Kenny Roberts Yamaha sells for US$87,000

The motorcycle lots kicked off Mecum's big three day auction event, which comprised more than 700 vehicles. The YZF-R1, with its special one-off livery marking Yamaha's 50th Anniversary in racing, was one of the first lots to cross the blocks and was presented by guest auctioneer and noted auto enthusiast Jay Leno.

In addition to the special livery, the R1 was equipped with GYTR performance parts and had been ridden by Kenny Roberts around the Laguna Seca circuit during the recent US MotoGP round.The bike raised US$87,000 for the Bailey's Café School of the Arts in the Bronx.

In addition to a wide range of classic, race and modified motorcycles auctioned, the Mecum event also featured a diverse variety of classic, race and high performance cars, and even some classic wooden boats. Watch this space for details of more of the motorcycle lots from Mecum's Monterey Auction, including the extensive Michael Taggart collection and some other interesting collections of classic motorcycles.

Image courtesy of Mecum Auctions and McCullough Public Relations.