{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Favorite Motorcycle Auctions of 2025","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/favorite-motorcycle-auctions-of-2025","audioUrl":"https://anchor.fm/s/4b0db308/podcast/play/115715858/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2026-1-19%2F3f1304d9-4047-6d99-0613-b84cb48754ac.mp3","description":"Last year was, almost inarguably, our best year ever for motorcycle auctions. This week on the podcast, Alex and Tyler discuss each of their top 10 bikes of the year.Along the way, they touch on a public transport admission; daily and weekly firsts; the care taken to design parts that will always be visible; their favorite exhaust systems; scaring horses off roads a century ago; the difficulty in modernizing the Harley-Davidson; left-hand throttles and Colt Pythons; Bimota and Harley trivia; odd partnerships and engine configurations; and a great run of big pre-war, air-cooled fours.Mentioned in this episode:10:37  1929 Harley-Davidson Model J w/ Sidecar11:48  50-Years Owned 1951 Vincent Rapide Series C17:387  Vespa 946 Christian Dior Limited Editions19:59  1985 Bimota DB1 Project20:03  The Racing Relics Collection from 1600veloce22:55  Brodix 427-Powered 2010 Vanquish V823:43  Ford Flathead V8-60-Powered Custom Motorcycle25:44  1990 BMW K1 & 1993 BMW K1 Ultima Pair27:54  Lot of Five 1980 Chrysler Sno-Runners29:02  1920 Harley-Davidson Model W Sport30:57  1953 Ariel Square Four35:50  1936 Brough Superior SS80 w/Petrol-Tube Sidecar37:40  1949 Moto Guzzi Airone Sport41:05  1942 Harley-Davidson WLA42:25  Vincent Auction Results42:41  1952 Vincent Black Shadow44:07  49-Mile 1977 MV Agusta 750S America45:17  1942 Indian Four45:39  1931 Indian Four46:20 1-Kilometer 1991 Bimota Tesi 1D 904 SR48:03  CR750-Style 1969 Honda CB750 Sandcast48:29  Postcards from Monterey Collection from MohrImports50:02  1918 Henderson Four Model H53:06  BaT Podcast Episode 67: The Davidlee8 InterviewGot suggestions for our next guest from the BaT community, One Year Garage episode, or (B)aT the Movies subject? Let us know in the comments below!\n"},"annotations":[{"startTime":225.8,"endTime":232.5,"type":"term","title":"cam cover","url":"/glossary/cam-cover","quote":"the early 80s, even, you know, there's details, the little end caps on a cam cover, that's got to be designed because it's visible. What the timer cover looks like on the bottom of the engine.","canonicalId":"term:cam-cover","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The cam cover, also known as the valve cover, is a component that sits on top of the engine's cylinder head. It protects the camshaft and valve train while also providing a seal to prevent oil leaks.","simplifiedExplanation":"The cam cover is a part of the engine that helps keep oil inside and protects important moving parts. It's usually made to look nice since it's visible when you open the hood."}},{"startTime":253.8,"endTime":258.9,"type":"term","title":"carburetor","url":"/glossary/carburetor","quote":"every little lever knob, the parts of the carburetor, it's like everything is just so beautifully designed because it's visible.","canonicalId":"term:carburetor","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A carburetor is a device in older vehicles that mixes air with fuel for combustion in the engine. It plays a crucial role in the engine's performance and efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"The carburetor is a part that helps mix air and fuel so the engine can run. It's important for how well the car performs, especially in older models."}},{"startTime":270.1,"endTime":273.58,"type":"company","title":"Singer","url":"/glossary/singer","quote":"It's there's a, there's a second component of building a motorcycle that a lot of cars just don't like, you know, Singer obviously would probably be the one that comes to mind where","canonicalId":"company:singer","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Singer is a company known for its high-end, bespoke modifications of Porsche cars, particularly the 911. They focus on enhancing both performance and aesthetics, creating unique vehicles that stand out.","simplifiedExplanation":"Singer is a company that takes Porsche cars and makes them even better, focusing on how they look and how they perform. They create special versions that are very unique."}},{"startTime":278.1,"endTime":286.2,"type":"concept","title":"artistry in automotive design","url":"/glossary/artistry-in-automotive-design","quote":"Ettore Bugatti believes strongly that every part needs to be beautiful. So when you look at the engine of a Bugatti or the suspension pieces, they're all art. I mean, his dad and brother sculptors and made furniture and stuff, right?","canonicalId":"concept:artistry-in-automotive-design","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Ettore Bugatti emphasized that every part of a vehicle should be aesthetically pleasing, reflecting a blend of functionality and beauty. This philosophy is evident in the design of Bugatti cars, where components like the engine and suspension are crafted with artistic intent.","simplifiedExplanation":"Some car makers believe that cars should not only work well but also look beautiful. Ettore Bugatti, for example, thought that every part of a car should be designed like a piece of art."