The T in CB500T meant that the 498cc engine was a parallel twin which produced 34 horsepower. Journalists considered the bike fairly bland and not a standout. Depending on your perspective, that either makes it an excellent or a terrible choice for customization like what’s happened with this example that’s for sale.
Cheapest I’ve Seen – 1982 Yamaha Seca Turbo
Two years ago, I featured a Seca Turbo for $1,800, and I called it the “Cheapest I’ve Seen.”. Now thanks to reader Larry R, we’ve got a new champion.
Original Owner – 1985 Yamaha RZ350 with Spec II Bodywork
I’ve featured plenty of RZ350s over the years – they’re great bikes though they’re not exactly rare. With that said, this example stands out as it was brought back to life in 2014 and it features a full front fairing and rear tail from Spec II.
Thailand Spec – 2004 Honda CBR150R Repsol
Honda never sold the CBR150R in the US, but at least two examples have somehow made its way to the States. This one has just 2 miles and it’s currently on display on the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, Iowa.
Silver Surfer – 1992 Honda NX650
Another day, another NX650 custom! Yesterday I featured the “Growler”, a minimalist take on Honda’s dual-sport that was slightly more street-oriented than the XR650. Today we’ve got the “Silver Surfer”, built by Jeffrey Wardenaar at Motogadgets.
Time Capsule – 1984 Honda V65 Sabre With 681 Miles
In America, more is better. So, if Honda’s successful VF750 Magna and Sabre were good, then a big block version would be better, right?
741 Miles – 1989 Yamaha FZR750R OWO1
If a Honda RC30 is just too commonplace for you, then the Yamaha OWO1 might be right up your alley. Just 500 were made, and the MSRP was a healthy $5,000 more than the Honda as well. My many accounts, this was as close as a member of the public could get to owning a street legal racebike. This example …
Growler – 1988 Honda NX650 Custom
Some of my favorite customs nowadays are based on the Honda NX650 (known outside of the US as the Dominator). While my absolute favorite Dommie is this beauty by Andrew Greenland, I’m also enjoying this build called “Growler” by Neuga out of Budapest, Hungary.
Unexpected Chopper – Suzuki TL1000 Custom
V-Twin motors are typically the powerplant of choice for choppers…but seeing a ~130 horsepower Suzuki TL motor is unexpected. Combine that with a hardtail frame and knobby tires and you’ve got a bike that’ll get crazy in a hurry.
Asama Racer – 1960 Yamaha YDS1R
4-17-17 Update: A year later, this Yammie is back up for sale. Find it with bidding up to $3,550 and the reserve not yet met here on eBay. Post-Listing Update: This Asama racer did not meet reserve with 27 bids up to $9,679.99. The YDS1R was Yamaha’s first production road racer. It got the name “Asama Racer” because the factory …
MPS Build – Honda CRF450 with CR500 Engine
MPS (Motorsports Products & Services) is the brainchild of George Fanelli, who creates aluminum framed two stroke MX bikes. Want a Kawi KX 500 motor in a modern four stroke frame? A Yamaha 500 two-stroke in a YZ250F frame? MPS has done it before. Here’s one of their Honda builds – a legendary 2001 CR500 motor in a 2007 CRF450 …
End of the Line – 1982 Kawasaki GPz750
In 1982, Kawasaki introduced a middleweight to the GPz family, between the 550 and the 1100 (a couple of years later, the 900 would also be released).
One Year Only – 1990 Honda NS50F
Just for 1990, America got a taste of Honda’s NSF50F two stroke “sport” bike. Despite the diminutive size, it’s a street legal bike with a claimed top speed of 55 miles per hour. It makes me think of a MB5 that got updated with liquid cooling and then painted by a Miami coke dealer. I want one.
Twisted Throttle Threesome
Twisted Throttle is letting go of three of their shop vehicles – a BMW S1000RR, Yamaha Bolt R-Spec, and Honda NC700X. All of them are impressively farkled.
10th Anniversary – 1979 Honda CB750 Limited Edition
The name makes it pretty obvious, but 10 years after Honda released the instant-classic CB750, they commemorated the anniversary with a limited edition sold alongside the base CB750K. The differences were solely cosmetic – mag wheels, different badging/side covers, and a new coat of paint.