Normally a manufacturer releases a bike with multiple color options and it’s not a big deal. But when MZ wanted to update their “Street Moto” model called the Baghira with different colors on the plastics, they created separate model names such as the “Forest” for a military green or the “Black Panther” for…well, you can guess.
346 Miles – 1997 Moto Guzzi Sport 1100i
More of a sport-tourer than an outright sportbike, the 1100i (i is for fuel injection) is a beautiful anomaly from the usual Guzzi fare of torquey cruisers. Don’t worry – this still packs the trademark V-Twin, but in this incarnation the motor is surrounded by Brembo brakes, WP suspension, Marchesini alloy wheels, Bitubo steering damper, Pirelli tires, and more.
Super Single Racer – 1986 Yamaha SRX600
The Yamaha SRX600 is a cult classic, but it started as a commercial flop. In the US, it sold for just one year, and it was during a time when American riders valued power above everything else. A relatively light weight bike with a 41 horsepower motor just didn’t cut it – but for riders who can appreciate the styling, …
First Year – 1981 Yamaha PW50
Yamaha’s PW50 has been the first motorcycle for generations of dirt bikers over the years, so it’s cool to see a nice example from the first full year of production that started it all.
#36 of 100 – 1998 Ducati 748L Neiman Marcus Edition
The little brother of the bike that put Ducati back on the map, the 748 was produced in many variations. None were more rare than the Ducati 748L, also known as the Neiman Marcus edition. Only 100 were produced in 1998, and they were exclusively sold through the Neiman Marcus catalog. Though the 748L is the rarest of the 748’s, …
213 Miles – 2016 Moto Guzzi Griso SE
The Moto Guzzi Griso SE is a special edition of the venerable Griso, and it differed from the base bike with a fancy paint job, some blacked out parts, and spoked wheels. Mechanically, you also got adjustable suspension, and giant Brembo brakes – this bike was an interesting balance between the style of a custom with the components of a …
1986 Honda VFR750F
Piggybacking off the success of the race-oriented VF750, the VFR750 Interceptor was Honda’s decision to appeal to the masses with a more approachable roadster. As named on the fairings, the VFR offered gear driven cams.
1966 Benelli Sprite 125
By 1962, Benelli had combined forces with MotoBi and were utilizing the famous “power egg” engine in 125cc and 200cc variants (which would eventually become 175cc and 250cc options).
1987 Moto Guzzi Le Mans 1000 SE
5-9-26 Update: Five months later and this bike is still up for sale, though there’s a slight discount. Find it with a BIN of $5,650 or best offer here on eBay.
1981 Honda CX500 Custom
We go from a turbocharged CX to a custom naturally-aspirated model with this 500 built by Bexton Craft Motorcycles.
110 Miles – 1982 Honda CX500 Turbo
Depending on how you define “production”, Kawasaki was the first motorcycle manufacturer to roll out a turbocharged motorcycle. But as this excellent article on OddBike points out, Kawasaki’s effort was more of a quasi-aftermarket creation, and it wasn’t well-thought out either. Honda’s CX500 Turbo is more deserving of the ‘first production turbo bike’ title, as it truly started the forced …
Picture Intermission – 5-3 Sunday Ride
I went for a ride this weekend – follow along to see some of my favorite bikes from a trip that had to get redirected!
Restored – 1991 Yamaha YZ250
Yamaha’s YZ250 is one of the most important MX bikes in history – and it happens to be the longest-running production dirt bike in the world, as you can still buy a new one from Yamaha today. Here we’ve got a restored example of the 1991 model, in which Yamaha debuted all-new rear bodywork, “bold new graphics” (not in the …
Come Ride With Me – Buttonwillow with Volant Vivere on April 4th and 5th!
One of my favorite track day organizations (Volant Vivere) is putting on a track day at Buttonwillow next month – I’ll be going there with a few friends and clients and I’d love for you to join!
Race Bike in France – Nico Bakker Barracuda
3-4-26 Update: 18 months later, this bike is still up for sale (though it’s moved back to its home in the Netherlands and the asking price has gone up a surprising amount). I’m resharing it as Kickstart magazine did a story on it with a video since the last posting and I thought it was worth watching for those of …