}},{"startTime":316.2,"endTime":320.8,"type":"term","title":"exhaust system","url":"/glossary/exhaust-system","quote":"actually you just reminded me about exhaust. I have a personal favorite motorcycle exhaust system, believe it or not.","canonicalId":"term:exhaust-system","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"An exhaust system is a series of components that expel gases from an engine. It typically includes the exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, and exhaust pipes, which work together to reduce emissions and noise while improving engine performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"The exhaust system is what takes the gases produced by the engine and sends them out of the vehicle. It helps make the car run better and quieter."}},{"startTime":377.28,"endTime":383.6,"type":"car","title":"Ford Model T","url":"/cars/ford/model-t","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/95/1924_Ford_Model_T_Flivver_IAA_2023_1X7A0610.jpg","quote":"...But by 1929, they were starting to think like people are using these things, especially the Great Depression would have been in effect...","canonicalId":"car:ford:model-t","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Model T was the first mass-produced car, revolutionizing the automotive industry and making car ownership accessible to the average American. It was produced from 1908 to 1927 and is often credited with changing transportation in the United States.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Model T is a famous car made by Ford that was very affordable and helped many people own cars for the first time. It was produced for almost 20 years and changed how people traveled.","imageAttribution":"Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":467.5,"endTime":472.2,"type":"term","title":"liquid-cooled engine","url":"/glossary/liquid-cooled-engine","quote":"...now they're trying to figure out how to do that with liquid cooled engines now. And it's not easy...","canonicalId":"term:liquid-cooled-engine","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A liquid-cooled engine uses a coolant fluid to absorb and dissipate heat, helping to maintain optimal operating temperatures. This technology is common in modern vehicles and motorcycles to improve efficiency and performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"A liquid-cooled engine is a type of engine that uses liquid to keep it cool while it runs. This helps the engine work better and last longer."}},{"startTime":472.2,"endTime":476.5,"type":"term","title":"overhead cam","url":"/glossary/overhead-cam","quote":"...And they've gone overhead cam, right? And all that stuff...","canonicalId":"term:overhead-cam","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"An overhead cam (OHC) engine design places the camshaft above the cylinder head, allowing for more efficient airflow and better engine performance. This design is common in modern engines and helps improve power output and fuel efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"An overhead cam is a part of an engine that helps control how the engine works. It is located above the engine's cylinders and helps the engine run more efficiently."}},{"startTime":508.3,"endTime":512.5,"type":"car","title":"Porsche 996","url":"/cars/porsche/911","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c6/2013_Porsche_911_Carrera_4S_%28991%29_%289626546987%29.jpg","quote":"...Porsche actually designed the V-Rod engine, which came out in 2001. Early on. That's right. And Porsche had just done that three or four years before. I had never put that together. No, about the 996 coming out right before...","canonicalId":"car:porsche:911","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Porsche 996 is the internal designation for the fifth generation of the Porsche 911, produced from 1999 to 2004. It was the first 911 to feature a water-cooled engine, marking a significant shift in Porsche's engineering approach.