Four machines sum up two wheel transport

The wide expanse of motorised two wheel transport since the 1950s will be presented at our next auction sale.

When dads (it was mostly dads back then), cycled to work in the 1950s they all yearned for a way to make life easier and for some this was to have a regular bike fitted with a simple engine. Cue the 1953 Raleigh Superbe Sports Tourist fitted with a 49 c.c. Power Pak bicycle motor (estimate £350 - £450) in the sale on March 19^th at Henstridge Airfield, between Shaftesbury and Sherborne.

Finished in familiar Raleigh green complete with an accumulator mounted on the frame to store energy for the dynamo lights, the machine has a small motor pack mounted where a rear carrier would be to drive the rear wheel.

Sophistication for owners of bicycles like this arrived in the form of the 1958 Phillips Gadabout (£60 - £100), a moped with a step-through frame and low-slung motor with chain drive to the rear wheel that now needs restoring. Last taxed in 1971, this little machine will deliver a big dose of nostalgia to someone who remembers one of these in the family back in the 60s.

Moving up the scale is the 1987 BMW R80RT (£1,750 - £2,250), a stylish touring motorcycle with that familiar flat twin engine that possesses such a delightful thrum. The half fairing gives a degree of weather protection while its built-in lockable storage and the twin pannier boxes at the rear add practicality.

However, if it’s the latter you desire then the immaculate 1990 Honda Gold Wing GL1500 with trailer full of camping gear (£5,000 - £7,000) will deliver. Built for long distance cruises and tours and ready to be used, this machine has already travelled extensively across Europe and now awaits a new owner to take it on further adventures and past the 60,000 mile mark as it enters its fourth decade.