A few of the more eclectic rides in McGregor’s collection are genuine collector’s items and the most expensive. First, and the oldest, is a 1952 BSA Bantam D1, one of the most popular bikes in Britain (via Money Inc.). It’s believed that as many as half a million of these bikes were made between 1948 and 1971. Interestingly, it was designed by Germans and given to them as partial compensation for all the damage and injury they inflicted on England during World War II. The D1 McGregor owns is the original version of the oft-changed bike.
The next oldest is a 1956 Sunbeam S7 Deluxe, and it too is a BSA war repayment project that was “de-Germanized” from a BMW R75 and sold as a Sunbeam-branded bike in England (via Hagerty). This 2-cylinder, 487cc/24hp bike was made from 1946 until 1956. It’s believed only 5,500 units were produced.
McGregor even has a customized, one-of-a-kind chopper in his stable made by the legendary Indian Larry. The stunt rider and bike mechanic helped revive the “stripped-down” choppers of the 1960s. He died in 2004 after getting in an accident at a bike show and truly believed that creating custom bikes was “one of the highest art forms because it combines all media: sculpture, painting, and mechanics” (via GQ).
With all those miles, not to mention the production entourage that follows, one would think McGregor lets others work on his motorcycles. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. He prefers to get his hands greasy and make his own repairs. “When I grow up, I’ll have somebody take care of them for me” (via Bloomberg).
Now that’s an easy rider.
