Evel Knievel V-Rod sells at auction

The bike was one of a handful of motorcycle consignments from the clearance of the 'Cars of Dreams Museum' in Miami, Florida, conducted by RM Auctions.

Reported as the only motorcycle titled to Knievel at the time of his death in November, 2007, the V-Rod was a Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) Screamin' Eagle version purchased by the legendary motorcycle stuntman in his hometown of Butte, Montana in 2005, after which it was extensively customised.

Modifications included a raked windscreen with gold leaf flame detailing, saddlebags, crash bars and an embroidered seat. A race-style fuel cap, custom exhaust and cherry and gold orange paint were other features. Additionally, the V-Rod had Evel's name applied to both sides of the tank in gold leaf.

Purchased by John Staluppi for the Cars of Dreams Museum in Florida, the display of the 2005 Screamin' Eagle V-Rod was accompanied by a Knievel leather jacket and a display tribute to the famous Snake River Canyon jump of 1974.

Knievel reportedly loved the V-Rod during the brief time he had it, describing the CVO model V-Rod as the best street bike in the entire Harley lineup. Mileage is unrecorded, but the outstanding condition of the paint and chrome suggest the bike was used sparingly.

Against a pre-auction estimate of US$40,000 - US$60,000, the unique Knievel CVO V-Rod sold for US$51,700 (AU$49,400 approx.). The sale price included the aforementioned memorabilia items.

Other motorcycle lots of interest from this auction included a genuine Yamaha-based 'Batcycle' from the original 1966 Batman movie, sold as a job lot with a recreation of the original Batmobile, with the combined items making US$170,500 (AU$163,000 approx.). A stunning 1946 Indian Chief with sidecar sold for US$42,900 (AU$41,000 approx.), and a tidy 1947 Harley WL sold for US$20,900 (AU$19,970 approx.) were the other motorcycle lots from this auction, all of which were being offered at no reserve.

More details at www.rmauctions.com