Description
This motorcycle is Lot 145 of Bonhams Motorcycles Online – The Summer Sale; open for bidding 5-15th June 2026. This Lot is available for public view and eventual collection from Bonhams Motorcycle Department, Milton Keynes.
Please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Bidding on all Lots commences Friday 5 June, 12:00 noon.
Bidding closes Monday 15 June, 12:00 noon, starting with Lot 1
Each subsequent Lot will then close one minute apart unless bidding remains active.
Public Viewing (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY):
All Lots:
Wednesday 10 June, 9am - 5pm
Thursday 11 June, 9am - 5pm
Please email using the button below with your availability to schedule an appointment.
Lot 145
The Connoisseurs Collection, Part III
c. 1959 Tohatsu 249cc 'Hurry'
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 59-TA-01299
Engine no. T66A-00899
This Lot has arrived in the UK from overseas under Temporary Admission. Shippio Ltd must complete all post-sale customs clearance administration, for import or export, on behalf of the purchaser. A compulsory fee of £195 + VAT will be added to the buyer's invoice for this service. This Lot may not be collected from the auction venue by the purchaser or any third-party transporter until Shippio Ltd has confirmed that this Lot has cleared customs.
If this Lot is to remain in the UK, or is not exported within 90 days of the sale, Import VAT at 5% of the hammer price will be payable.
Although no longer a manufacturer of motorcycles, Tohatsu had a significant impact in the ultra-lightweight classes back in the 1960s. The company originated in 1922 when Tanaka Motors Enterprises began experiments with gasoline engines. In 1939 the company was renamed Tokyo Hatsudoki Co Ltd (hence 'Tohatsu'), by which time it was a major producer of generators. Motorcycle production commenced in 1949. All Tohatsu's motorcycles were two-strokes, and by 1957 the range consisted of four models, the largest of 199cc. By this time Tohatsu was Japan's largest producer of motorcycles, selling 70, 000 units annually, more than double what Honda could achieve.
A '250' two-stroke, the 'Hurry' model offered here shows clear signs of European influence (as do contemporary Hondas). Apparently original and unrestored, this example of a rarely seen Japanese motorcycle displays a total of 36, 373 kilometres on the odometer and is offered for restoration (the engine turns over).
Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/ or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
£2, 000 - 3, 000
All lots are sold ‘as is/ where is’ and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
