A Resilient Motorcycle Market

8 Aug

Style and Substance: Eight Motorbikes in our Upcoming Auction

Despite global economic challenges, the market for collectible vehicles has proven exceptionally resilient. Webb’s recent Collectors’ Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia auction achieved over $1 million in sales this May, with motorcycles particularly strong, fetching values comparable to those seen during the market peak of 2020-2021. Buyer interest remains vigorous, and collectors are increasingly active in acquiring vintage, pre-war, and modern classics.

*Lot 25, 1928 Harley Davidson Jest $45,000 — $50,000*

Webb’s is proud to have played a significant role in this success, selling an impressive 30 of 31 motorcycles offered in our last four auctions—a remarkable sell-through rate exceeding 96%. We recently had the privilege of auctioning Chris North’s esteemed single-owner motorcycle collection, featuring a diverse range of bikes at various stages of restoration, all of which sold, some achieving up to 230% above their lowest estimate.

August Collectors' Cars Catalogue

*1956 AJS 7R 450cc. Price realised incl bp. $50,600, sold May 2024*

Globally, specific trends are favouring classic motorcycles and collectors alike, with certain eras and brands experiencing notable surges. British motorcycles, once considered less fashionable, are now gaining renewed popularity and value. Models from Triumph, AJS, Matchless, and Norton have seen increased success at auction and greater recognition within the community.

Webb’s recent sales include noteworthy British examples expected to appreciate further in value, such as a pristine but storied 1956 AJS 7R race bike sold for $50,600 in May, and a c.1927 Norton 500cc achieving $28,175 in April 2023. This August, we are offering six motorcycles of exceptional British pedigree, including four Ariel and two Matchless models, all from the immediate pre or post-war period, presenting excellent investment opportunities also likely to increase in value over the next decade.

Furthermore, amid concerns over inflation, motorcycles are increasingly viewed as dual-value assets—collectible vehicles and pieces of art. The enduring appeal of pre-war American motorcycles, notably Indian and Harley-Davidson, underscores this trend, with models like the Indian Four, Scout, and Harley J & JD seeing global value increases.

Icons of style and austerity alike, Indian and Harley motorcycles earned a reputation for their design and performance in the 20s, yet still symbolised a durable frugality during the trying years of the 30s.

Icons of the 20s and 30s for style and austerity alike, Indian and Harley were the only two American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression. Both became known for embodying the excess, glamour and vigour of the roaring twenties while contrastingly also representing the durable frugality that delivered both companies and a nation through the market crash.

Webb’s recent auction of a 1928 Indian 401 fetched a substantial $132,250 after fees, and we anticipate offering two similar motorcycles in August 2024. Particularly noteworthy is the 1928 Harley Davidson J, an authentically restored example of an iconic pre-war American classic. Its historical significance, engineering excellence, and venerated design make it a triple-threat in collectability, poised to fetch increasing returns for any would-be winning bidder.

In a different vein, the 1936 Indian Scout Junior offered in August is certainly a barn find awaiting restoration, but represents a sought-after model with potential for significant value to be etched—albeit with substantial work—out of its highly original condition.

The market eagerly embraces collectible motorcycles of all conditions, particularly favouring American and British origins, with a strong preference for those with pre-war heritage. Despite global economic challenges, enthusiasts’ fervour for motorcycles remains undiminished, and the auction trade stands as a testament to the defiant and remarkably robust nature of the collectors’ vehicle market.