Rare Bikes & Controversy at World’s Largest Motorcycle Auction!

[@ДҜ74Џ]

The seller painting frame did not cause grinder marks to magically appear. Seller is crooked.

[@haudraufundschluss1972]

There is. Only one way to prove make an x ray of the frame ! If its only grinded you can See it. The Police make this in our Country with Stolen bicycles.

[@mickgerard6696]

That Z2. Yah it stole the show alright! How does a multimillion dollar auction company not vet the bikes they are auctioning!? The guy that built the engine? The guy that did the restoration? The headstock Vin ground off? Cmon man! None of you guys caught this until after it’s sold? Stinks to high heaven. Painted the frame? So you had to grind off the vin? Bullshit Marcus! They were praying that bike sold on the internet, that way by the time it was delivered off sight there would be no chance of a canceled sale. All you guys buddying up with the owner wrecked your reputation. Just my opinion.

[@SimonHughes-rl4jg]

Couldn’t agree more. Experts ,Ha Ha😮😢😂

[@Richard-z9g5j]

😊😮😊

[@haudraufundschluss1972]

True, a fried bought a cheap zxr-r when He arrived WE Take a closer Look and WE See the frame was 2k glued together, grinded serialnumber And so on.. our suggest was that was a Stolen Crash Bike and 5 of us went to the seller and only after that confrontation He gave him His Money back, bevor WE showed Up He told him on the Phone Sold Is Sold..

[@truantray]

Mecum did not get to be a multi million dollar auction company with ethics and standards. These auctions are for suckers.

[@NVRAMboi]

@@truantray I really do hope you're wrong. I can't prove it one way or the other. But, having enjoyed watching Mecum Vehicle auctions on TV over the past decade or so (when comparing them to Barrett-Jackson, RM Sotheby's along with Gooding & Co.) it's clear to me that Mecum is a good bit more "boileroom" in appearance and methods. Mecum has done exceedingly well. I just hope they've done it the right way. If they haven't, I'm very sure it will come out very publicly. And it needs to come out.

[@magicmanjmr]

There is absolutely no way the seller did not know about the frame vin damage!!!

[@randalllimburg1010]

The buyer should have noticed.

[@JohnSmith-cf4gn]

Can't trust anybody anymore.

[@richardraby6266]

That vin damage looks like a simple adulteration of the number. How did that bike even get accepted at the auction house?

[@scottgoodman3764]

Jack, I am kind of old and set in my ways but you question of authenticity has been answered. If you call a fellow about this, who just sold an almost $100K bike, tells you he is a few hundred miles away and is not coming back, he came to that auction knowingly to commit a fraud

[@RottenAnimal]

I believe the seller would get a check from Mecum. Mecum can stop payment on the check and tell the owner to come and get his bike. The seller would have to leave his name, address, Email etc. I believe he would have to show ID. I sold a car at auction and received a check from the auction house.

[@adriantorres3221]

I prefer Reston because I like to ride my bikes. People who like perfect bikes or guys that just like to seal them up like they’re painting and they’re meant to be ridden.

[@k.i.i.3699]

2024 is the best year so far that I’ve seen in terms of dollars for motorcycles… Especially vintage motorcycles.

[@Hnakrapunt1]

The original Vin can possibly be recovered. The stamping process changes the hardness and steel structure where the stamp is struck. The steel is polished then etched with ferric chloride to bring out the image. The stamped area of the steel will etch darker than the surrounding area. Forensic science has been using this process for a long time to recover numbers off of guns that have had numbers filed off. It really depends on how deeply they cut with the grinder, but it is definitely not an accident.

[@joeyboogenz]

I was thinking the same thing !!!!! The FBI could recover that vin if they wanted to .

[@joeyboogenz]

@CRABlife-iv6fv No biggie . The bike is a fugazi. Seller ran out right after sale and was doing 100MPH to escape .

[@TomSmith-io9uk]

That bozo who bought that Z2 750 for a museum did not do his due diligence. He claimed that he inspects bikes all over the USA but I would not let him inspect my turd with rare corn husks.

