Joey Dunlop commemorative Honda SP-1 to go under the hammer at Mid Ulster Auctions sale

Family-owned and operated auction house Mid Ulster Auctions (MUA) will conduct the sale of the extensive collection on behalf of the family of the late George Miller, the renowned Ardstraw-based motorcycle expert and enthusiast.

Accumulated over the past 40 years, the collection of over 300 lots comes to market directly from the popular biker’s former business, George Miller Motorcycles, which was established in the late 1970s in the Tyrone village.

The catalogue will go under the hammer in a timed online auction taking place from Monday 27 – Friday 31 July.

Headlining the sale is a Joey Dunlop commemorative Honda SP-1, commissioned by Honda dealer Tippetts Motors of Surbiton, Surrey, in the early 2000s to commemorate the Northern Irish racing legend’s record number of Isle of Man TT victories.

The limited edition bike, which has only three miles on the clock, is number nine of only 26 produced.

At the Isle of Man TT meeting in 2000, Dunlop won the Formula 1 TT, the Ultra Lightweight TT (125cc) and the Lightweight TT (250cc), securing his third career hat-trick and setting a record 26 wins – an achievement that remains undefeated over two decades later.

Another featured lot in the sale is a limited edition 1981 Triumph Bonneville, one of only 125 UK models produced. Dubbed the Royal Wedding edition, it was launched to commemorate the wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles. Other Triumph motorcycles include two 500cc Daytona models and a Speed Twin.

The motorcycle which coined the term ‘superbike’, the Honda CB750F, will also go under the hammer.

Other models to be auctioned include a BSA A7 500cc twin, an Ariel NH350 Red Hunter, a 1951 Matchless G80 500cc, a Hercules W-2000, and an Ehrlich 250 GP.

MUA Director Noel Lennon says, “We’re delighted to be working on behalf of the Miller family to manage the sale of this outstanding collection. George’s passion for all things motorcycles is renowned and that shows in the variety of bikes he acquired that carry with them important historical links, from the origins of the ‘superbike’ to rare and limited edition models.

“George Miller Motorcycles in Ardstraw attracted enthusiasts from the motorcycle community right across Northern Ireland and even further afield. We believe there will be great interest in the collection when it comes to auction.”

As well as motorcycles, a large selection of equipment, gear, parts, and other memorabilia will be auctioned.

Viewing for the George Miller Motorcycles auction is by appointment only in line with social distancing guidelines.

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