Mid America Auction yields some good buys and some “nays”

There were some nice bikes offered at the recent Mid America auction at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck on June 11-12, with total sales figures listed at over $283,000. The winner for the highest sold bike of the weekend was a 1933 Indian Chief at $26,500. What struck me was the bikes that didn’t sell. There were several early Harleys and Indians bid up into the mid five-figures that did not make the gavel drop, but the real puzzler was this 1979 MV Agusta Magni Superlight. Although it was an outstanding example and basically out of the crate (the bike only had five miles on it) in pristine condition, the owner rejected a high bid of $91,000. Built by MV Augusta expert David Kay, the 830cc Dellorto-equipped bike will apparently be remaining in the private collection of the seller for the time being.