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Rare in Red – 1966 Honda CB450

In Japan, Sport by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

It’s like a Zen Koan: Is a motorcycle truly rare with a serial # of 29,xxx? It may be. I am very familiar with the CB450 ‘Black Bomber’, I seriously wanted one at the time. Every CB450 shipped to the US in 1966 was black, and was called the ‘Black Bomber’. Except for less than 500 white ones which were …

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1993 Honda CBR900RR

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Years from now, pristine early Fireblades will bring silly money at the big bike auctions. One of the most important sport bikes of the 90s, it changed expectations of the market by coming in at an insane 76 pounds less than its lightest competition. It weighed just 4 pounds more than its little brother CBR600F2. As Motorcycle News puts it, …

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The Dream – 1968 Honda CA160

In Japan, Standard by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

In 1968 there was a welter of motorcycles available to all. It really was the start of the popular revolution fueled by MILLIONS of motorcycles from Japan. The CA160 was near the top of the line for Honda, and it wasn’t a Benley (though it looked the part). It was officially the CA160 Dream and Honda said it was a …

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2013 MV Agusta F4RR Corsacorta

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

When the 2013 F4RR was offered to the public, it got one of the most thorough electronics packages riders had seen to date. It was the first production road bike to offer an electronically-assisted shifter that would let you downshift without using the clutch (and automatically blip the throttle for you, as well). Despite all that and the gorgeous styling, …

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Thunderball Repro – 1965 BSA Lightning

In England, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

10-15-16 Update: Tom W notes that this bike is back up for sale. Even though no one seemed to want it at $10,999 8 months ago, the seller is now asking for $13,999 or best offer here on eBay. Post-Listing Update: This Lightning reproduction got no interest at $10,999. One of the coolest motorcycles to appear in the Bond franchise …

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1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR 1000

In America, Cafe Racer by AbhiLeave a Comment

When it was released, the Harley-Davidson XLCR (CR stood for Cafe Racer) was supposed to be an instant success powered by Harley’s most powerful production engine to date. It was a jet black departure from HD’s usual chrome fare. It didn’t sell well at all, and now it’s a cult classic.

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2016 Ducati xDiavel S

In Cruiser, Italy by AbhiLeave a Comment

My favorite cruiser available today is easily Ducati’s xDiavel S. I had the pleasure of riding around on one for a few weeks this summer, and then I put Nathan on one to do 1,000 miles in 24 hours. Here’s an example that has just 1,800 miles – and you’ll be able to enjoy a ~$7,000 discount if you’re willing …

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Out of Slumber – 1968 Norton 750 Ranger

In Dual-Sport, England by AbhiLeave a Comment

Back when desert racing was the sport of kings in the southwestern United States, Rob Blair (Norton’s California distributor) shoehorned a 750cc Atlas engine into a Matchless 85CS frame. When Norton found out about it, it became “Project 11”, which was dubbed P11 when Norton officially released it in 1967. A year later the model was slightly modified to become …

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1955 Mustang Stallion (Model 8)

In America, Scooter by AbhiLeave a Comment

Mustang Motorcycle was a division of Gladden Products. They started developing motorcycles during WWII and shortly after bought Busy Bee Company to guarantee the supply of motors for their motorcycle division. The 1947 Mustang Model 2 is said to be the first motorcycle manufactured in the US with a telescopic front fork. The Model 2 was the basis for almost …

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1 of 101 – 1983 Bimota HB3

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: This HB3 did not meet reserve despite bidding up to $8,950. Another rare and exquisite bike from Massimo Tamburini, the HB3 was Bimota’s third model with a Honda engine. This time around it utilized the air-cooled four cylinder from a CB1100F. 101 examples were produced (43 with a half fairing and 58 with a full fairing). Here’s …