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Porsche 996 is a version of the famous 911 sports car made between 1999 and 2004. It was the first 911 to use water cooling instead of air cooling for its engine, which was a big change for the brand.","imageAttribution":"David Villarreal Fernández (CC BY-SA 2.0)"}},{"startTime":517.0,"endTime":522.9,"type":"term","title":"water cooled","url":"/glossary/water-cooled-b4b9bdf0-580b-4d82-b276-3789edb8d1e1","quote":"...to go from air cooled to water cooled. Right. So Porsche actually designed the V-Rod engine...","canonicalId":"term:water-cooled-b4b9bdf0-580b-4d82-b276-3789edb8d1e1","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Water-cooled engines use a liquid coolant to absorb and dissipate heat, allowing for better temperature control and efficiency. This technology is standard in most modern vehicles, including the later models of Porsche 911.","simplifiedExplanation":"Water-cooled engines use liquid to keep the engine cool, which helps it run better and last longer. Most modern cars, including newer Porsches, use this system instead of air cooling."}},{"startTime":551.4,"endTime":555.7,"type":"term","title":"miniature radiator","url":"/glossary/miniature-radiator","quote":"Yeah, there is. Yeah, there's two miniature radiators. At least it was the last one. But you can hide them, right? They don't have to be visible.","canonicalId":"term:miniature-radiator","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"A miniature radiator is a compact cooling component used in engines to dissipate heat. In this context, it helps maintain optimal operating temperatures while meeting emissions requirements.","simplifiedExplanation":"A miniature radiator is a small part that helps cool down the engine. It works like a regular radiator but is much smaller, making it easier to fit in tight spaces."}},{"startTime":566.4,"endTime":572.5,"type":"term","title":"emissions requirements","url":"/glossary/emissions-requirements","quote":"But it's just enough so that they can run them just to within like emissions requirements. Yeah, yeah, yeah.","canonicalId":"term:emissions-requirements","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Emissions requirements are regulations set by governments to limit the amount of pollutants that vehicles can emit into the atmosphere. These standards are designed to reduce air pollution and protect the environment.","simplifiedExplanation":"Emissions requirements are rules that cars must follow to make sure they don't pollute the air too much. They help keep the environment clean by limiting harmful gases from vehicles."}},{"startTime":798.0,"endTime":803.6,"type":"term","title":"push to start","url":"/glossary/push-to-start","quote":"Which I think if you buy a 992 Turbo, you still have the push to start on the left side. Is that true? I think so.","canonicalId":"term:push-to-start","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Push to start is a modern ignition system that allows drivers to start their vehicles with the push of a button instead of using a traditional key. This feature enhances convenience and can improve security by eliminating the need for a physical key.","simplifiedExplanation":"Push to start means you can start your car by pressing a button instead of using a key. It's a newer way to start cars that many modern vehicles have."}},{"startTime":828.42,"endTime":834.28,"type":"car","title":"Ford Bronco","url":"/cars/ford/bronco","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c1/2022_Ford_Bronco_2.jpg","quote":"..... Where to open  the windows on a Tahoe versus a Bronco versus a Porsche versus... It's like all these di...","canonicalId":"car:ford:bronco","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Bronco is a classic American SUV known for its rugged off-road capabilities and iconic design. Originally introduced in the 1960s, it has become a symbol of adventure and outdoor exploration, often discussed for its versatility and nostalgic appeal.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford Bronco is a tough SUV that can handle rough roads and outdoor adventures. It's popular because it looks cool and is great for people who love to explore nature.","imageAttribution":"Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":852.9,"endTime":857.7,"type":"car","title":"Honda Civic","url":"/cars/honda/civic","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/23/2022_Honda_Civic_LX_Sedan%2C_front_right%2C_11-02-2022.jpg","quote":"...I got out of my Civic daily driver, which is pretty easy to drive into the Porsche. And the change from one clutch friction point to the other...","canonicalId":"car:honda:civic","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Honda Civic is a compact car known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. It's popular among daily drivers for its practicality and ease of use.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Honda Civic is a small car that many people use for everyday driving. It's known for being easy to drive and very dependable.","imageAttribution":"MercurySable99 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1103.2,"endTime":1104.2,"type":"brand","title":"Vespa","url":"/glossary/vespa","quote":"...we ran this Christian Dior limited edition Vespa 946. By the way, these are modern Vespa's. Oh, yeah. So 2021, 2022...","canonicalId":"brand:vespa","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Vespa is a brand of scooters manufactured by the Italian company Piaggio. Known for their distinctive design and style, Vespas have become iconic in the scooter market.","simplifiedExplanation":"Vespa is a popular brand of scooters from Italy. They are known for their unique look and are often used for city commuting."