This Honda CB175 was one of many small-displacement bikes sold at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, January 22-30, 2022. Photos by the author.

The Barrett-Jackson automobile auction is an annual extravaganza with a major stop staged at Westworld in Scottsdale, Arizona, January 22-30, 2022. This year?s 50th anniversary iteration was a sensory overload of rare, antique, classic, and exotic cars and trucks. However, there was also a shiny, tidy collection of motorcycles at the expansive event.

Rare vintage motorcycles, classic dirtbikes, and moto-themed art and memorabilia were all featured. However, by far the largest representation of motorcycle history was of the minibike variety. Based on the fan and bidder attention that the large stable of minis garnered, car enthusiasts have a serious soft spot (and deep pockets) for the little rides of their youth.
Classic dirtbikes like this 1978 Yamaha YZ125 were hot sellers at the auction.

The Hondas of the 1960s, ?70s, and ?80s made up the lion?s share of the minbike contingent at the auction. Dozens of diminutive Z50s, step-through Trail 90s, and the once ubiquitous CT70s were offered in both original form and correctly restored examples. The ?you meet the nicest people on a Honda? advertising slogan from the bellbottom era has clearly transcended to a modern movement of sentimentality and financial means.

So what did the small-displacement Honda bikes garner at the Barrett-Jackson auction" He...