Lot 423: Yamaha DS5 'The Batbike & Sidecar'

One of the most phenomenally successful television shows in recent years is ABC's "Batman." One of the interesting aspects of this show is the unusual and exciting vehicles used by the dynamic duo in the pursuit of Gotham City's criminal element. From the Batcave emerges not only the Batmobile but also the Batcopter, the Batboat and many other equally imaginative vehicles, all styled with a bat motif. Tying in with the extreme popularity of sportcycles at that time, Batman has inevitably utilized a sportcycle in his efforts to thwart the forces of evil. The Batbike itself is a real showpiece. Built from a Yamaha Catalina (YDS-3) 250, the Batbike features a side car with a portable go-cart resting on it for Batman's aide, Robin. As Batman slows down or stops the Batbike, Robin is propelled off of the side car and becomes mobile in his own right. Generally used to access the Batcopter, the Batbike would enter the helipad at the rear of the Batcopter, the bike and go-cart would split allowing Batman and robin to enter either side of the Helicopter and so allowing for a rapid takeoff. The entire Batbike and side car are handsomely customized in black and white colours with a batshield moulded into the fairing and fender guard. The go-cart has contains a 12 volt starter motor within it and has been up and running in the past. There are a series of g-force lights to the interior of the faring and the both Batbike and Robin Go-cart have appeared with Adam West or Batman to his enemies, at Wembley. If you have the Batmobile, you gotta have the Batbike!