}},{"startTime":1374.46,"endTime":1378.8,"type":"car","title":"Aston Martin Vanquish","url":"/cars/aston-martin/vanquish","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5d/Aston_Martin_V12_Vanquish_S_1X7A1935.jpg","quote":"It's going to be the Brodix 427 powered Vanquish. No. I don't even know what that means.","canonicalId":"car:aston-martin:vanquish","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Aston Martin Vanquish is a luxury sports car known for its stunning design and high performance. It features a powerful engine and is often associated with the brand's racing heritage.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Aston Martin Vanquish is a fancy sports car that looks great and goes really fast. It's made by a well-known brand that has a history in racing.","imageAttribution":"Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1378.9,"endTime":1382.2,"type":"term","title":"427 V8","url":"/glossary/427-v8","quote":"So it's got a 427 V8 in it. What?","canonicalId":"term:427-v8","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The 427 V8 refers to a specific engine configuration that has a displacement of 427 cubic inches. This type of engine is known for its high power output and performance, often used in high-performance vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"The 427 V8 is a big engine that makes a lot of power. It's often found in fast cars and is popular among car enthusiasts."}},{"startTime":1392.6,"endTime":1396.3,"type":"company","title":"Brodix","url":"/glossary/brodix","quote":"Sometimes you see V8s in like three-wheeled bikes. This is a real two-wheeler and Brodix, which I'm not super familiar. Maybe you've heard of them, but it's apparently a really high-end GM style engine builder.","canonicalId":"company:brodix","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"Brodix is a well-known manufacturer that specializes in high-performance engine components, particularly cylinder heads and intake manifolds, often used in racing applications. They are recognized for their quality and performance in the automotive aftermarket, especially for GM engines.","simplifiedExplanation":"Brodix makes parts that help engines perform better, especially in racing. They are famous for making high-quality components for cars, especially those made by General Motors."}},{"startTime":1951.52,"endTime":1955.0,"type":"car","title":"Honda S600","url":"/cars/honda/s600","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/31/1964_Honda_S600_engine.jpg","quote":"...d, has a weird configuration.  I like those Honda S600s with the weird swing arm  independent rear suspen...","canonicalId":"car:honda:s600","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Honda S600 is a small sports car produced in the 1960s, notable for its unique engineering and design, including a high-revving engine and independent rear suspension. It represents Honda's early foray into performance vehicles and is cherished by collectors for its rarity and distinctive characteristics.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Honda S600 is a small, old sports car that was made a long time ago. It's special because it has some unique features that make it fun to drive, and people who like classic cars really appreciate it.","imageAttribution":"Prova MO (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":2127.94,"endTime":2129.6,"type":"car","title":"Porsche Carrera GT","url":"/cars/porsche/carrera-gt","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/34/1959_Porsche_356_Carrera_GT_Paul_Pietsch_Classic_2025_DSC_9002.jpg","quote":"We're talking about exhaust here.  It's like Carrera GT a little bit, man.  So sick.","canonicalId":"car:porsche:carrera-gt","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-4o-mini","data":{"explanation":"The Porsche Carrera GT is a high-performance sports car that was produced in the early 2000s, known for its exceptional speed and engineering. It features a powerful V10 engine and is celebrated for its driving dynamics, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Porsche Carrera GT is a super-fast sports car that many people dream of owning. It's famous for its amazing speed and how fun it is to drive, making it a topic of excitement among car fans.","imageAttribution":"Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Bring a Trailer Auctions","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/favorite-motorcycle-auctions-of-2025/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}