In the late 70s and early 80s, Japanese manufacturers were selling standard bikes as fast as they could make them. And while most of the bikes were technically sound, they all started to emulate each other, creating the UJM (first coined by Cycle magazine). Suzuki’s Marketing Manager in Germany told his Japanese management, “we had the most technically advanced bikes, …
1984 Honda VF500F Interceptor
The smallest of the Interceptors, the VF500 is claimed by some to be the best, thanks to absolutely incredible handling.
2 Miles – 2010 BMW HP2 Sport
The BMW HP2 Sport is one of the rarest bikes from the last few decades of BMW motorcycles. It certain ways, it was a tough sell. Loosely based on the R1200S, this was a very pricey and exclusive sportbike that put down less power than its competitors due to the limits of the venerable boxer engine. But I think it …
No Reserve – 1979 Honda CBX
Early CBXs have been steadily increasing in value, so it’s always nice to find one listed with No Reserve to see what the market thinks it’s worth. Here’s a “daily rider” that’s guaranteed to find a new home.
4 Miles – 1984 Montesa H7 360 Enduro
A rare find in the US, Montesa’s H7 generation of Enduros was avaiable in 80, 250, and 360cc variants. Here’s an impressively original example of the big brother that “has been stored in climate controlled storage since new.”
Euro Paint Restomod – 1985 Honda VF1000R
When it was released, the VF1000R was a bit of a revelation: it was Honda’s flagship, designed to showcase what the Japanese firm was capable of. It was also a huge tease to US riders, because it was initially only released in Europe only – America got the VF1000F instead, which was designed to be more of a touring bike. …
Picture Intermission – Mecum Las Vegas 2021
It was later in the year than usual, but another Mecum auction in Las Vegas has come and gone. The auction cleared $17.5 million through 1,214 listings, 1,151 (95%) of which sold. Here’s 12 of my favorites!
CA Plated – 1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma
Suzuki won 7 consecutive manufacturer titles in the 500cc Grand Prix class with their Gamma racer, and it inspired a street bike called the RG500. Classic Motorbikes said the “Suzuki is almost an exact replica of the race machine, its roots can be traced directly to the 1983 factory XR45 and the crankcases, barrels and general engine layout are virtually …
Needs Some Work – 1935 Triumph Model 3
After a “nut and bolt” restoration in 2012, this bike has been sitting – the seller uses my favorite phrase, “ran great when parked” and notes that it will now need the “usual recommissioning and put oil, gas, battery, test the brakes, adjust the primary, adjust the clutch, etc.” But in this case, it should be worth it!
Vintage Racer – 1973 Honda CB750
Ready for AHRMA racing, this non-street legal CB750 has been well modified and puts down 89 horsepower at the rear wheel.
Diesel Powered – 1972 Honda XL250
The frame is from a ’72 Honda 250, but the motor is totally unexpected – a Yanmar 400cc diesel engine.
CA Plated – 2005 Honda CRF50
Equipped with a Baja Designs lighting kit, this little fifty has somehow got a CA plate so that you can ride it off-road, at camp, in the pits, and even on the street!
Ending Soon – 2005 Ducati 999R
In 2005, Ducati started exporting the 999R in earnest to satisfy the AMA homolgation requirements (the year before, just 50 were sold). For $29,995, this motorcycle was just about as close to a WSBK bike you could get.
Land Speed Racer – 1973 Yamaha RD350
The logo of “Geriatric Racing” on the front fender is worth a chuckle, but this land speed RD350 will hopefully make you smile when you’re riding it, too.
MV/SV – 2001 Suzuki SV650 Custom
5-2-2021 Update: Four years later, this custom is back up for sale over on Iconic. Find it with bidding up to $3,101 and the reserve not yet met here on Iconic Motorbike Auctions.