[@Chopper650]

yep.... how that bike even made it to the auction stage doesnt sit well... the sellers and the auctioneers sold a lemon

[@theoldman8877]

Methods exist to read the number even when it has been ground away . You see, when metal is stamped, it gets displaced well down into the metal. Time to hire the expert.

[@mrbigdog1047]

I agree with your comment this method of reading. The numbers is also done with handgun serial numbers very doable.

[@sendit2873]

sometimes you can just use a paper and pencil and lightly get a number

[@davidbailey8308]

Hi guys I'm in Australia and loved the video and the way the fake bike was discussed by the presenter. You are correct acid testing was used by Police in Australia to enable the ground off numbers to become once again readable. My question is this. If a restorer who went to the amount of trouble and whilst getting the frame painted should have been aware of missing frame numbers. All frames back in those days either had a riveted compliance plate or a very firm stuck on sticker opposite the frame number giving details of compliance but I'm speaking about Australian delivered machines. I have restored many H2 750 cripples along with 500Mach III.s. I could send you photos of me restoring them back in 1970s and early 80s.

[@truantray]

I guess you missed the point. The point was not the actual number, but that the VIN had been purposely removed. This is how auctions make money.

[@Hey_zues420]

Jack is just like to commend you on acknowledging the hard work of the workers pushing the bikes. I'm almost sure they're from a temp service, since I worked a temp service and worked many auto and a few motorcycle and equipment auctions since that was the only job I could get a quick as I needed. Sometimes a little bit of kindness and praise for your work is alot to some people that aren't in the most optimal circumstances even from a stranger. Thank you❤❤❤

[@CESONER]

Great work Jack. They say, “there are no coincidences in a murder.” I believe the same holds true in a situation like this. You can usually allow one coincidence or misnomer. 1. There’s no rib on the engine cases by the engine serial number 2. There’s a very serious issue with the frame VIN. 3. This year did not have that oblong hole in the top of the frame 4. The owner painted the frame, but he took pictures before hand. 5. The owner just got nearly 6 figures and is gone. 6. You speak to the owner and he is already hundreds of miles away and is not coming back for his motorcycle. Maybe one of these could stand and the situation could be resolved. But when you’re looking at a half a dozen or more? It doesn’t look good….

[@michaelclitheroe]

Cb350four is my baby, very rare over here in the UK Such a sweet bike

[@halfnelson6115]

I was hoping Jack would do a long form vid from Mecum this year. Great work, Jack. I love your channel.

[@xhioni]

The agent who represented the buyer has suffered reputations damage. He had 1 job. The auction house - 100% guilty of misrepresenting the sale. The seller - 100% guilty of fraud. What a triple shambles.

[@wisecampmotorcycles8258]

I don't get it either, how can Mecam put a frame number on the paperwork, when a frame number doesn't exist on the bike? Sending a picture of the frame number before the frame was painted, still doesn't explain why the number is ground off? I already can predict the outcome 😅

[@chihuahuaverde425]

👍

[@davideide778]

I am curious to hear the outcome because I have the same bike, the same color. A 1974 Z-2.

[@chihuahuaverde425]

Does what you see in the video match what you see on your bike regarding the ribs on the cases, etc.?@@davideide778

[@bradwilliams5242]

@@davideide778I saw one about a million years ago in doraville ga

[@officialmysteriousrider130]

Frame number should be on the right side not left side

[@lasskinn474]

that kenny roberts replica is a real nice looking bike

[@urankjj]

@6:25. Jack I believe the first model year for the KZ 1000A1 was 1977, with production starting in Sept 1976. I say that because I still have my 77 KZ 1000A1 that has vin numbers that verify that. Thanks for the in-depth look at all those cool bikes. 👍

[@brentwestbrook]

It was 1977. I own (in the UK) a Z900 A4 of 1976. We had the Z1000 in 1977.

[@officialmysteriousrider130]

​@@brentwestbrook going for good money them Z1 now

[@brentwestbrook]

@@officialmysteriousrider130 True, but I'm not selling, too much fun. Same with my H1F. You may conclude I'm a Kawasaki fan. The complete nutter machines. I'm 64 now, and had Kawasakis for nearly 5 decades. I'm in good health to sling a leg over (read what you want into that) and enjoy the ride. I ain't no slouch!

