‘It’s just staggering’
Bonhams bike supremo, Ben Walker, reveals what he wants in his Motorcycle Live Dream Garage
1. 1979 Honda CB125S
My first bike – which cost me the princely sum of £350 and I still own! I hope that one day I can pass it on to my children.
2. 1980 BMW R100S ‘Exklusiv Sport’
My first big bike! After the Honda expired I went straight to this BMW. It came from a great home and I used it extensively…. until I found out how rare it is (approx one of 50 made). I decided to ‘retire’ it.
3. 2012 BMW R1200GS Triple Black
The bike that replaced the R100S. I bought when it was two months old – and it was immaculate, with full luggage and all possible extras. It’s one of the last air-cooled models.
4. 2011 BMW R1200RT
My late father’s bike. On our last ride together I was on my T160 and he left me for dust. I’d tease him for having an old man’s bike – until I rode it. It was sublime, like a Bentley on two wheels.
5. 1977 Triumph T160 Trident
A bike from the year I was born. I was lucky enough to own a really lovely example. They are, in my humble opinion, one of the most beautiful bikes ever built as well as one of the best sounding. I sold it under extreme duress back in 2017.
6. 1974 Ducati 750SS
A landmark model and the definitive café racer. Now nearly half a century old, it still makes me stop in my tracks every time I see one, and should be in everyone’s ultimate garage.
7. 1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR Cafe Racer
A rare two-year-only model, that looks sublime in black. You’d definitely get a lot of great attention riding one.
8. 1999 Yamaha YZF-R7 OW-02
Only 500 were made, of which only 34 were earmarked for the UK. Road-going versions are extremely rare and genuine race bikes even rarer.
9. 2000 Ducati 916 SPS ‘Foggy Replica
An iconic machine that established Ducati as one of the world’s foremost brands. Only 202 were made. It is a mouthwatering motorcycle.
10. 1992 Honda NR750
The most coveted bike on the planet when introduced and one of the most exotic, too. I think it’s staggeringly beautiful, and just has to be in my dream garage.