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Exceptional £300,000 motorbike collection heads to auction

It’s fair to say that when you start collecting motorcycles, it’s easier to build up larger numbers – due to their more compact size and lower price – than their four-wheeled counterparts. The Riddell Collection is one such example: a remarkable assembly of 28 sought-after motorcycles, ranging from classic icons through to modern race-ready superbikes, and it will be offered for auction through Collecting Cars this week.

The estimated total value for the collection is in excess of £300,000, and the online auction is open for bids from Sunday 20 October until 27 October. Around half of the motorbikes on offer were acquired brand-new by the seller to form part of this impressive private collection, and most of these remain in superb condition with little more than delivery mileage.

The collection reflects historical timelines of some of the most famous motorcycle marques, incorporating acclaimed Triumph Trident ‘triples’ from the 1970s complemented by an as-new Trident 660 and Trident Scrambler ‘Steve McQueen’ from 2021. There are also classic models from Yamaha, with the popular RD250C and RD400C both represented; again showcased alongside contemporary bikes from the same brand, in the form of a 60th Anniversary R1 superbike and XSR900.

The oldest bike is an exciting 1969 BSA Rocket 3, previously refurbished and magazine-featured. A particularly notable inclusion is a 1975 Triumph Trident T160V, originally kept on static display within a Danish museum, and presented in astonishing ‘time-warp’ condition with just 1 mile on the odometer. At the other end of the age spectrum is a 2022 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure, in TE (Touring Edition) specification that comes with a raft of desirable features as standard.

Stylish cruisers are also among the lots, with an imposing 2015 Suzuki VZR Intruder Custom finished in bespoke paintwork, a 2014 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle with little more than delivery mileage, and a 2016 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide that has been enjoyed as intended with a lengthy road trip to Austria and back to attend a MotoGP race.

For those who enjoy venturing off the beaten track, there are two examples of the Maico 400 motocross bike from 1979 and 1980, representing the last metal tank model and the introduction of the plastic tank design. A 2018 Husqvarna FC 450 is offered in pristine unused condition, ready for its next owner to ‘run in’ on their favourite all-terrain courses.

Few motorbike collections would be complete without supersports models, and among the lots here are a sensational Ducati 1199 Panigale Superleggera as well as a 1199 Panigale Tricolore – both with little more than delivery mileage. The BMW HP4 is also in as-new condition, equipped with the sought-after Competition Package that adds extra carbon-fibre parts and a Racing Blue Metallic finish for the wheels. The 2021 M 1000 R is the first ‘M’ model produced by BMW Motorrad, with a mighty 212hp 999cc inline-four, and numerous electronic aids to keep all that power on the road or track.

Half of the collection is offered at No Reserve from the start, and Collecting Cars expects significant global interest in this superb collection of two-wheeled icons, stylish road bikes, and sought-after track-focused machines.

See the full collection, and make your bid here.