[@renejakobsen7444]

Great video! Steller job. I painted lot of frames and you always ensure vin is showing. Even on low value bikes so this is the biggest blunder ever. On seller, mechum and buyer.

[@kevangarner9659]

Early 70s were the best

[@fabieneldridge3414]

Choppers are built to the rider. For one to fit you properly it needs built to your body. I love Motorcycles, Fat ones, skinny ones, long ones, short ones, American, German, British, all big , little ones, ever since I was a child and in my mid sixties I still love them and now I am teaching my grandchildren to ride ! I like them all ! My Son built up a old 1980 Honda Cb900c for me to ride with him and his BMW 1000rr. His bike is fast ! I’m old because he out rides me now. He is a Great Son !

[@NVRAMboi]

Congratulations and well done, Dad.

[@fabieneldridge3414]

@@NVRAMboi I’m riding a 1980 Cb900c Honda, we are putting tires and it will be rocking again. Wonderful bike to ride. Air ride, disc brakes all around, 10 speed, 5 high, 5 low, Headers, carbs rebuilt, drilled out and synchronized, you name it and my Son has taken apart and fixed. Great Son ! I am Blessed ! Sounds great ! Keep on riding ! Pray 🙏

[@YeahNahMaybe947]

The sellers were outa there lickety split leaving a taillight warranty.

[@rpmfreak9150]

Ohh that auction should've caught that Vin number being like that. Jack is two face as can be. Kisses the sellers ass and then Kisses the buyers ass and then gets shit started over the sale. Hahaha 😂😂😂

[@truantray]

And Mecum got a nice slice of that pie. These auctions are designed to extract money from Boomers.

[@ДҜ74Џ]

1:53:06 there is an obvious 3 in the ground vin. Therefore not matching the mecum tag.

[@DavidVenti]

Back in 1994 when I was 17, I had a 1984 CR- 125, & I loved that bike!!! So, fast & fun & loud!

[@A-FrameWedge]

Makes you wonder what other bikes with dodgy serial numbers were sold that day.

[@NVRAMboi]

It also makes an intelligent person question how diligently Mecum screens their lots when they're submitted/delivered by the consigner. And I mean ALL lots and auctions, not just bikes. The problem stems from the fact that (in this instance) the "alleged" tampering was apparently easy to see/plainly seen and it still passed through to sale w/no one stopping/holding it until the Auction had verifiable answers to the obvious questions. Questions no auction official asked.

[@Caledonia747]

Who verified the frame number when it's clearly not there, they should be held accountable also a school boy error not checking the numbers before purchasing. That's an Illegal bike here in the UK

[@NVRAMboi]

I suspect that constitutes an "illegal bike" in most every Western nation.

[@ayev8tor]

H2 was my first!- Thank you

[@OldGreyBeard57]

Here’s the thing I can’t wrap my head around about the Z2. I restored my 1974 Z1 to near perfect myself and I ride her and love her. Whenever I go to any motorcycle meet with vintage bikes around, the first thing I see people do is look at my frame number on my Z1. How the hell can anyone! Not catch this! I just can’t believe it, Mecum I think is going to have a hard time recovering from that. I just wondering if the owner just messed up when he powered coated the frame and didn’t cover the VIN number and he’s trying to recover from the screw up.

[@johnbewick6357]

There is an acid etch test that can be done to show what the number was, as the original stamping will have left the imprint deep in the metal, and although the surface has been ground down, it will still retain the number sub surface.

[@dukesublime4178]

Phenomenal video sir, I am brand new to the motorcycle world. Your videos are entertaining and informative in equal measure. Your character as a gentleman was extremely impressive with the Mr Leno and Mr Tuetul situation. You were super respectful. Love from Bonnie Scotland

[@MarkFox]

Thanks for the video Jack, been waiting for this since you put up the short video of the Z2.

