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2016 Honda CB500F

In Japan, Less than 5k, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

Back in 2015 I mentioned a wonderful blog called Rolling Physics Problem by Greg Shamieh (a frequent commenter here at Bike-urious). He’s selling his CB500F – what he calls “the great grandson of the famous CB450 ‘Black Bomber’ – only with the benefit of more than 50 years of technical evolution.”

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White Brothers 601cc Kit – 1989 Honda GB500

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Honda’s GB500 was an homage to classic British singles but there was a twist – it was reliable! The average American rider shopping for a Japanese bike at the time was more interested in the bigger supersport replicas, but the Tourist Trophy has become a cult classic. Here’s another twist: a California-based company called the White Brothers made a 601cc …

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1972 OSSA 250 MAR

In Off-Road, Spain by AbhiLeave a Comment

The OSSA MAR (Mick Andrews Replica) was built after OSSA hired the English rider to design and ride a new trials bike – he went on to win two consecutive European Trials Championships and three consecutive Scottish Six Days Trials with it. In 1973, Andrews moved to Yamaha, but OSSA kept producing this bike into the late 70s and it …

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1968 Benelli Mojave Scrambler 260

In Dual-Sport, Italy by AbhiLeave a Comment

Back in the 60s, you did not necessarily have to go to a motorcycle dealership to acquire a bike. Indeed, superstores like Sears or Montgomery Ward imported and sold motorcycles themselves. While Sears notably imported Vespas, Montgomery sold Lambrettas and Benellis, including the Mojave 360…and the rarer 260 variant (offered in Tourer and Scrambler options).

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2007 BMW G650 XChallenge

In Dual-Sport, Germany by AbhiLeave a Comment

A slightly tangential evolution of the F650GS, the BMW G650X XChallenge was arguably the German firm’s most dedicated off-roader. With help from Aprilia and an engine from Rotax, the XChallenge (pronounce Cross Challenge) was defined as a “hard enduro.”

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Flying Dragon Tribute – 1972 Honda CL350

In Japan, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

In ’72 and ’73, you could order an incredible set of alternate bodywork for CL350 or CL450 models – an idea that came from Honda’s paint department because they figured us crazy Americans were obsessed with tie dye, and some would want a similar scheme on their motorcycles. The Flying Dragon was born, but it didn’t sell well. That just …