World’s Largest Vintage Motorcycle Auction Returns to Las Vegas

Jack Korpela

2 years ago

Since 1992, the global vintage and antique motorcycle community has associated Las Vegas in January with one thing: the annual Mecum motorcycle auction, and this year will be no exception as 1,750 collectible motorcycles cross the auction block at the 2022 Mecum Las Vegas Vintage and Antique Motorcycle Auction, Jan. 25-29 at South Point Hotel & Casino.

A massive collection of amazing bikes can be found at Mecum every January.

This year’s auction will be headlined by the Harley-Davidson Heritage Collection of 95 vintage Harley-Davidson motorcycles, all of which will be offered with no reserve. The collection includes beautifully restored models from every year of the Milwaukee motorcycle company’s history from 1910 to 1969. Most of the motorcycles in the collection were restored to an extremely high standard by the same hand-selected individual, resulting in remarkably consistent quality and universal appeal across the board. Among the collection’s featured lots are a 1910 Harley-Davidson Belt Drive Single (Lot T1), a rare 1942 Harley-Davidson XA Military Opposed Twin Shaft Drive (Lot T54) and a 1924 Harley-Davidson JDCA (Lot T21), to name just a few.

1907 Harley-Davidson Strap Tank (Lot F191) sold at $297,000

Approximately 20 other high-quality private collections will be offered at Las Vegas 2022 as well, including assemblages from Dr. J. Craig Venter, Tim and Linda LaQuay, Bob and Dolva Mitchell, and many others, with highlights ranging from an 8,400-mile 1968 Triumph T100R Daytona (Lot F212) from The Hamilton Triumph Motorcycle Collection to the Mitchell’s professionally restored and award-winning 1938 Brough Superior SS100 (Lot S112).

1943 Harley-Davidson E Model (Lot S111) sold at $220,000

The Las Vegas motorcycle auction consistently presents motorcycles from around the globe and will once again feature both foreign and domestic offerings from American-built machines such as the 1912 Indian Big Base Board Track Racer (Lot F169) to offerings from across the pond and beyond, including a 1974 BMW R90S (Lot F225), a 1979 Honda CBX (Lot T104), a 1973 Kawasaki 500 H1 D Mach III (Lot S97), a 1970 Yamaha RT1 (Lot F299) and much, much more.

Bidder registration for Mecum Las Vegas Motorcycles 2022 is available in advance online at Mecum.com and on-site at the auction for $200, and it includes admission for two to all five auction days. For those unable to attend in person, enhanced remote bidding options are also available, with options for both online and telephone bidding. Doors open daily at 8 a.m. with the vehicle auction beginning at 10 a.m.

The “Purple People Eater” 1973 Kawasaki H2 used a 748 CC air cooled two stroke inline 3 cylinder motor that made 74 HP with a five speed transmission for a top speed of 120 MPH. A wet weight of 463 LBS, front disc and rear drum brakes, steel tube cradle frame and good suspension made a very, very fast motorcycle.

The 1972 H2 came with a single front disc brake, a second disc brake was an optional Kawasaki part, an all-new capacitor discharge ignition system unique to the H2, a chain oiler, a steering friction damper and a hydraulic one .

Two of the most iconic and legendary motorcycles of all-time, a 1973 Kawasaki Z900 and a 1972 Kawasaki H2 750 two stroke.

For more information on Mecum Las Vegas Motorcycles 2022 and all other scheduled 2022 auctions, visit Mecum.com. To view the list, to consign a motorcycle or to register as a bidder for this and all Mecum events, visit Mecum.com, or call (262) 275-5050 for more information.

There are more videos on the Cycledrag Youtube channel (please subscribe here) and the Cycledrag.com Facebook page (Please like here) and more will be coming soon. Check back daily.