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1948 Nimbus Model C

In Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

The Nimbus motorcycle dates back to 1919, the result of a vacuum cleaner manufacturer that decided expansion into bikes was a worthwhile endeavor. They were technologically advanced, with shaft drive, steel frames, and a telescopic front fork (a year before the BMW R12, though the latter was hydraulically damped).

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Guess That Bike – Revealed

In England, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

The boxer engine of Sunday’s Guess That Bike comes from a 1957 Douglas Dragonfly – one that’s currently available for sale in the UK! Were you able to identify it? I got several responses from you impressive readers (and most of you were correct). Special mention goes to MadMike, who was the first reader to give the correct answer.

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CSR? 1965 Matchless G80 Rhodesian Police

In England, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

When it comes to the Matchless brand, the CSR acronym is typically associated with the G12. But the seller of this G80 claims to have 1 of 20 G80 GSRs built as a special order for the Rhodesian High Commission for their police force. I can’t find any independent verification of this and the reader who submitted this to me …

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1 of 750 – 1970 Norton Mercury

In England, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

Introduced in October 1968 (and produced only until February of 1970), the Norton Mercury was considered by some to be a ‘parts bin’ bike when it was released. History has been a bit kinder to it – only about 750 were ever sold and it was the last of the Dominator twins.

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1963 Francis Barnett Falcon

In England, Standard by Abhi1 Comment

Founded in 1919 by Gordon Francis and Arthur Barnett, Francis-Barnett was an English motorcycle manufacturer that was eventually acquired by AMC in ’47. After WWII, the company focused on small two-strokes with Villiers-sourced engines. After ’57 they started using AMC’s powerplant. Francis-Barnett liked to name their bikes after birds, including Plover, Kestrel, Merlin, and more. One of those birds was …

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From Benelli – 1968 Wards Riverside 250

In Italy, Standard by Abhi1 Comment

Post-Listing Update: This Benelli was pulled from eBay, final sale price unknown. Between ’59 and ’69, Montgomery Ward sold Benelli motorcycles under the ‘Wards Riverside’ name. If you bought one, you’d get the bike delivered in a crate, and then have to assemble it yourself. Here’s an example of the 250cc model with some of the nicest original paint I’ve …