Rare lineup a blast from the past

Photo / Steven McNicholl

Bike enthusiasts are in for a treat with a one-off collection of rare motorcycles on display in Auckland.

The catalogue of 45 vintage and collectable motorcycles is on show at Deus Ex Machina in Wellesley St until next Wednesday, when the bikes will be auctioned.

Webb's Auction House managing director Neil Campbell (left) and Deus owner Douglas Rikard-Bell are both passionate about motorcycles.

"You won't see a better collection of bikes - it's New Zealand's motorcycle history," says Mr Campbell.

The oldest bike on show is a 1904 Brown, which is expected to sell for between $18,000 and $25,000.

All bikes are in perfect condition and are ready to ride. "They are all engineering and design classics, they're just cool," says Mr Campbell.

The display includes a 1915 Triumph with a handmade wicker sidechair, and a 1948 Indian Chief.

This will be Webb's fourth motorcycle auction - and the largest so far. The bikes are mainly from private collectors.

"Everyone has a story on the back of a bike, on a bike or coming off a bike."