Vegas Motorcycle Auction Shatters Records and Bank Accounts
In what can only be described as the motorcycle equivalent of finding El Dorado, Mecum’s Las Vegas 2025 auction has just dropped jaws and emptied wallets faster than a quickdraw contest in the Old West. The event didn’t just break records; it absolutely obliterated them, raking in a staggering $27.2 million and claiming the crown as the most successful motorcycle auction in recorded history.
The star of this chrome-plated rodeo? A 1915 Cyclone V-Twin that became the first two-wheeled beauty to break the mythical million-dollar barrier at auction, commanding an eye-watering $1.32 million. This isn’t just any old bike – we’re talking about a masterpiece restored by the legendary Stephen Wright and previously pampered in the Urban S. Hirsch III Collection.
Speaking of the Hirsch Collection, they didn’t just bring one trophy to the party – they dominated the top 10 list like a motorcycle version of the Monaco Grand Prix, with eight of their machines crossing the block to thunderous applause and even more thunderous bidding.
The auction floor read like a who’s who of motorcycle royalty. A 1938 Crocker Twin strutted its stuff to the tune of $880,000, becoming the most valuable Crocker ever to cross the auction block . And for those who fancy something with an extra wheel (hey, we’re not judging), a 1898 De Dion-Bouton Tricycle rolled away with $165,000 and a world record for the most expensive De Dion ever sold at auction.
For perspective, this single event generated more buzz than a beehive in springtime, with more than 35 motorcycles hitting six-figure sales . And if you think that’s impressive, consider this: Mecum’s January was hotter than a Vegas summer, with this motorcycle auction and their Kissimmee car event combining for a mind-boggling $255 million in total sales.
The message is clear: vintage motorcycles aren’t just transportation anymore – they’re rolling investment portfolios with exhausts. And if this auction is any indication, the collector motorcycle market isn’t just strong; it’s doing wheelies all the way to the bank.
For those feeling left out of the action, fear not – Mecum’s next spectacle awaits in Glendale, Arizona, where approximately 2,000 classic and collector cars will be looking for new homes . Just remember to bring your checkbook and perhaps a small loan from your favorite national bank.
