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Black Bomber – 1967 Honda CB450

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post-Sale Update: This Black Bomber sold for $6,600 after 19 bids on eBay. The CB450 was Honda’s first “large displacement” bike, and it ended up becoming one of the most important Japanese motorcycles of all time. It was also quite upsetting to the British motorcycle industry, and they were put on the defensive by the Black Bomber. According to Motorcycle …

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1963 Moto Guzzi Stornello Sport

In Italy, Small Displacement, Sport by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

In 1960 Moto Guzzi set out to re establish itself in the most profitable Italian market segment by introducing the 125 CC Stornello. Using a brand new four stroke pushrod single, the Stornello made an instant impact in the eighth liter class of Italian bikes. In 1961 Guzzi added inclined valves and a hemispherical combustion chamber (yes, it’s a hemi) …

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1963 Velocette Venom

In England, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Between 1955 and 1970, Velocette built 5,721 examples of the Venom. A factory-prepped Venom set a world record for being the first bike ever to average over 100 miles per hour in a 24 hour period. Here’s a 53 year old example that spent 30 years on display in a previous owner’s living room.

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1973 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: This V7 sold for $14,699 after 31 bids on eBay. Nowadays, Moto Guzzi offers several variants of the modern V7. They don’t sell particularly well, but they do hark back to one of Guzzis most iconic motorcycles of all time – the original V7 Sport. It was an instant classic that was created by Tonti to honor …

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1961 Ducati Elite

In Italy, Sport by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

In 1959 Ducati brought out it’s most sophisticated bike to date-the 200 Elite. It was the first of Ducati’s ‘sport production’ motorcycles based on their successful single cylinder racers of the 50s. The product line would morph into the ‘Supersport’ line, but the motor was destined for another calling. It was the basis for the ‘motocross’ line which we know …

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Silver Shotgun in Holland – 1971 Ducati 350 Desmo

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

By the time Ducati had released the Mark 3 Desmo, they had an impressive variety of trim levels. In ’71, they added to the line up with their first ever motocross bike (the R/T), and a street bike with silver fiberglass bodywork. Two Wheels Magazine in Australia called the latter the “Silver Shotgun”, and the nickname has stuck through the …

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1 of 100 – 2007 Ducati SportClassic 1000 Special Edition

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: This Special Edition was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. Current values of Ducati’s SportClassic line show that they have become quite collectible – and the most collectible of them all is the limited production “Special Edition.” Just 100 were built, and they were all for North America. 90 were sold in the US, and …

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1978 Yamaha RD400E

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: After 26 bids on eBay, this RD400E sold for $4,191.41. When Yamaha bumped up displacement of the RD350 to make it the RD400, they also tamed the bike a bit. It was still a silly hooligan bike, but the powerband was a bit wider and the overall ride was slightly more comfortable. A hooligan bike for grownups, …

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1960 Gilera 150 Sport

In Italy, Sport by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

Gilera was a pre WWII Italian manufacturer that survived the war. In fact, in the immediate aftermath of the war Giuseppe Gilera decided that Italy needed cheap reliable transportation to help with war recovery. Enter the Gilera 125 that became the 150 in 1952 when Italian law required a minimum of 150CC to enter the freeways. The 150 sport would …

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One Owner – 2000 KTM Duke II

In Austria, Less than 5k, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

One of the first semi-popular supermotos in the US, the KTM Duke II was a revelation for the lucky few that got to enjoy it. Lots of sportbike riders looked down upon a bike with “just” 50 horsepower, but the comfortable ergonomics and light weight made this an excellent hooligan bike. Get used to riding with the front wheel off …