Top Gear presenters' motorcycles to auction on April 26

A collection of 12 motorcycles belonging to ex-Top Gear presenters Richard Hammond and James May is to cross the block at Bonhams' Spring Stafford sale on April 26.

The lot includes a 2010 Norton Commando 961SE, which carries an estimate of £14,500-18,500 ($21,424-27,334).

Hammond bike gear
The collection includes 12 motorcycles from the 1970s to the present day

May explained the reason behind the sale: "Just because I'm unemployed now doesn't mean I have to get rid of everything.

"I was going to sell these bikes anyway. And those paintings, and my collection of Scalextric cars. Honest".

Hammond commented: "As a serious collector of motorcycles, it's important to review one's stable regularly, and the Bonhams Stafford sale is the ideal opportunity to move bikes on and possibly acquire new ones.

"I also have a canoe, and some Wharfedale hi-fi speakers, if anyone's interested."

The pair left the show after co-host Jeremy Clarkson was given the sack. He physically assaulted a producer over a reduced set of dinner options.

Ben Walker, head of motorcycle sales at Bonhams, said: "Jokes aside, James and Richard are offering for sale some great motorcycles from their collections, including examples of Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda and Norton - and we expect the collection to attract a lot of attention at the upcoming Spring Stafford Sale.

"We're delighted that they both elected to consign their collections with Bonhams Motorcycle Department, an agreement that originated many months ago."

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