2-16-19 Update: Almost four years later, this UL is being sold again. It’s moved to Texas, and the new seller has better photos and more information. After the Ogar restoration, the bike was sold to Dale Walksler – the man behind the Wheels Through Time museum. The bike was on display for years until it was sold into a private …
First Japanese Motocrosser Project – 1967 Suzuki RH67
At the dawn of the 1960s it was the big Brit bikes that reigned supreme in off-road competition, but by the middle of the decade Husqvarna and CZ had revealed themselves to be true contenders in the dirt-racing scene. Around this same time, riders in Japan started modifying their Japanese street bikes for off-road use, though even when modified these …
2009 Triumph Daytona 675
In 2006, Triumph graced us with the Daytona 675 and the world has been a better place ever since. A 675cc triple gave the supersport world some middle ground between Italy’s V-twins and Japan’s four cylinders. 2009 brought a host of updates to improve the already impressive package, and some massaging resulted in a small power bump to 126. A …
1982 Kawasaki GPz750
In 1982, Kawasaki introduced a middleweight to the GPz family between the 550 and the 1100 (a couple of years later, the 900 would also be released). The styling was right in line with the rest of the GPz series, though after one year Kawasaki increased the size of the front fairing.
1974 Kawasaki MT-1B
If you want a tiny off-road playbike but you want something less common than the Honda Monkey/Mini Trail, then meet the Kawasaki MT-1. Introduced in 1971, it stayed in production until 1974 and was then renamed the KV75 in 1975. Unlike the Honda, the Kawasaki features a 2-stroke motor that produces 4.2 horsepower.
Guess That Bike – French Museum Edition
My friend Somer Hooker recently crossed the Atlantic this year to check out Retromobile and The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award. He’s been having a grand time exploring the country of France, and he sent me a Guess That Bike feature that he thought would challenge all of you. Your only hint is that it was found in …
Spec Racer In Italy – 1979 Laverda Formula 500
With just 210 examples built over three production batches between 1978 and 1980, the Formula 500 is one of Laverda’s rarest machines.
Supposed Factory TT Test Mule – 1930 Rudge Ulster Racer
Founded after an acquisition in 1894, Rudge introduced its first production motorcycle in 1910 — reportedly re-badged versions of France’s Werners. The marque really made its mark in 1924 however when it unveiled a new four-speed production model featuring a four-valve cylinder head. Sales of the new four-valve model were adequate, but in 1928 Graham Walker — father of commentator …
Sold At Mecum – 1974 BMW R90S
Post Listing Update: This R90S did not meet reserve despite 34 bids up to $10,100. The R90S is a fine motorcycle, but I’m specifically featuring this bike so we can see an example of people trying to make some money after snagging some steals at Mecum.
Bought on Bike-urious – BMW R100GSPD Custom
Alright, the “Bought on Bike-urious” aspect is a bit of a stretch, but the bike is just so fantastic that I just have to share it. In July of 2017, I featured what I described as “one of the coolest airhead customs I’ve seen in a long time“. It started as a BMW R100GS Paris Dakar that the Canadian seller …
Ben Bostrom Replica – 2002 Ducati 998S
2001 was a great year for Ducati. Upgraded Ohlins suspension and Brembo brakes squeezed every bit of traction from the revamped 998cc Testastretta engine, carrying Troy Bayliss to the championship. In 2002, Ducati launched 155 998S Ben Bostrom and 400 Troy Bayliss special editions to commemorate the season. Engine output stayed at 130 hp, but carbon fiber fairings and a …
Russian Project – 1973 IZH Planeta 3
IZH was best known for making the AK47 assault rifle, though they did have a civilian division that also made cars and motorcycles – production of the latter started in 1927. Here’s an example of one of their most successful bikes, the Planeta.
First Ride Review – 2019 Honda Super Cub C125
View PostPress Release – Aprilia Racers Days 2019
One of the coolest OEM-supported programs last year was Aprilia’s Racers Days, as it gave customers the opportunity to test bikes like the RSV4 and Tuono on a track with support from AGV, Dainese, and Pirelli. Racers Days returns for 2019 with an expanded schedule – now there’s seven events at six locations from coast to coast for you to …
No Reserve – 2017 Yamaha R1M
Post Listing Update: This R1M was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. I have never used the term ‘slow’ to describe a literbike, but manufacturers always seem to have an answer for more speed. Yamaha’s R1M matched the best electronic engine management and Ohlins electronic suspension software to their formidable crossplane crankshaft engine and moved the chains for …