A boy’s dream motorcycle collection is passed on:

Seventeen iconic Japanese classic motorcycles go under the hammer at Harrogate sale

• Auctions
• Bonhams
• japanese

Sports bikes galore at Bonhams Harrogate sale as a private collection of painstakingly restored 1980s/90s Japanese motorcycles goes under the hammer

A single-owner collection of seventeen iconic Japanese classic motorcycles spanning the 1980s and 1990s is headed for Bonhams Harrogate sale, taking place 12 November.
The collection highlights the technological excellence of Japanese engineering, including important models from the stables of Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha. The machines have been subject to comprehensive detailed restoration and, now in original specification, fulfill the owner’s boyhood dreams of one day owning such legendary motorcycles.

James Stensel, Head of Bonhams Motorcycle Department, said:
“Stripped and rebuilt to factory standard, with original parts carefully sourced from all over the world, the collection is a great example of an enthusiast’s passion for collecting and restoration. The Harrogate sale is a personal favourite on the calendar and we’re delighted to be offering such an exciting collection, sharing the owner’s passion for engineering excellence, retro styling and supreme performance.
“With over fifty motorcycles (including the seventeen Japanese sports bikes) offered at the upcoming Harrogate Sale, there has never been a better time to enter the world of motorcycle collecting and restoration. Whether a 1962 BSA 172cc D7 Bantam Super (£600-1,000), a 1956 Matchless 593cc Model G11 Project (£700-900) for the back shed restorer, c.1969 Sprite 405 Trials (£1,800-2,800) for the brave or the 1936 Excelsior 350cc Manxman Racing Motorcycle (£9,500-10,500) for the connoisseur, we have something on offer for almost every enthusiast, rider and budget.”

Heading the single-owner collection, a 1984 Kawasaki GPz750 Turbo (£5,000-6,000). One of the most exciting superbikes of the 1980s, the motorcycle boasts 100-plus horsepower at the rear wheel and a top speed of around 140mph.
The owner's personal favourite, the 1989 Yamaha FZX750 Fazer (£4,000-5,000) is a capable 'sports cruiser', a scaled down version of Yamaha's outrageous V-Max 'street dragster'. The heart of the Fazer is Yamaha's remarkable four-cylinder 20-valve engine, arguably the best in the '750' category in its day, only slightly de-tuned from its specification in the FZ750 sports bike. Measured at the rear wheel, peak power is at 94bhp.


Lot 31: 1984 Kawasaki GPz750 Turbo                   £5,000-6,000
Lot 32: 1986 Kawasaki GPz750R                          £4,500-5,500
Lot 33: 1986 Kawasaki 997cc GPz1000RX           £3,500-4,500
Lot 34: 1985 Kawasaki GPZ600R                          £4,000-5,000
Lot 35: 1989 Kawasaki GPX600R                          £3,000-4,000
Lot 36: 1988 Kawasaki 997cc ZX10                       £3,000-4,000
Lot 37: 1991 Kawasaki GPz900R Ninja                 £3,200-4,000
Lot 38: 1991 Kawasaki ZR750 Zephyr                   £2,500-3,500
Lot 39: 1993 Kawasaki ZZ-R600                            £2,500-3,500
Lot 40: 1990 Suzuki GSX-R750L 'Slingshot'          £3,500-4,500
Lot 41: 1982 Suzuki GS650 Katana                       £2,500-3,500
Lot 42: 1984 Suzuki 673cc XN85 Turbo                 £3,500-4,500
Lot 43: 1979 Suzuki GS550                                    £2,500-3,500
Lot 44: 1980 Honda CB650Z                                  £2,000-3,000
Lot 45: 1981 Honda CB750K-Z                              £2,800-3,800
Lot 46: 1986 Honda VF1000F-II Bol D-Or              £4,000-5,000
Lot 47: 1989 Yamaha FZX750 Fazer                     £4,000-5,000


Featuring a diverse selection of classic motorcycles and motor cars, Bonhams Harrogate sale will take place on 12 November 2014 at the Yorkshire Event Centre, Harrogate.
For the full online catalogue visit www.bonhams.com/21985
Viewing: Tuesday 5pm – 8pm, Wednesday (sale day) from 9am.
Information from a Bonhams press release 6th Nov 2014
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