Here’s another of our Six Of The Best series, this time from the Charterhouse auction taking place at the Haynes Motor Museum on 13 March.
Top of our list of an absolute icon of modern super sports bikes, the Honda RC30, aka the Honda VFR750R.
“Just 3,000 RC30s were produced between 1987 and 1990 by Honda Racing Corporation for homologation purposes for the World Superbike Championship,” said George Beale of Charterhouse.
“Costing an eye-watering US $15,000 new didn’t deter buyers and today they are highly sought after.”
The Honda RC30 at the Charterhouse auction rolled off the production line in 1988 and was registered in the UK in 2007. With just 3,565 recorded miles and a portfolio of documents including handbook, plus the original toolkit, it’s carrying a sale of £30,000 – £35,000.
Source: 1988 Honda VFR750R RC30
Just as desirable in many people’s eyes but less expensive is this 1977 Mark 1 Moto Guzzi Le Mans. Of course, it wasn’t called Mark 1 when launched – that appendage arrived with the Mark 2!
The ‘Guzzi has 30,335 recorded miles, with the seller owning it since 1991 and has survived well in original condition the near 50 years since it was made. The engine runs well, and is mainly used on club and charity rides. Estimate is £8,500-£9,500.
Source: 1977 Moto Guzzi Le Mans
A Norton International 500 for £6,000-£7,000? However, it’s not an all-original bike. The race-developed overhead cam 1957 International engine is fitted into a Norton Dominator chassis.
The engine was overhauled and new seals etc fitted by Geoff Bain, checked over by Mike Hose and last used in 2024 when it was “running ok”. The Norton will require re-commissioning, hence the price.
Source: 1959 Norton International 500cc
A ton of money, hard work and skill has gone into this 1986 Kawasaki ZX750 E2 Turbo, an award winner at the 2022 Bristol Motorcycle Show.
It’s in immaculate condition, with new paintwork and a complete restoration of engine, gearbox, clutch, brakes, suspension, fuel system and electrics.
Just 6,530 miles are recorded with the seller owning it since the year 2000. The rev counter is said to be sticking and will need attention.
Source: 1986 Kawasaki ZX750 E2 Turbo
Fancy a project? No reserve price is set for this 1958 BSA B31, which is from a deceased estate. It’s said to be part restored but clearly that’s for the buyer to find out.
It comes with a V5, RF60 and MoT from 1978 but DVLA does not have a record of the motorcycle registration, XLJ 802, so there’s a bit of work to be done on the registration.
Source: 1958 BSA B31
We started with a Honda and we’re finishing our SOTB with another: a 1982 Honda GL500 Silver Wing.
Despite being 43 years old, the mid-size tourer has just 1,082 recorded miles meaning it’s practically new. That mileage is claimed to be genuine, btw.
The seller bought it in 2018, and kept it in original condition. It may need some recommissioning after such little use but it comes with V5C, old V5, tax discs, invoices and spare key. Estimate is £2,000-3,000.
Source: 1982 Honda GL500 Silver Wing