[@yokosomike]

Watching from Tokyo… I’ve been getting into Japanese vintage motorcycles here and absolutely love the scene and the bikes. I’m 58 years old and am thinking about the export motorcycle business. My dad had a Honda 350 four when I was a kid and I’m looking to purchase one here and turn it into a stock cafe bike. Man that ending was unexpected. Domo arigato!

[@Ian-bq7gp]

I wonder what a Brough Superior SS100 ridden by Laurence of Arabia would go for?

[@williamlane1033]

Painting frame would not erase VIN numbers. In addition, if seller had a legitimate frame he would have done everything to protect those VIN numbers.

[@willjones7132]

Jack, have you seen or heard of the Milliard Kawasaki's? I think there are some in the Barber motorcycle museum.

[@RobertTrombley-g6l]

Alan Millard built a special ,he,s in the uk

[@ratmanmurray7137]

@@RobertTrombley-g6l Alan Millyard with a Y in it ... he built the Viper bike and made 4 cylinder bikes into V8s and a Z1300 into a V12 2300cc. Worth looking up on YT

[@curttabor2827]

omg the cbx , back in 88 I had one of my riding buds had one , he called it the flying brick. he was 6'5 and went 3ish lbs. we would have swaped on rides but I rode a VFR and he did'nt fit. but I rode his bike many times and loved it , Great bikes. Great Friends + Great times

[@redmonkeyTracyk]

Yes the blue 72 H2 was my first as well I still wish I had it I didn't know it would be so valuable but that was a long time ago I was 17

[@denislemelin7653]

Yes ! I had the Z1 900 I loved it and I miss it !

[@christianlebracq1956]

What a shame about that Z2, some folk need a talking to alright ! They can still retrieve the original vin of that frame, with a electron microscope scan.

[@notmyname3883]

I used to take my KZ400 up the elevator at Michigan State University, East Holmes Hall. It stayed in my dorm room with me during the winter. Yep.

[@steelcitycaprice.899]

That 750 is insane 👀🏁🏁🏁

[@macmclemore]

“That 750”…?

[@steelcitycaprice.899]

@@macmclemore yeah I'm sorry the green/black one that was only sold in Japan. It's a really nice bike.

[@kwackerman733]

Thanks again Jack for the video, I’ve been looking forward to this for sometime since last years epic auction, best wishes from Darlington UK

[@sdanville]

Was the stop payment on the check to the seller done fast enough ?

[@rudedog3529]

Oh, yeah. Takes at least 3 or 4 weeks for seller to be paid.

[@christopheryoung4478]

The real stunning part is, With this kind of money on the line, The buyer nor the auction house, Can bother to do the least they could do and just check a vehicle identification number to make sure it matches paperwork... Wish I had that kind of money to throw around.

[@mrmixedpickle]

Exactly! Absolute minimum check numbers >on the bike first< not on paperwork! If they are good to go, then inspect the rest. Geez i'm a 65 year old lady that owned a bike once but dont ride anymore & even I know that. I ride an ebike now.😁

[@RottenAnimal]

I bought a Yamaha RZ500 in 1985 and still have it. It's in near mint condition.

[@sbh344]

G'day Cycle Drag , watching with great interest and enjoyment from Queanbeyan NSW Australia. Love your show.

[@aspiceronni4462]

I had a 1983 CR125. It is what I learned to ride on.

[@ReturnViewersGuide]

Glad I kept my 78 Z1R, bought it new in 81 in Calgary it was a leftover unsold California bike. My son is rebuilding it for track day use and for the 1/4 mile. Thanks for the great videos

[@rogerthedodger5788]

@ 2:00:29 - they are wrong re the raised lip as search this - Property of a deceased's estate, 1974 Kawasaki 746cc Z2 - and you will find Bonhams auctions 16/02/2024 and this Z2 has a raised lip ... bike estimate was £8000 ......

[@gphilipc2031]

Rode my cousins 750 3 back in the 70's ... SCARY fast.

[@truantray]

They were horrible motorcycles. Decent engines wrapped in frames and suspension designed for 1/3 the power. Just because a bike or car is old, does not mean it was good.

[@brianmaclennan561]

Was there any updates on that 750 kwaka?

