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20th Anniversary – 2005 Yamaha VMAX

In Cruiser, Japan, Less than 5k by AbhiLeave a Comment

The name told you all you need to know: when the V-Max debuted in 1985, it was a cruiser dedicated to speed. Reviewers and consumers responded positively – it instantly won Cycle Guide’s “Bike of the Year” award and it barely had any changes for the next 22 years. It was arguably the definitive muscle bike, and Yamaha produced a …

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1 Owner – 1997 Suzuki RF900R

In Japan, Less than 5k, Touring by AbhiLeave a Comment

With an engine derived from the GSX-R1100, the Suzuki RF900R was designed as a entry-level bike in the sport-touring market, undercutting the competition by about $1,500. Despite the pricing, you still got a solid sport-tourer with odd styling that Suzuki claimed was “inspired a stingray.” Sales weren’t great.

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New In Box – 1993 BMW K1 Ultima

In Germany, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Following up on yesterday’s look back at the BMW K1, reader Wynkin de W shares a rare example of the K1’s final form that’s “new in box”. That’s usually a phrase you hear with toys, but is seems apt in this case considering how this crate has a viewport!

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1968 Suzuki Cobra

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Otherwise known as the T500, the Suzuki Cobra was very short-lived. Sort of. After just one year, Ford told Suzuki that the Cobra name was already accounted for, and that they should figure out another model name for their 500cc two-stroker.

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Back In Time Review – 1990 BMW K1

In Reviews by Abhi1 Comment

I got to spend a couple of hours with a BMW K1 this week, and while that isn’t enough time for a comprehensive breakdown, I thought it’d be nice to mix it up from the usual reviews of brand new stuff and reflect on a classic. Here are my five biggest takeaways from my time with this fascinating German oddball.

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1965 Norton Atlas 750

In England, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Named after the ICBM, the Norton Atlas was released in 1962, earning a so-so reputation before being replaced by the classic Commando. Built to appeal to American aesthetic preferences, it was initially only produced for export. The Atlas produced 55 horsepower, with plenty of torque available low in the rev range. Utilizing Norton’s famous Featherbed frame, the bike weighed about …