Cast your mind back to the mid-to-late 60s (especially if you were rocking about in your flares), and amidst the wacky & zany pop culture was an absolute stalwart of a show, one that was so eccentric it has managed to embed itself in the minds of many. I’m talking Batman from the 1960s.
A live-action television series spanning around 120 episodes, a spandex-clad Adam West as the billionaire tycoon Bruce Wayne with his young trusty sidekick Robin, played by Burt Ward.
A kind of mechanical sidekick to the dynamic duo - amongst the other toys & gadgets - was the Batcycle, a 1966 Yamaha Catalina 250cc decked out with a sidecar for our Robin to kneel in. It’s something I’m sure many of you reading will have certainly paid closer attention to, or at least more than the Batmobile.
The 24 horsepower Batcycle may not have had much power in reserve to catch the baddies, only capable of reaching a plucky 82 mph, but in the camp & colourful world of this generation of masked vigilantes, it was certainly more than enough whilst Batman yells out his wonderful quips, like ‘A good driver always observes the speed laws, it’s the best way to stay out of trouble’.
Plus, with Robins sidecar/go-kart with 55cc Yamaha engine and 3-speed transmission, even if the bad guys split up our spandex-clad heroes could continue their pursuit… Kapow!
Would you be seen out on the Batman Batcycle? Yeah you would.
Read: Top 10 blockbuster movie star motorcycles
This replica model stays somewhat true to the original, and the 1966 Catalina has been lovingly restored with matching fairing, graphics and pinstripes - but with a 21st-century update to the go-kart engine so it’s now electric powered. No idea on recharge times for it.
Watch out criminals roaming in the ULEZ areas of London, Robin doesn’t need to pay the £12.50 charge to chase you around the inner streets of the capital.
It’s never been ridden or shown in public, and this Batcycle has been autographed and signed by Adam West and Burt Ward with accompanying letters of authenticity, and the Mecum Auctions listing estimates this will be selling for $40,000 to $60,000. Check the listing for more info and photos, too.
As far as movie motorcycles go, it's probably one of the most wacky out there, surely?
If you’re sitting on a hefty sum of cash and fancy donning your spandex one last time, this could well be the opportunity of a lifetime. Just remember to fasten your Safety Bat Belt!
Source: MotoUutiset
