The auction is currently running on the Catawiki platform, with the highest bid recently standing at €6,000. The auction ends today. Although pickup in the Italian town of Cingoli is preferred, shipping can also be arranged according to the seller. The estimated shipping costs are €450 (approximately $480), excluding taxes and duties.
Origins in cinema: The story behind the Batcycle
The original Batcycle, used in the 1966 Batman movie, was originally planned as a converted Harley-Davidson prototype with a “bat windshield.” However, the large and heavy motorcycle proved unsuitable for dynamic action scenes.
As a result, a lighter and more maneuverable machine was chosen. American Dan Magiera, a motorcycle enthusiast and part-time writer for Motorcyclist magazine, teamed up with his artist friend Tom Daniels to develop a new concept: a tuned Yamaha RD250 with a 2-stroke twin-cylinder 250cc engine, specially tailored to the requirements of the film. When Magiera presented the finished concept to the film production team, the production manager is said to have spontaneously exclaimed: “That’s the Batcycle!”.
Replica from Italy: Detailed reproduction for exhibition purposes
The replica offered here was manufactured in 2007 in the workshops of the Museo del Sidecar. It was based on original drawings kindly provided by the designer of the film vehicle.
Technically, the show bike is based on a 1965 Yamaha RD250. The original Yamaha engine is not functional, so the machine is designed exclusively as an exhibit and is not approved for road use.
A special detail is the replica of the removable sidecar used by Robin in the film. This was realized as a separately drivable go-kart replica and can be detached from the main vehicle at the push of a button, just like in the film.
Exhibition history and condition
After its completion, the Batcycle was first presented at the renowned Mondial de Deux Roues in Paris. It was then exhibited in several Spanish cities and finally in the Automobile Museum in Mulhouse (France). Since 2010, this unique piece has been part of the permanent exhibition at the Sidecar Museum in Cingoli.
Its current condition is described as very good. There are only minimal traces of oxidation on the handlebars and exhaust, as well as a small crack in the front fiberglass fairing.
Documentation and legal information
The vehicle does not have any registration documents and there is no Certificate of Conformity (CoC). However, the frame number is provided: 351-501379.
The seller offers assistance with shipping, but points out that all associated costs, including VAT, import duties, customs clearance, T1 documents, and homologation, are to be borne by the buyer.
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