Every classic motorcycle tells a tale, whether it?s a hair-brained origin story or volumes from a lifetime of loving use. The best stories and biggest price tags don?t always go hand-in-hand, and we?ve combed the catalog of Bonhams? upcoming Summer Motorcycle Sale to find the bikes with the most to say.
The online sale starts June 14th at 12:00 BST and runs through the 24th, and while there are scores of titillating bikes, projects and parts, these are the five lots we?ll be watching.

1980 BMW R65
Much of BMW?s illustrious desert racing history was built on the back of the GS, but that?s not to say it all started there, and racers had long been modifying boxers for off-road use before the dual-purpose GS debuted. A product of several skunkworks specialists, this 1980 BMW R65 has been heavily modified and campaigned in notable desert rallies throughout the 1980s.
Very little of the original R65 remains, with the frame gusseted in key areas, the boxer engine punched out to 1,020 cc with a Schek Motorad top end and full Acerbis bodywork. Since I know you?re wondering, the aftermarket fuel tank holds a staggering 43 liters [11.35 gal].
Of course, it?s the massive altitude adjustment that gives this R65 such a striking look, and the massive pogos out front came from White Power (now fittingly abbreviated to WP). The rear swingarm and driveshaft were extended for more travel by Arcueil Motors, and the lightweight spoked wheels are wrapped in Michelin Desert 1 tires.

Origi...