Gold in the straw: Collection of eight bikes found in Northern Ireland barn owned

The late Joe Ryan’s name was synonymous with the halcyon days of Irish motorcycle racing, when Ryan Nortons carried such famous names as Tommy Robb, Raymond Spence, Ralph Bryans, Cecil Crawford and Sam McClements, to a multitude of victories and championship titles.

Now Mark Bryan of H&H Classics, brings to sale eight of Joe’s personal bikes discovered on a remote farm in Northern Ireland. The straw covered barn held a treasure trove collected by Joe Ryan and secreted out of the weather for him to tinker with and enjoy in his later years.

The H&H Classics sale takes place on November 25^th on the Live Auction Online.

Mark Bryan says: “Despite having no formal engineering training Joe Ryan established himself as an innovator in the preparation of Norton motorcycles for racing. He was the ultimate tuner. A quiet unassuming man he created a legend whose fame lives on. His collection of eight bikes are of huge significance to so many people involved in Irish and UK racing.”

The barn-find bikes found are: 

• c1922 Norton Model 9 Brooklands Special 500cc - £8,000 - £10,000.
• c1923 Zendher 110cc £3,000 to £5,000
• c1911 Triumph 3 1/2 hp TT Roadster £7,000 -£9,000
• c1925 AJS E6 Big Port 350cc  £7,000 to £9,000
• 1923 Douglas Model TS 2 3/4 hp – £5,000 - £7,000
• c1913 Triumph 3 1/2 hp TT Roadster £4,000 - £6,000
• c1923 Kenilworth 75cc – £3,000 to £5,000
• c1935 Rudge 250cc Sports 4 Valve - £6,000 - £8,000

The first of the discovered bikes is a c1922 Norton Model 9 Brooklands Special 500cc, ex Joe Ryan, estimated to sell for £8,000 to £10,000.  See below.

c1922 Norton Model 9 Brooklands Special 500cc Ex Joe Ryan - £8,000 - £10,000.

This bike has been in long-term ownership by famous Northern Ireland Norton race tuner Joe Ryan.

The Engine turns with good compression and the bike is in fair overall condition, but will require some recommissioning before road use. There is no paperwork.

c1923 Zendher 110cc –Estimate £3,000 to £5,000

This bike was in the long-term ownership of famous Norton race tuner Joe Ryan. This rare machine is in garage find condition. Engine free and will require some recommissioning before road use. No paperwork.

c1911 Triumph 3 1/2 hp TT Roadster Estiomate £7,000 - £9,000

Long-term ownership of Joe Ryan. The engine turns over with good compression and is in fair overall condition, but will require some recommissioning before road use. No paperwork.

c1925 AJS E6 Big Port 350cc – Estimate £7,000 to £9,000

This AJS was in the long term ownership of Joe Ryan. Owned in period by Herbie Chambers who was pictured riding it at Donegall Pass sprint. The engine turns with compression and the bike is in fair overall condition but will require recommissioning before road use. No paperwork.

Joe Ryan