A tribute motorcycle to Isle of Man TT racing legend Joey Dunlop who died in 2000 is the highlight of an online auction in his Northern Ireland homeland.
The limited-edition Honda SP-1 was commissioned by Honda dealer Tippetts Motors of Surbiton, Surrey, in the early 2000s to commemorate the Northern Irish racing legend’s record number of Isle of Man TT victories.
The bike which will be auctioned online by Mid Ulster Auctions from 27–31 July 2020.
It has only three miles (4.8km) on the clock, is number nine of only 26 produced.
Joey Dunlop’s TT wins
At the Isle of Man TT meeting in 2000, Joey won the Formula 1 TT, the Ultra Lightweight TT (125cc) and the Lightweight TT (250cc), securing his third career hat-trick and setting a record 26 wins – an achievement that remains undefeated over two decades later.
The Joey Dunlop bike is part of an extensive collection being auctioned on behalf of the family of the late George Miller, a renowned Ardstraw-based motorcycle expert and enthusiast.
Accumulated over the past 40 years, the collection of more than 300 lots comes to market directly from the popular biker’s former business, George Miller Motorcycles, which was established in the late 1970s in the Tyrone village.
Royal wedding Bonnie
Triumph Bonneville Royal Wedding editionAnother featured lot in the sale is a limited-edition 1981 Triumph Bonneville, one of only 125 UK models produced.
Dubbed the Royal Wedding edition, it was launched to commemorate the wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles. Other Triumph motorcycles include two 500cc Daytona models and a Speed Twin.
The motorcycle which coined the term ‘superbike’, the Honda CB750F, will also go under the hammer.
1951 Matchless G80 500ccOther models to be auctioned include a BSA A7 500cc twin, an Ariel NH350 Red Hunter, a 1951 Matchless G80 500cc, a Hercules W-2000, and Ehrlich 250 GP.
MUA Director Noel Lennon says, “We’re delighted to be working on behalf of the Miller family to manage the sale of this outstanding collection. George’s passion for all things motorcycles is renowned and that shows in the variety of bikes he acquired that carry with them important historical links, from the origins of the ‘superbike’ to rare and limited edition models.
“George Miller Motorcycles in Ardstraw attracted enthusiasts from the motorcycle community right across Northern Ireland and even further afield. We believe there will be great interest in the collection when it comes to auction.”
As well as motorcycles, a large selection of equipment, gear, parts, and other memorabilia will be auctioned.