FYI: A YouTuber orders a 40-foot shipping container filled with rare motorcycles, uncovering a trove of historical and unique bikes.
A Bounty of Bikes from Across the Globe
Purchasing a motorcycle can be thrilling, but what if you could acquire an entire shipping container of them? This is precisely what YouTuber Smokey of Life of Smokey has done. The intrepid enthusiast captured the momentous occasion of unloading a 40-foot container straight from Japan, revealing a treasure trove of remarkable and rare motorcycles.
Unpacking the Legacy of Honda
Among the motorcycles, Smokey’s most notable finds were three 1950s Honda Dream E-Type models. These bikes hold a significant place in history as Honda’s maiden four-stroke creations, pivotal in transforming post-war Japanese transportation. Given their historical importance, a well-preserved Honda Dream E-Type can fetch around $15,000 on the market.
Another fascinating discovery was a custom Honda Monkey Davidson, a small but mighty chopper inspired by the design of a Harley-Davidson. Available with either 50cc or 125cc engines, these miniature marvels are highly sought after, with typical selling prices exceeding $10,000.
A Rare Sight: The Honda Juno K and More
As Smokey continued to unpack his incredible haul, he unearthed Honda’s premier scooter, the Juno K. Boasting a 189cc four-stroke engine with an electric starter, it was quite advanced for a 1950s creation.
Further exploration led to discovering a pair of Honda Love Cub scooters, born from Honda’s unique collaboration with UNICEF in the late 2000s. These scooters, sold with special paint embellishments at charity auctions, add another layer of unique rarity to the collection.
Additionally, Smokey encountered an Amazonas 1600 from Brazil, a colossal machine that feels as much a two-wheeler as it does a car, especially with its oversized sidecar.
Beyond the Container: A Peek into Smokey’s Garage
Post the container reveal, Smokey gave a brief tour of his garage, showcasing a variety of intriguing vehicles, including miniature motorcycles, off-road buggies, and quirky items like Japanese post boxes.
This extraordinary expedition into rare motorcycle collecting offers a fascinating glimpse into vintage and custom biking culture. To see Smokey’s motorcycle treasure haul in full detail, catch the complete video on his YouTube channel.
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- By William Rapp, Editor of Automotive.fyi