Autumn Motorbike Madness 2023 — Awesome Auction Lots
Vintage Dreams on two wheels up for sale!
Autumn has truly descended upon us (at least in the northern parts of the hemisphere), and while the rain, cold, and hard winds might not exactly encourage you to pull the hog out for a ride, it doesn't mean you can’t get ready for spring!
Whether you’re a seasoned rider, an avid collector, or just someone who appreciates beautiful lines and great vintage design, this year's Autumn Auction at Sajab Vintage is sure to make your mouth water. We have put together some of the highlights of the auction for your perusal and pleasure — dig in!
We are starting at the heavy end with this fantastic Harley Davidson EL/Knucklehead from 1937, with matching numbers.
The 1937 Harley-Davidson EL (affectionately known as the Knucklehead, due to the distinctive rocker covers, resembling clenched fists), stands as a milestone in motorcycle history. This legendary two-wheeler represents Harley’s bold departure from the V-twin engine norm, introducing the first-ever overhead valve engine for the brand.
Boasting 61 cubic inches of power, the EL was a trailblazer, setting new standards for performance and design. Since being renovated and restored, it has only run 2.000 km. 1000 cc, original lightning cam, and M5 Linkert. Generator 6V rebuilt to 2 carbon and electronic charging.
With electronic ignition, original frame, tank, fenders, speedometer, oil tank, lighting, and brakes, there is a lot to love here. New rear section and front fork, as well as new hub spokes and rims. Original factory replacement block with long ribs and closed bearings. It has been lacquered in the original optional varnish that existed 1936–37.
With its sleek lines, innovative engine, and enduring charisma, the 1937 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead remains an icon of vintage American motorcycling, symbolizing the spirit of an era on the open road.
What a beauty! Valued at 63.500 USD, with a current bid of 38.600 USD.
See the bike here and make a bid at Sajab Vintage!
Moving on to the BMW R69. This is truly a wonder! Restored to a finish, far surpassing the bike that rolled off the assembly line in 1959. From 1955–1969, a total of 15.347 bikes were made (that includes the variations, R69S and R69US - Model R69 itself was only produced from 1955–1960).
These bikes are the pinnacle of German engineering and motorcycle craftsmanship. Part of BMW’s iconic “/2” series, the R69 is distinguished by its air-cooled, 594cc boxer twin engine and a shaft drive system, showcasing real innovation for its time.
Renowned for its smooth performance, durability, and distinctive design, the R69 is a classic touring motorcycle that encapsulates the essence of BMW’s commitment to quality and precision.
The specifications for this particular bike:
Reg No: EFE757 590cc 2 cylinders. 4-stroke. OHV Frame No: 654011 Engine No: 654011 Matching numbers.
With its enduring appeal and timeless aesthetics, the BMW R69 remains a sought-after vintage motorcycle among enthusiasts and collectors, embodying the brand’s legacy of excellence on the road.
Valued at 11.000 USD, with a current bid of 9.600 USD.
(Be aware that the auction house has the bike listed as 1969, which is clearly a mistake, as this model was only made up until 1960. The tag in the photo above also clearly states 1959. Thanks to Peter Jakobsen for the keen eye).
See the bike here and make a bid at Sajab Vintage!
Rudge, or rather Rudge-Whitworth motorcycles, were established in 1894, by the merger of two bicycle manufacturers. It quickly gained acclaim for its advanced design and groundbreaking technologies. Their pioneering Multi gear system, introduced in 1912, allowed riders to switch between gears without the need for pedal assistance — a notable advancement in early motorcycle transmission.
The brand’s success extended to racing, where Rudge motorcycles achieved numerous victories in prestigious events like the Isle of Man TT. (In 1914, Cyril Pullin won the Isle of Man TT on a Rudge Multigear). The iconic Rudge Ulster, produced in the 1920s and 1930s, became synonymous with speed and reliability, featuring a distinctive overhead valve engine.
This particular bike up for sale, was manufactured in 1922. The engine is a 1-cylinder, IOE, 500cc. Engine number: 24585 and frame number: 805059.
Despite facing financial challenges and changing ownership over the years, Rudge-Whitworth’s legacy endures as a symbol of British motorcycling excellence. With their striking aesthetic and innovative engineering, Rudge motorcycles remain very coveted by collectors and vintage motorcycle enthusiasts.
The bike is valued at 18.500 USD, with a current bid of only 4.300 USD.
See the bike here and make a bid at Sajab Vintage!
Swiftly moving on, (back to the other side of the pond again), here is another wonderful Harley Davidson. The Model J, from 1920.
Originally designed for military service around 1915, the Harley-Davidson Model J underwent a transformative journey, evolving into the brand’s premier civilian model after World War I. Initially produced in Olive Drab for military use (like the repaint on this bike), the Model J later underwent refinements until 1929, incorporating changes such as a shift in paint color to a glossy olive green, a hue shared with other Harley-Davidson machines until 1932.
Amid significant engineering advancements spurred by wartime technology, the Model J emerged with key features like battery ignition, standard electric lights, and a 3-speed transmission. Offered in various 61 and 74 cubic inch versions, this model served riders admirably until the introduction of the “flathead” Model D around 1929. Notably versatile, the Model J had demonstrated its prowess on streets, race tracks, and even served as a military courier during World War I.
The bike for sale is unregistered. The specs are:
1000cc 2 cylinders. 4-stroke. IOE Engine No: 20T9120
Despite production fluctuations influenced by military demands, the Model J showcased resilience. Its annual engineering enhancements made it an optimal choice for sidecar use, boasting a reinforced frame and fork. With an engine that progressively gained horsepower, the Model J endured over 15 years of production.
The bike is valued at 23.000 USD, with a current bid of only 13.800 USD.
See the bike here and make a bid at Sajab Vintage!
Rounding off, here is a little affordable postwar survivor. The German ZÜNDAPP, 200 from 1953.
The Zündapp 200, a masterpiece of German engineering from the mid-20th century, epitomizes the brand’s commitment to crafting powerful and reliable motorcycles. Introduced in the 1930s and refined over the years, the Zündapp 200 earned its place among the revered mid-sized bikes of its time.
With a robust 196cc two-stroke engine, the Zündapp 200 was not only versatile but also marked by its smooth performance. Its distinctive design, featuring a gracefully contoured fuel tank and a well-balanced frame, reflected the meticulous craftsmanship synonymous with Zündapp motorcycles. The bike’s engineering excellence extended to its suspension and braking systems, ensuring a comfortable ride and responsive handling.
One of the notable variants of the Zündapp 200 was the “Bella”, renowned for its step-through frame design, making it accessible and appealing to a diverse range of riders. Whether cruising through city streets or embarking on longer journeys, the Zündapp 200 offered a blend of reliability and style (and absolutely still does! This would make an excellent little cafe racer).
The specs of this bike:
Unregistered. Year of manufacture: 1953 Older Swedish registration: T9334 Frame number: 873646 Engine: 1-cyl, 2-stroke 196cc Engine number: 873646
The Zündapp 200 remains a sought-after classic among motorcycle enthusiasts and collectors. Its timeless design, coupled with a history rooted in German engineering prowess, solidifies its status as a cherished icon.
The bike is valued at 2.300 USD, with a current bid of only 700 USD.
See the bike here and make a bid at Sajab Vintage!
That is it for this time. Check out the entire line-up at the auction house here at Sajab Vintage!