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Honda CB500 Chopper

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

Here’s a slick chopper with a CB500 twin motor and a whole bunch of new parts, including the rectifier, coils, starter solenoid, exhaust, bars, tires, chain, battery, cables, carbs, and the headlights. It’s got a clean title on non-op. Seems like a cheap way to get into choppers…

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Ending Soon – 1967 BMW R69S

In Germany, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: This R69S did not meet reserve despite 27 bids up to $12,600 on eBay. This R69S has the patina of over 50,000 miles of use and as the seller says, “it would be a shame to restore this bike.” It’s a motorcycle from Mike Wolfe (you may remember that name from the TV show American Pickers).

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1972 Alsport Steen Hodaka

In America, Japan, Off-Road, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post-Listing Update: This Steen did not meet reserve with 12 bids up to $1,706. In 1967, John Steen discontinued the first run of his Taco mini bikes and started selling Hodakas. On the side, he also created custom dirt bikes using Hodaka engines like the 100cc Alsport Steen. Conveniently, John didn’t just sell Hodakas – he was also an importer …

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1913 Flying Merkel

In America, Vintage by AbhiLeave a Comment

Built between 1911 and 1915, the Flying Merkel is one of the most iconic American motorcycles of all time. These are so cool that I’m going to break my personal rule of only featuring bikes with asking prices because I just want to make sure you’re aware of it.

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Ex-WERA Champion – 1972 Yamaha TD3

In Japan, Race by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post-Listing Update: This TD3 got no interest at the opening bid of $9,000. In 1972, Yamaha updated their production racer from the TD2 to the TD3. The latter was based on the YDS7 and though it was fantastic on paper, real-world results were a bit of a disappointment as the 250cc engine had detonation issues. History has a way of …

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1987 Honda Aero 50

In Japan, Scooter, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

The Aero was Honda’s first modern scooter in North America, where it was introduced in 1983. A second generation was introduced in 1985, and these have served as reliable in-town runabouts ever since. The ’85-’87 models had a 49.3cc two-stroke enigne that produced 3.9 horsepower and 3.5 pound-feet of torque. The entire package weighed 121 pounds dry. Realistic top speed …

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Gigantic Custom Diesel Trike

In 3 Wheels, America, Custom by AbhiLeave a Comment

I don’t really understand why, but it looks like the story of Emile Leray is making the rounds online again because I’ve been emailed about it a bunch of times in the past two days. It’s been 20 years since he escaped the desert with his hacked up motorcycle and four years since the last time this story got attention …

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1997 Suzuki TL1000S

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post-Listing Update: This TL did not meet reserve with $2,175 after 22 bids on eBay. Back in the 70s, the Kawasaki H2 developed the reputation of a ‘widowmaker’ thanks to incredible power with no discernible handling. When it was released in 1997, the Suzuki TL1000S also earned a similar reputation thanks to the unique rotary rear damping system. While it …

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Unexpected Custom – 1965 Marusho ST 500

In Cafe Racer, Custom, Japan by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post-Listing Update: This Marusho got no interest at the asking price of $7,850. A barely known Japanese manufacturer, Marusho (who built bikes under the name of Lilac) peaked in the mid 50s, though they went bankrupt in 1962 after a deal with Mitsubishi went bad. Within a year they came to life with a plan to specifically target the American …

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#84 – 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post-Listing Update: This R1 got no interest at the opening bid of $6,500. It can be hard for me to get excited about bone stock Japanese supersports, but this early R1 is truly worth a second look. First of all, the first generation of the R1 was something special. History looks upon it very kindly as one of the three …

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2008 Aprilia RSV1000R Bol d’Or

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

To commemorate their entry into the 24 hour Bol d’Or endurance race at Le Mans, Aprilia released a limited production (200 units over two years) run of the RSV1000R. The only difference was the paint scheme, which was a copy of the livery used in Aprilia’s superstock race bike in the 2007 Bol d’Or race.