The auction season for collectible and rare motorcycles is kicking off in Las Vegas, and few if any items are expected to fetch as much as this 60-year-old fully-functional BSA Gold Star.
Constructed by BSA for the 1956 Earls Court Motorcycle Show in London, the motorbike was fully sectioned and motorized to show off its drivetrain function and the movements of its piston, crankshaft, clutch and valves. The motorbike is just one of many prized motorcycle artifacts from the Herb Harris Collection set for auction at Bonhams.
This BSA Gold Star is fully operational and is powered by a pair of original British electric motors that were reconfigured to plug into American 210-volt outlets. Its gears had to be down-graded in the process, so it now turns at around 9 rpm which is half the original speed.
Historic Motorbike Auctions
The BSA Gold Star is Expected To Break Auction Records
Trend Themes
1. Collectible Motorcycle Auctions - The increasing demand and high prices of rare and collectible motorcycles can lead to new auction platforms and innovative business models for selling, reselling and distributing them.
2. Repurposing Historical Artifacts - Adapting historical motorcycles and other artifacts to modern technology can create new and unique experiences and attract a wider range of enthusiasts and collectors.
3. Electrifying Classic Motorcycles - The conversion of classic motorcycles into electric-powered ones can appeal to a new generation of eco-conscious riders and create new opportunities for customization and innovation.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive - The automotive industry can explore new market segments and business models related to rare and collectible motorcycles and the technologies used to preserve, restore, and sell them.
2. Auction Houses - Auction houses can innovate their strategies and operations to cater to the changing needs of collectors and enthusiasts and optimize the value of rare and historical artifacts.
3. Electric Vehicles - Electric vehicle manufacturers and enthusiasts can leverage the popularity and appeal of classic motorcycles and the feasibility of converting them into electric-powered ones to expand their product portfolio and market share.