Las Vegas becoming known for motorcycle auctions

Glenn Bator got a little nervous when a worker at the Rio struggled to release the rear-wheel stand on a 1910 Flying Merkel valued at $175,000 to $200,000.

The specialist for Auctions America by RM said he'd handle that one himself as he supervised the unloading and staging of some 500 collectible and vintage motorcycles going to auction today through Saturday.

Auctions America, which is new to Las Vegas, is one of three motorcycle auctions in the valley this week.

MidAmerica Auctions is holding its 21st annual Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction and Races at South Point. Last year's event resulted in about $5 million in sales.

Bonhams has its second auction at Imperial Palace today.

Las Vegas is becoming known for motorcycle auctions, much as Phoenix is known for car auctions, said Marshall Terrill, author of "Steve McQueen: A Tribute to the King of Cool."

"The real story here is the three shows and how Vegas has become the antique motorcycle auction capital of the world," Terrill said. "When Barrett-Jackson hosts its big auto auction (in Phoenix), several auction houses host shows during the week thinking the same people will come to their shows."

MidAmerica is selling three of McQueen's motorcycles, including the Husky featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1971. Also offered are McQueen's 1938 Triumph Speed Twin and 1940 Indian Four Cylinder. They're among MidAmerica's 500 antique and classic motorcycles for sale.

Terrill will join McQueen's widow, Barbara, for a book-signing today at MidAmerica's auction. She shared her late husband's enthusiasm for bikes and wrote her own book, "Steve McQueen: The Last Mile."

Auctions America has a collection of motorcycles from Michael Jordan Motorsports, including a 2008 Suzuki GSX-R1000 that won the AMA Superstock championship with riders Aaron Yates and Geoff May. The bike is autographed by Jordan.

"The reason we picked this weekend is we figured if you have more honey, you attract more flies," Bator said. "We're going to have thousands of people here going from one place to another to view the motorcycles. The serious buyers are going to pick where they want to be for the premier bikes, and I certainly feel we have the best lineup."

He's got a 1921 Harley-Davidson Sports Twin from gaming pioneer Bill Harrah's Reno collection. A famous former owner adds value, or "provenance," auctioneer Dennis Wisbey said.

"That's the word I use on the auction block," he said. "If I say it has 'provenance,' people know that means it has history and documentation. That applies to classic cars and vintage motorcycles."

Bator values Auctions America's inventory at about $10 million, with 60 percent selling at no reserve. One collector, Tony Parilla of Dallas, has 35 Harley-Davidsons offered that way.

"It's well over $1 million and he's rolling the dice with us," Bator said.

Perhaps the most valued piece at Auctions America is an 1894 Roper steam-powered motorbike built by Sylvester Roper in Roxbury, Mass. He built at least 10 self-propelled bikes between 1860 and 1895. There are only two left -- the other is in the Smithsonian Institution.

Roper's machine could beat the auction record of $520,000 for a 1915 Cyclone, Bator said.

There's a motorcycle for everyone's budget at the auction, he said. For instance, if someone has $5,000, they can put in a legitimate bid for the 1950s-era, British-made Matchless or the 1954 Mustang Pony. Bidding on a 1968 BSA Starfire should start around $1,600.

Admission is $15 a day or $30 for all three days at MidAmerica, and $20 a day or $50 for all three days at Auctions America. Bonhams does not charge admission.

Contact reporter Hubble Smith at hsmith@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0491.