[@kenwise4596]

The release of the second gen H2 seems to have gave the first gen bikes a good boost in popularity.

[@RottenAnimal]

I wounder how much I could get for my 1985 Yamaha RZ500. I bought it new in 85 and it's in excellent condition.

[@ossanyberg]

Hello from Sweden Surprised to see the Lito and the white Hedlund behind it. To bad to see them leave Sweden but you you pay crazy money!!

[@mikestroud9969]

Great Job Jack always enoy your commentating. Dig it my brother 😊👏✌️✌️💯

[@paulgrogan8032]

Ohhhhh man have I been waiting for this👏👏👏

[@richardbehrle1496]

That H2 is beautiful! But my favorite bikes are Round case 750 sport Ducatis and the all mighty Laverda 750sfc.

[@more.power.]

Yamaha RD 350cc my most favorite motorcycle. I rode my frist RD in 1974.

[@johnmartin7158]

A popular bike world wide. I had a T350 Suzuki and a CS Yamaha 200, 71 and 72 respectively. Cheers NZ.

[@ianwhitehead4728]

Fantastic watch Jack your channel is the market leader and my Go too . keep up the great work and content 👏 . Regards Ian from London England

[@RobertTrombley-g6l]

Watching from ireland great show,love watching the Indians old or new ,mee,s flat tracker and Italian bikes !also dirt bikes too.nice husky’s and maico,s

[@chitown38]

Hello, what did the 1975 Kawasaki Z1-B Pro Street sale for? @ the 1:25:00 mark. Great video!!!

[@RottenAnimal]

If Mecum certified the authenticity of the Kawasaki , they should be responsible and pay the buyer his money back. Then Mecum should go after the seller.

[@NVRAMboi]

Completely agree. I'm sure Mecum has a significant legal staff on retainer or on contract.

[@robcozens6644]

In the late 70's the Z750 was a plague in South Africa. So many were available as direct secondhand imports from Japan and were cheap as chips.

[@lenq5918]

Was hoping to see what that RG500 Walter Wolf sold for. Happy to see the value of the 2strokes sky rocketing!

[@NVRAMboi]

No Sale. 1986 Suzuki RG500 Walter Wolf Edition: high bid of $29,000.00.

[@Pizzpott]

There were three of my dream bikes that I never got to own here. The Kawasaki Z900, Honda CBX 1000 and the Suzuki GT750 (UK designations)

[@timmoore3061]

I had a 74 h2 750 triple. Hell of a good bike raw power bigtime

[@fabieneldridge3414]

What ashame that old Kawasaki 750 can’t pass the mustard ! The seller knew exactly what he was selling. He should have told them everything. 85,000.00 that’s a big mistake ! I’d want my money back. Crazy !

[@2dollarbill650]

Believe it or not. I worked for the engine builder that helped with that v quad. It was quite the engineering feat.

[@brianreynoldson1965]

If you have the means to bid on a rare vehicle, make sure you or the auctioneer do their homework. Remember, Caveat Emptor!

[@chihuahuaverde425]

Great show Jack!

[@jonsingle1614]

Been nice if you covered the dirt bikes too

[@daveco1270]

Was Marcus Swann the guy who restored the questionable KZ2? What has he said about the vin controversy?

[@mrmixedpickle]

Yep, said he used an angle grinder to get the powder coat off! 🤣🤣Wonder if he uses a toilet brush to comb his hair.

[@timellis9293]

@1:53:05 you can see the number 37 in front of the fake 75.

[@mrfatbobrider1969]

Yeah bring back the V-ROD ! . . Or it’s running gear at least for some custom builds ✌️😎👍

[@chinadave2854]

Yamaha rd 250 agility was awesome and speed was fast to as a fave then the 77 750 4 k

[@rooster68able]

remind me to build a captain america bike great coverage !

[@cmgregory831]

You may know Japanese 66 was not 1st electric start Harley! 1st ElectroGlide was 65x(also last Panhead)! 1st electric start Harley of all was 63 servi car!

[@rudedog3529]

I Have a '64 I may be selling this summer.

