A seized collection of about 61 motorcycles is heading to auction, with its value estimated at roughly $40 million. The line-up combines rare road bikes with MotoGP machinery and WorldSBK-specification race bikes, representing Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, MV Agusta, Suzuki and Yamaha.

The collection belonged to former Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding. He was arrested in Mexico and transferred to the United States in January to face federal charges. US authorities accused Wedding of operating a cocaine-trafficking network linked to the Sinaloa Cartel. Charges involving organised crime and multiple drug-related murders were also announced, including the killing of a federal witness.

Grand prix machinery and auction terms

An estimated 10 to 15 motorcycles are thought to be MotoGP prototypes or WorldSBK-specification race machines. The collection is also described as including motorcycles ridden by Marc Márquez, Andrea Dovizioso and Jorge Lorenzo, giving it clear appeal to collectors interested in modern racing history.

The motorcycles were found during raids in Mexico City and the nearby State of Mexico last December, at addresses linked to Wedding. INDEP has scheduled the auction for November 11, with opening bids expected to start at about $1,600, or approximately £1,200. Before Wedding’s arrest, US authorities had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture.