BSA Sloper tops bikes at Shannons Melbourne auction

From a deceased estate in the UK, the 595cc sloper presented in excellent running order. Most pre-war BSA's are rare items now, with the big singles and v-twins even more so, so this one was keenly contested, and sold smack in the middle of its pre-auction estimate at $16,000.

An equally collectable 1957 Ariel Square Four 4G Mk II brought $13,500, despite being incomplete and requiring work. Like the BSA singles, Square Fours are sought after now, following a period of being off the collector's radar. Being a MkII, this one is also arguably a better riding proposition than the earlier version of the Square Four. No doubt it has gone into the hands of an enthusiast who will bring it back to its former glory.

The Melbourne auction also included a pair of Douglas motorcycles, the oldest of which was a 1926 'EW' 350cc inline flat twin. Despite being an older resto, the EW presented in stunning condition, explained by the fact it was never ridden, only displayed, following its restoration. From a deceased estate, the Douglas sold for $11,000 against a pre-auction estimate of $10,000 - $14,000. The second Douglas, a 1951 Mk5 350 transverse twin, was passed in.

Something of a surprise from this auction was the $12,500 paid for a 1975 Triumph T160 Trident. In very good overall condition, this 750cc triple featured electric start and a five-speed gearbox, making it a more practical riding proposition than some other British classics. Being amongst the last of the classic Triumph triples from the BSA/Triumph days of the 1970s may have added to its appeal.

Away from the UK, a 1982 Honda GoldWing sold for $6,500, above its pre-auction estimate. Australian-delivered from new, this GL1100 DC was reported to have covered only 42,000 kilometres from new, and had been serviced regularly by the vendor.

Lots from this auction that didn't sell included a race-spec 1939 Velocette 350cc MAC (from the same estate as the BSA sloper), and a 1947 Royal Enfield J Model 500. Both units were in very good condition, but each failed to meet their reserve.