Benelli was one of the many companies that struggled to survive the onslaught of Japanese competition, starting all the way back in the 60s. As years passed, Benelli was bought and sold several times until production was shut down and the company was merged into Moto Guzzi in 1988. 2002 marked the return of Benelli, with their first new bike …
Video Intermission – The Motorcycles of “Jay Leno’s Garage”
As if I haven’t spent enough time watching the motorcycle videos from Jay Leno’s Garage, now they’ve consolidated all their ‘2 wheels good’ videos into one playlist. I don’t think I’ll be getting any work done today…
Unexpected Donation – Still New 1983 Kawasaki GPz1100
I’ve seen some odd places to find motorcycles for sale, but this is definitely a new one. Somehow, there’s a “brand new, never been used” GPz that’s for sale at Goodwill. Wonder who donated this!
Guess That Bike – Not Italian Edition
The tank of this bike reminds of the ‘jelly bean’ unit found on classic Ducatis. But, this ain’t a Ducati. Can you guess what it is?
Quail Participant – 1992 Ducati 851 Custom
Post-Listing Update: This 851 did not get any interest at the BIN of $4,500. The seller originally acquired this 851 Strada as a “cosmetic basketcase” and decided he liked how it looked without bodywork. Thanks to a custom subframe, fiberglass cafe seat, and a few other pieces, you get a bike that (in the seller’s words) is “meant to ride, …
Surprise Under the Seat – 1994 Suzuki GSX-R 1100
Normally a stock super sport with a tail tidy and flush mount turn signals isn’t a big deal. However, this bike packs a bit of a surprise: flip a switch inside the front fairing and then the horn button turns the nitrous bottle that’s hidden under the seat cowl! The seller has a dyno chart showing 125 horsepower at the …
Picture Intermission – 2016 Vintage Motorcycles Reborn Show
Along with Ron Sweetin, Bike-urious reader Bob Kelly co-organizes the Vintage Motorcycles Reborn show in Colorado. They just had their sixth annual show – come check out what was featured!
Guess That Bike Revealed – Reader Acquisition Edition
Wow – I’ve got to say that I was impressed with how many of you quickly spotted that this was a Norman. Points go to commenter jihelle, who was the first to identify that it’s a Norman with a 122cc engine. Immediately after WWII, Norman got back into motorcycle production with two bikes, both with Villiers engines. There was the …
Video Intermission – Ducati 125 Sport at the Quail Motorcycle Gathering
View Post1960 Moto Guzzi Zigolo 110
Post Listing Update: This Zigolo was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. Introduced in 1953, the Zigolo was Guzzi’s first partially-enclosed motorcycle. It was designed to be cheap transportation for the masses and it featured a 98cc two-stroke engine. In 1960, Guzzi introduced the Zigolo 110, which obviously got a slightly larger engine but also gained hydraulic suspension. …
Ex-HMC Racer – 2013 KTM SMR450
Post Listing Update; This SMR was relisted a few times but it never got any interest at a lower BIN price of $10,500. The SMR450 is one of KTM’s best examples of their “Ready to Race” motto. Fast, rare, and aggressive, it’s a great platform to compete in supermoto racing with – if you can find one. This example stands …
1983 Suzuki GR650D Tempter
I haven’t featured a Tempter in years, but now you get two in one week. As a quick refresher, this bike was only available in the US for two years – this is the higher-level “D” model which comes with two-tone paint, adjustable front air forks, and alloy wheels. According to a ’83 review from Cycle World, the GR650 produced …
2016 Quail Motorcycle Gathering Recap
View Post345 Miles In Canada – 1980 Honda CT110
The CT110 was introduced in 1980 as the successor to the CT90. The clutchless four-speed transmission freed p your left hand, which is one of the reasons why it became popular as a delivery bike for postal workers in Australia and New Zealand. Here’s a first-year example of the breed with barely any miles that’s claimed to be all original …
In Italy – 1967 Gilera 202 Super
In 1909, Giuseppe Gilera was just 22 when he started Moto Gilera. Over time, Gilera grew into a marquee manufacturer. World War II got in the way but in the 50s, riders on Gileras won the 500cc World Championship 6 times in 8 years. To help pay racing bills, the company sold a series of small street bikes, like this …