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1982 Laverda Jota 120

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Roger Slater was Laverda’s importer in Britain – and like all good importers, he asked the manufacturer to make something faster. So Laverda wisely responded by turning the 3C into the Jota, the fastest production motorcycle to date. The Jota was built between 1976 and 1982, and the 1,000cc triple featured 180 degree crankpin phasing that led to a distinctive …

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1969 Bultaco Matador

In Dual-Sport, Spain by AbhiLeave a Comment

About the ’69 Matador, Cycle World said it has the “uncanny ability to change its character from that of gentle trail plodder, to hard-charging racer, to graceful trails mount, to occasional ride-to-work tool.” This example is almost completely restored – just missing some “correct fasteners.”

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Be a Hero – 2009 Suzuki SFV650 Gladius

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

Suzuki introduced the Gladius as a replacement for the very successful SV650. While it was an objectively better bike in most ways, the American market did not take kindly to it and it was recently replaced with…the SV650 again. Apparently Suzuki sold at least one Gladius, because someone is trying to sell his and he’s resorted to trying to convince …

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Wide Case Racer – 1968 Ducati 450 Non-Desmo

In Italy, Race by AbhiLeave a Comment

Though it could be plated for street duty because it’s got lights, a horn, and all that other good stuff, this 450 is currently setup for racing. Note that despite the “Desmo” on the tank, the original head was replaced with a conventional head for “reliability reasons” and the Desmo head is no longer available.

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Building the Gromster

In Guest Writers, Japan, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

Editor’s Note: About a year ago, David N (you’ll remember him from experiences like going to a Mecum auction or his recent visit to the AMCA Sunshine Chapter National Meet) told me that he was looking for a Grom to customize. When he explained what his plan was, I asked if he’d be willing to share the bike and his …

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1983 Honda CR250R

In Japan, Off-Road by AbhiLeave a Comment

Sellers – if you have questions about how you should be taking photos for a for sale listing, just look at this one. Then again, that might be expected considering the seller is noted MX photographer Joe Bonnello…