycle offered, item, and prices. No worries – Mecum won’t flood your inbox and the website is easy to navigate. Some extras will be added in the gallery at the bottom of this page, and possibly additional coverage on a few standouts. Stay tuned!

Bill Ross – Velocette, BSA, and Moto Guzzi

Had a really good time attending this year`s motorcycle auction at the South Point with friends Nolan and Alex. Akin to many of the rallies I’ve attended through the years; camaraderie and friendships born from common values, interests, and adventure. Seeing old friends and making new ones – always the social highlight.

2024 arrived on the heals of a slowing US economy and this was indeed a great year for many buyers. While many bikes were very well bought, there were also some surprisingly high record prices. I didn`t register for a bidding pass this year – too many projects at hand and lack of space deterred my participation. Reflecting back, this was a year of opportunity for many.

Had I registered, my focus would have been the many singles at Mecum; big and small, and from various countries. This 1939 Velocette KSS hammered for $ 8,250 (with fees) and would have been an incredible acquisition for riding or display. Basically a vintage racer with lights, these OHC Velos are “One of life’s greatest pleasures” according to Mecum’s flyer…

The classic Moto Guzzi singles also seemed good value with several 1950`s 500`s selling well below $7,500 including fees. Would love to have brought home the 1926 Sport 13 (in green) which only bid up to $16,000, not meeting reserve. Prices were much lower than in previous years.

On Wednesday, bidding stopped at just $10.175 for a restored, production built 1973 V7 Sport in Telaio Rosso livery. I did not personally see it, and judging by the photos it wasn`t quite a perfect restoration. However, it did not look like it would take much money or effort to improve upon. On a side note, an original 1971 TR sold at auction late last year in the US for nearly $93,000, and a well polished, stunning 1973 Black V7 Sport fetched $17.600 with fees on Thursday. All in all, Mecum`s did a great job hustling the bikes with almost two thousand machines crossing the block in just 4 days. Whether the flow rate influenced hammer prices remains to be seen, but I did notice some machines had a relatively shorter appearance on stage. Without a doubt, there was something for everyone there…and maybe there will be more Velocettes next year? Bill Ross

Alex Woodbury – 1986 Moto Guzzi Le Mans 1000

On the Italian front, Mecum 2024 boasted a proud showing that ought to grab the attention of buyers and sellers alike. Whether it be a never-see-another-again exotic, an odd but bulletproof mile eater, or a flat out instant classic — the Italian’s have always had something to offer the rest of the world, and they always will.

With so many fine lots to choose from, this custom Moto Guzzi Le Mans 1000 keeps resurfacing in my mind for a number of reasons…beyond just my Mandello beating heart. Talent is admirable but the resale reality is custom bikes of any and all kinds are tough sellers, period. Whether it’s listed locally or flashed under the bright lights of Vegas, all too often customs sell (or don’t) for less than the sum parts bolted onto them. There are exceptions of course, as all you need to score is two bidders who refuse to quit, and make no mistake; nobody offers better odds for that than Mecum. Still, it is wise to set your ceiling at base market value.

That said, Lot T298 sold at $5,500 with fees. A fair price considering just how far under the knife it went. Built from a 1986 LM 1000 base, its most distinctive feature is the twin headlight Sprint fairing – those Agostini-esque lines channel the model’s nature and history well, tossed with just a hint of English twin-beam flair.

The remainder of its dressing borrows from the models of years past; 77-78 Mk. I style seat pan, side covers, and some Mk. III graphics – the black top paint scheme applied to the stock Mk. IV tank. The velour seat might leave you scratching your head a bit, but along with the other exotics in the (now previous owner’s) collection, it makes a little more sense. Apart from yards of gloss red paint, other notable mods include the Astralite wheels (which shed about 10lbs of unsprung weight when compared to stock, and open up options in regard to tire preference) and the Performance Machine brakes (6-puck front, twin rear) would offer remarkable stopping power…even if the single disc isn’t this writer’s cup of tea, aesthetically, on a Le Mans. Those 17″ hoops lower the bike and its rear frame rails were cut and welded back straight to accommodate the previously mentioned seat pan. While fabricated very, very well, this act does fly in the face of the bidder’s mantra of “it’s only original once.”

