John Lennon Hondas fetch record sums

A pre-production Honda CB750 and a Honda Z50A Monkey Bike, both owned by the late, great John Lennon were recently auctioned for record sums in England.

The pair went under the hammer on March 4 at an H&H Classics auction held at the UK's National Motorcycle Museum near Birmingham, and ultimately fetched £57,500 (approximately $A102,000) and £161,000 (approximately $A285,000) respectively.

The Honda CB750 is a pre-production version of the iconic machine that sparked the modern superbike era. Said to be one of four models produced, and one of just two known to still be in existence, it was estimated to achieve between £30,000 to £40,000. The other remaining example last sold on eBay in the US in 2014, for $US148,000.

Lennon's bike was largely hand built in Japan in 1968, before it was shipped to the UK to assist in the launch of the CB750 the following year. It had been in the same private collection for the past 35 years.

"This is one of the most historically important bikes we've had the pleasure to offer for sale," said Mark Bryan, Head of Sales for H&H Classics Motorcycle Department.

"Referred to on its launch as the most sophisticated production bike ever, the standard bike at launch was capable of 120mph and was equipped with non-fade front hydraulic brakes. The bike has gone onto become a true icon rated as one of the top landmarks of Japanese automotive technology."

Lennon used the Monkey Bike to get around his Tittenhurst Park estate in Surrey, where he lived from 1969 to 1971. While H&H had anticipated the highly collectable model would go for around £30,000.

"Naturally we were thrilled to be entrusted with the marketing and sale of this bike, given its extraordinary provenance, so to achieve this price is hugely satisfying," said Mr Bryan.

The bike was being sold by John Harington, who had kept it for 47 years since he bought it from then bike dealer Henry Graham, who had acquired the bike from John Lennon directly.

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