Ducatis star in Shannons Winter Auction

Ducatis proved to be the fruit of the season at Shannons Timed Online Winter Auction, thanks in part to an 11-bike consignment from a Queensland vendor that included not only classic Ducatis, but some rare and very desirable modern examples of the Italian marque, too.

Held from 15 to 22 August, the Timed Online Winter Auction featured 52 motorcycles, and while the Ducatis captured most of the attention, they weren’t the only bikes bidders were keen on. A 1937 Brough Superior SS80 and 1948 Vincent-HRD Rapide Series B were consigned, along with two pre-war Matchless rarities – a Silver Arrow v-twin and Silver Hawk V4. A gaggle of classic Triumphs, two post-war Ariels, a 1956 BMW R50 outfit, rare Suzuki RE-5 rotary and a restored 1929 Indian 101 Scout were also on the consignment list.

Of the Ducati collection, highlights included a 1996 916 Senna (build number 278 of 300, with just 10,429km from new), a 2009 1098R Troy Bayliss LE and an ‘as-new’ 2013 848 Evo Corse Special Edition that’s believed to have travelled just 11,206km from new.

Older Ducatis from this collection included a concours-level 1985 750 F1 Desmo, a 1978 900SD Darmah and a 1982 900SS (1975 Tribute), but the star proved to be a 1974 750 Sport.

The recipient of a meticulous, ground-up restoration by a marque specialist in the USA, this low-mileage (30,337 miles from new) 750 Sport was a personal favourite of the Queensland vendor and the only bike from his collection that carried a reserve price.

The 750 Sport proved to be not only the best seller from the Queenslander’s collection, but also the best-selling motorcycle in the entire auction, going for $77,000. The 1098R Bayliss made $44,500 and the 916 Senna $41,000 with no reserve.

Other strong results included $52,000 for the ’29 Indian Scout and $46,000 for the ’48 Vincent-HRD Rapide.