[@georgeveneziano2754]

I remember the 650 kaw not the 750 crazy love the thing it's beautiful

[@pickeringautoandperformace8266]

Had several 750 Fours used that engine in a Quad for ice drags, the fastest bike i owned and was king of the hill the KZ900 said you cant out run a cops radio here to tell you i made it home twice on a bad speed situation and i knew my plate was not seen.. The good ole days alot of super fast bikes made during the 70's.

[@adriantorres3221]

Actually, I forgot my favorite bike in this was the mad Max Kawasaki that was beautiful. I would kill to have one of those.❤

[@edwardwolf2625]

Thank you for your video . Very interesting and informative. Czech Republic (central Evrope(.

[@ronniehahn1885]

Jack it looks like that Z2 is not a 74. Maybe it's a box of parts with lipstick on it? Great catch! I cant believe that Mecum didn't check the serial number on the frame? In the end I dont think the bike is worth 8 much less what it bid too. Apparently the bike didn't have a legit title either? No way, I would buy a bike at a auction that large. Buddy my triple has matching numbers and a legit title and the factory warranty book with its service history in it.

[@aeromech8563]

I still have a UK, Z900-A4 1976 still my favorite bike of all time and I have a number to choose from lol 🤟

[@adriantorres3221]

I think my favorites were the Vincent, which was stunning the triumphs and I don’t care if it is the wrong number is that Z2 is beautiful maybe too expensive but it’s still a beautiful

[@lucasflores2010]

I bought a first year z1 new for 1295 wish I had kept it now

[@mike-bike]

Watching from sunny spain .amazing bikes❤

[@flyonbyya]

Cool bikes Great Channel !

[@mickgerard6696]

I believe anyone who is utilizing Brady’s services as an Inspecting agent\ broker, might want to find someone else. He obviously did not do his due diligence in verifying this bike before he spent 80k of someone else’s money. Doesn’t even have a flashlight in his pocket to inspect things. He should be thanking all these guys who brought this to his attention while he could still bale on the deal. They saved his ass big time. Caught up in the moment, trying to be a high roller with a bunch of other high roller wanna be’s. This is what all these big wheels with big pockets have done to our passion/ hobby with classic bikes.

[@NVRAMboi]

And cars/trucks.

[@simonjones888]

Love the content. I have a candy gold cb750 k1 and a 83 gs1100g both restored.hi from Brisbane Australia 😊

[@peteross7348]

Wait a minute didn't you just talk up in your previous video on this bike, almost like you sponsored it, did you??? And then oops a fake, oh wow!, what happened there???

[@ranchodeluxe1]

I've got a 65 FLH in the shop with electric start, Jack

[@iainthomas3360]

Rode a honda cb750four as a company vehicle. Also rebuilt a kawasaki z750 from boxes of parts .

[@robertlane-mj2gz]

I rode a H2 in highschool back in 73.

[@queenslander954]

Yea mate , read your comments sometimes ..told you before it’s not a Z1A

[@shmick4203]

Makes you wonder how many stolen bikes have been through here

[@johnharbaugh6510]

Any follow up news yet??

[@kennethhoffman359]

I think but I could be mistaken H.D. first electric start 1975

[@kennethhoffman359]

1965

[@robertscheinost179]

What the heck? Everybody should know the '65 Panhead was the last year for the Panhead and the first year for the electric start on the Big Twin. I mean, come on, is's Harley history! Maybe the kids today don't know motorcycle history, but they should.@@kennethhoffman359

[@alanmeyers3957]

My god, I’m watching bikes that I used to find leaning against sheds and in barns for next to nothing, go for ridiculous amounts of money, interesting times.

[@gogetem188]

take the chewing gum off and the numbers will appear lol

[@timmydrake9125]

Love chopper. Love em. Love em

[@robertbruning1510]

Would be pleased to see head removed, and cylinder bore measured on the Z2 ! Perhaps just a run of the mill 75 Z1 I worked at a Kawasaki dealership from 76' till 1982 Never even heard of the Z2......Remember.. in 1976 the ZI was called the KZ900 The KZ100 began in 1977. In 1976 the S3 became the KH400 the H1 became the KH500 aand the H2 became the KH750.