We often see a handful of gorgeous classic motorcycles up for grabs at auctions, and Bonhams is right there at the top of the list. Recently, we chanced upon these two beauties that could be yours for not a lot of money.

1964 Ducati 250cc Daytona
Registration no. BFW 639B
Frame no. DM 250 80735
Engine no. DM 250 85824

Ducati’s first road-going 250, the Diana, arrived in 1961. Developed from a successful production racer, the sporting newcomer was sold as the ‘Daytona’ in the UK. First registered in the UK in 1999 and acquired by the current vendor in 2002, this Daytona benefits from a long-term restoration completed in 2012 and is presented in generally excellent condition. Upgrades include 12-volt electrics, Lucas RITA ignition, alloy wheel rims, a Mach 1 rev counter, a modern Dell’Orto PHBL24 carburettor and a replica Conti silencer in stainless steel (see invoices on file). The removed original parts, including the Lafranconi silencer, are available if required. The machine is offered with current MoT and V5C registration document. A broken side-stand mount is the only fault notified. Priced between AED 29,000 – AED 37,000.

1956 Moto Guzzi 250cc Airone Turismo
Registration no. 395 UYL
Frame no. MCL 73
Engine no. MCL 91

Carlo Guzzi’s very first prototype motorcycle of 1919 was unconventional in so far as its 500cc single-cylinder engine was installed horizontally and built in unit with the gearbox, and although the company would eventual turn to other engine layouts, the ‘flat single’ had established itself as a Guzzi hallmark by the end of the 1930s. Guzzi recommenced production post-WW2 with range of updated pre-war designs, which in the case of the 250cc Airone (heron), first introduced in 1939, meant it gained a telescopic front fork, larger diameter brakes and an aluminium-alloy cylinder barrel and ‘head. The Airone offered a 70mph top speed and the ability to cruise at 60-plus all day, and remained a top-seller well into the 1950s. Dating from the penultimate year of production, the Turismo (Touring) model offered here has recently arrived in the UK having previously been registered in Germany. Although it is not longer a requirement, the machine has been MoT’d for safety reasons; it has been started but not ridden and would benefit from thorough re-commissioning before returning to the road. Accompanying documentation consists of German registration papers, MoT to April 2016 and a V5C registration document. Priced between AED 26,000 – AED 33,000.