In a nutshell, Moto Martin was something akin to a French Bimota; the boutique firm dropped the latest engines of the day — in Martin’s case primarily from Japanese manufacturers — into bespoke frames, adorned them in unique bodywork, and then tacked on the latest and greatest track-focused running gear. The company is the brainchild of George Martin, who, prior …
December 2018 Result Highlights
View PostCalifornia Titled – 1985 Honda NS400R
Post Listing Update: There were 28 bids up to $9,100, but then the seller got an offer he liked and pulled the bike off of eBay. Final sale price unknown. In 1983, Freddie Spencer became the world’s youngest 500cc World Champion, and he did it on a Honda V3. Honda responded by releasing a 250cc production bike to commemorate the …
Bought on Bike-urious – 1987 Yamaha SDR200
I recently got an email from Jim A in Pennsylvania, who let me know that he just acquired a Yamaha SDR200 that was featured here on Bike-urious.
Signed by Pierre – 2005 Ducati 749R
Post Sale Update: This 749R sold for $10,900 after 11 bids on eBay. While many riders didn’t care to look at the Ducati 749, everyone agreed that the “R” variant was a tremendous thing to ride, thanks to a slipper clutch, Ohlins suspension, and lower weight (despite a larger fuel tank) than the base model. Visordown called it “a nearly …
Reader Poll – Prettiest Bikes of All Time?
The natural way to follow up with the results of your Ugliest Bikes of All Time is, of course, to look at the other extreme. So let’s try it again, and this time we’ll see what you guys and gals think are the prettiest bikes of all time. Let me know what you think in the comments below and I’ll …
Video Intermission – Vincent Black Shadow Model Assembly
In the early ’90s, Revell sold a 1:12 scale kit of the Vincent Black Shadow Series C. It’s one of their more difficult kits to assemble, so if you’re clumsy you’re probably better off watching this stop motion animation video of a little guy doing the work for you:
Story Intermission – New Year’s Resolutions
If you don’t follow the folks over at RevZilla’s Common Tread, then you missed a recent story about New Year’s Resolutions. Every year, Revzilla asks “the Common Tread regulars, our contributors, friends of ZLA and a few others around the motorcycle industry” what they resolve to do in the upcoming year. This year, they foolishly asked me for my two …
Desert Sled – 1956 Triumph Trophy TR6
Post Listing Update: This desert sled Triumph did not meet reserve despite 26 bids up to $8,600. Nowadays, “Desert Sled” is just a model name that’s been commercialized by Ducati, but back in the day the term was commonly associated with big British twins that had a few basic modifications – skid plate, knobbies, handlebars – to go through, rather …
Reader Poll Results – Ugliest Bikes of All Time
View PostEnding Soon – 2009 Kawasaki KLR650 M1030M1
Post Sale Update: This diesel KLR sold for $7,113 after 20 bids on eBay. KLR fans, take a close look at that motor. If it looks different than what you’re used to, it’s because this is a diesel-powered Kawasaki built by Hayes Diversified Technologies for the US Marine Corps. Hayes actually built 3 military Kawis – a gas-powered bike based …
Auction Preview – Mecum Las Vegas 2019
From January 22-27, Mecum will be auctioning off 1,750 motorcycles for the 28th “Vintage & Antique Motorcycle Auction” in Las Vegas, Nevada. Will I see you there? Either way, let’s look at ten of my favorite bikes that will be going up on the block.
Giveaway For A Vet – 2013 Honda NC700X
A generous donor is offering up his Honda NC700X (notable for its DCT transmission which removes the need for a clutch lever and shift pedal) – but only to “honorably discharged US Veterans that have lost their left leg or left foot, who still have the desire to ride motorcycles – either as a new rider or as a returning …
Auction Preview – Bonhams Las Vegas 2019
On January 24, Bonhams is auctioning off 128 lots in their annual Las Vegas auction. Here’s seven of my favorites!
Video Intermission – Kawasaki H2R Gearbox Model
The inside of a Kawasaki H2R gearbox is something that few people will ever see, but Matt of “The Workshop” has the next best thing for you with a 3d printed model that he explains in great detail. If you want a refresher on how a gearbox works, or just want to see what makes the H2R transmission special, check …