To a guy like myself who’s going to whittle on a bike until he’s satisfied anyway (maybe even sacrifice an ankle to preserve a part that’s somewhat difficult to source), in my view this Le Mans was a fantastic buy – a great price for a very capable road machine. For the collector or purist? Maybe not so much but even so, the sheer cool factor of a full-coverage, Bol flavored nine-four-nine Big Valve is undeniably present. (Alex Woodbury)

Nolan Woodbury – BMW, Honda, and BSA

You’ll need to bring your game if you’re looking to score in Las Vegas, and not be afraid to risk it. Taking a gamble nearly sixty years ago, BMW in Germany voted (not unanimously) to continue the production of both cars and motorcycles. Needing a new facility and an entirely new design, they bet the house. Would the public embrace this machine like the vastly popular one it replaced? Could it perform with its fast, flashy competitors? Recorded historically, the answer reveals a decades long payout, and BMW’s R75/5 fathered an entire generation of airhead classics on its way to becoming the most important and successful flagship in company history.

Always learning, I had not heard of German tuner Otto Labitzke – the person behind this 1972 R75/5-S. Looking to close the gap between BMW’s new twin and Japan’s quick-spooling multis, Labitzke tuned the 750/5 into a deceivingly stock-looking special. No clue where the fairing and solo seat are from, but easily spotted mods include rear-sets, clip-ons, revised controls and gauges for oil pressure and temp. Tuning details: Sport cam, light flywheel, polished valve train, deep sump, opened airbox…you get the plot. Being drawn to the historical impact of Europe’s first 750s, I’ll write a full report on the model. Well bought at $14.300, with fees.     

My next two favorites are flyers built with similar intent. As it often happens to me at Mecum I found myself returning to this Honda  time and again. In my opinion the ‘cafe racer’ tag is often misapplied, but not in this case of this 1972 CB750 special. Even so, there’s clear elements of endurance racing in the SOHC’s motif; from its 8″ lamp back to the CR750 exhausts. Auction information credits Jeff Stephens of Godffery’s Garage for the work, described as a mix of 70-80’s bike fashion. Cycle Exchange provided many of the parts to build the 836cc stunner – forged rods, Wiseco pistons, stage one cam, flat-slide Mikuni 34mm carbs, shouldered alloy wheels, plus assorted chassis bit and parts front to back. I’ll assume the time, effort and investment as the reason a $19.000 high bid was rejected, but as repeatedly reported, customs are a tough sell. An old fantasy and clearly among the coolest bike’s ever released, I do not believe I’ve seen a real 1963 BSA A10 Rocket Gold Star before. There’s plenty of knock-offs and I’ve been fooled before, but not here. Including fees, Lot T158 topped at $19.800 and that somewhat shocking. Hammering for less than a new GoldWing, the ultra-rare RGS is holy grail among BSA types, and this US import included official docs confirming its authenticity. Cosmetically flawless, perhaps the hazy ‘in running condition’ description of the Beezer’s mechanicals kept the pricing modest?  

AirTech Fiberglass KZ1000 “Goose” replica

Sharing a table at the South Point’s Garden Buffet, I’m nursing my coffee and cheesecake across from Kent Riches – AKA AirTech Fiberglass. “For me, it’s been a bit up and down here,” says the builder of this Max tribute. A longtime standout, making specials is nothing new to Kent, who for years has kept an insane schedule to meet his goals of building custom bikes, custom fiberglass, and LSR racers.

An event with many layers, not everyone at Mecum is a mega-rich big spender This is illustrated by an experience shared by Bill; “Taking the elevator down, some auction goers were trying to cheer up and encourage a woman selling her late-husband’s Kawasaki. You could tell she was worried, and must really need that money.” Vegas will always be the place for a game of chance, so expect the unexpected. For Kent, some well deserved acknowledgement for a career packed with stunning customs and restorations. Jump over to CycleDrag for an interview with Riches and many other videos, including more info on this killer Kawasaki. Nolan Woodbury

Gallery 

Photography: Alexander Woodbury, Bill Ross, Nolan Woodbury, Mecum.com (1939 Velocette KSS)