Post Listing Update: This Z1 did not meet reserve with 6 bids up to $16,600 on eBay. The Z1 was Kawasaki’s “bigger is better” counter to the Honda CB750, and it was a legendary motorcycle that Team Green has recently tried to recapture the magic of. The 903cc motor was so big that Kawasaki couldn’t even sell it in their …
50th Anniversary Livery – 2008 Yamaha FZ1
With a retuned drivetrain from the legendary R1, Yamaha’s FZ1 was a sleeper of a bike. 150 horsepower with all-day riding ergonomics made for an ideal sport touring mount. This example stands out because of the special Yamaha paint job and some truly excellent modifications.
2002 MZ Baghira 660
The Baghira was a dual-sport with Acerbis bodywork, WP suspension, and a Yamaha drivetrain – and those components came together to form a rare and competent mid-sized dual sport.
XR69 Tribute – 1980 Suzuki GS Racer
Post Listing Update: This Suzuki XR69 tribute did not get any action at the asking BIN of $26,000. Also known as the GS1000R, the Suzuki XR69 was born out of Pops Yoshimura’s request for Suzuki to help him with some development of his GS750-based Formula 750 racer. In 1977, F750 became Formula One and they allowed 1,000cc motors. Suzuki started …
Ending Soon – Restored 1974 Honda XR75
Post Sale Update: This XR75 sold for $4,050 after 43 bids on eBay. Introduced in early 1973, the XR75 was a popular platform for youngster that were getting into serious off-road riding – or even racing. Because of that, very few examples have survived in good shape. This one can’t be considered a survivor as the seller says it’s been …
2000 Kawasaki W650
Before Triumph brought the Bonneville back in the early 2000s, your best bet for a “Modern Classic” Bonnie actually came from Japan. Kawasaki’s W650 was a retro standard inspired by their W1, itself a copy of the BSA A7. The W650 was only exported to the US for two years, but during that time it was the best option for …
First Six – 1977 Benelli Sei 750
Post Sale Update: This Sei did not get any interest at the BIN of $24,000. That was to be expected, I just thought the low mileage was interesting. The first production motorcycle to utilize six cylinders, the Benelli 750 Sei was the result of Alejandro De Tomaso (of sports car company fame), who had just purchased Benelli and wanted them …
Video Intermission – 2018 Husqvarnas on Jay Leno’s Garage
It’s taken way too long, but Husky is finally bringing out their street bikes: the Vitpilen (White Arrow) and Svartpilen (Black Arrow)! They provided the 401 and 701 for Jay Leno to try out, and he’s returned the favor with another episode of Jay Leno’s Garage.
Expensive Test Ride – 2018 BMW G310GS
I really enjoyed my time with BMW’s entry level street bike, the G310R – click here for my review. At the launch, BMW told me that they were also going to create a baby GS with the 310 motor, and it’s finally here. There are very few bikes in the US yet (the US media launch won’t even happen for …
1 of 805 – 1996 Triumph Daytona Super III
Post Sale Update: This Super III sold for a lowered BIN of $3,000. 2-27-18 Update: Over a year later, this Super III has been relisted. The seller has apparently just copied my listing description from last time, updated the VIN to include a missing number (SMT372DD0TJ035851), installed a new battery, and increased the BIN to $3,500. This time around he …
Story Intermission – Two-Wheeled Icons of the 1980s
I checked out the most recent installment of The Vintagent’s weekly email newsletter (if you’re not subscribed already, you should be!) and was immediately delighted when the first story was about 80s motorcycles that established themselves as design icons of the decade.
No Reserve JDM Model – 1988 Honda Bros 400
Post Sale Update: This rare-in-the-US Honda sold for $1,274 after 44 bids on eBay. It was called the “Bros” in Japan, but you probably recognize this as a Honda Hawk GT. The US only officially saw this bike as a 650, but Japan also got a 400 version which was good for 33 horsepower. The 650 is a more logical …
Gary Nixon Tribute – 2014 Kawasaki Ninja 300 Custom
Post Listing Update: This custom Ninja did not get any interest at the BIN of $6,500. Built by Bexton Moto (I’ve featured their work in the past), this Ninja 300 has been created as an homage to Gary Nixon’s H2 that he campaigned in the FIM Formula 750 Series. Do you think it works?
1956 Zundapp KS 601 EL
Post Listing Update: The new asking bid of $15,995 did not get any interest. 2-26-18 Update: Over three years later, reader Rob B has discovered that this rare Zundapp is back up for sale. The last time I featured this bike it did not meet reserve with 3 bids up to $10,400. It has since sold and the new owner …