John Lennon's Hollywood Star (iStock.com/shalunts)

John Lennon's Honda Monkey-Trail Z50A went under the hammer on Sunday, eventually selling for £57,500.

The final price was almost double the initial estimate of £30,000.

Lennon used the mini trail bike to move around his 72-acre Berkshire estate.

The bike, which was sold at the National Motorcycle Museum in Bickenhill, Solihull, had a rather modest top speed of 25mph.

Nevertheless, the two-wheeler was more than adequate for Lennon to get around his Tittenhurst Park estate in Ascot, where his Grade-II listed Georgian country mansion was located. He shared the palatial home with Yoko Ono between 1969 and 1971.

Mark Bryan, head of sales for H&H Classics motorcycle department, said: “Naturally we were thrilled to be entrusted with the marketing and sale of this bike, given its extraordinary provenance.

“So to achieve this price is hugely satisfying.”

The "Monkeybike" had been owned by John Harrington for 47 years. Harrington displayed the bike at various transport shows.

Harrington bought the bike from Henry Graham, who himself bought it from Lennon while living at Tittenhurst Park.

Lennon wasn't only a fan of modest two-wheeled machines. He also owned a Rolls Royce Phantom V, which he had painted in psychedelic patterns. Rumour has it that Lennon wanted the most expensive model available - ostensibly to get one over on manager Brian Epstein, by having a more ostentatious set of wheels.

The “Monkeybike” is a far more down-to-earth affair - but no less fascinating given its history.