Thanks to reader Rob B for this user-submitted Guess That Bike! While the tank is correct to this bike, the paint and decal are not. Can you see past that and still figure out what bike this is?
1939 Rudge Special
Post-Listing Update: This Rudge Special did not get any interest at the opening bid of $22,000. Rudge-Whitworth ceased operations in 1939 so they could switch to radar production for the war, making this one of the last bikes to roll out of the British factory. The Special was a touring version of the Ulster, which was one of Rudge’s most …
1975 Norton Commando Mk III Cafe Racer
In 1975, Norton released the Mark III of the Commando, which came with improvements like an electric starter, rear disc brake, and a left side gear change with right side brake to follow US laws. They also pared down the model offerings – now you could only get a Roadster or an Interstate. Here’s an example of the former that’s …
Endurance Racer – 1982 Segale Honda CB1100
Luigi Segale started his professional involvement with motorcycles a dealer in 1972, but he truly made a name for himself by partnering with Dirk Ildebrand, a frame builder, and building endurance racers with Japanese bikes. Here’s a rare example of Luigi’s work for sale – the bodywork has clearly seen the ground, and the front isn’t what I’d call attractive, …
Reminder – 2016 Quail Motorcycle Gathering
Here’s your final notice that on May 14th, the Quail Motorcycle Gathering is coming back for its 8th year. My first visit was last year and I had a great time – will I see you there this time around?
Restored – 1955 BSA Bantam D3
Post-Sale Update: Well, that was quick. Within a few hours, this Bantam sold for the BIN oF $5,500. After World War II, Germany was scheduled to pay the Allies $23 billion as part of reparations. A very small part of this compensation was DKW’s design for the RT125, which ended up becoming one of the most copied motorcycles in history. …
Video Intermission – Valentino Rossi: The Doctor
Monster Energy has just released the first episode of their five part series on Valentino Rossi, one of the greatest motorcycle riders of all time. The story is told by “those who know him best, and the man himself.” Here’s Episode 1 of 5: I forgot how much I missed when he was completely dominating MotoGP…and is there anyone out …
1966 Atala Rizzato Ringo
I’m unable to find any information on this little scoot, but according to the seller it’s a rare Italian with a 49cc 2-stroke engine and a 3-speed hand shift transmission. I can only see examples that are white and red online, but this example is…not. Got any experience with this marque?
In England – 1981 Honda CB750 Custom
This custom Honda was built to “create a sixties Manx style café racer on a reliable donor” – in this case a ’81 Honda CB750 DOHC. Do you think the builder succeeded?
2006 Ducati Paul Smart 1000LE
The Paul Smart is one of those bikes that always gets me to do a triple take when I see it in person. Inspired by Ducati’s 70s race bikes – especially the one Paul Smart won the 1972 Imola 200 with – this gorgeous motorcycle was limited to a production run of 2,000 models. I hear that they can be …
Birmingham Bee Liner – 1967 BSA Custom
Post-Sale Update: This custom BSA sold for the BIN of $12,000. Built by LC Fabrications, this bike placed 14th in the Freestyle Class of the 2009 AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building. It’s definitely different – but is it something you’d ever ride, or even own?
Restored – 1968 Wards Riverside Benelli 350
Sold through Montgomery Wards department stores in the ’60s, Benelli bikes were made available in varying displacements. Here’s a 350cc example that’s claimed to have been completely restored with NOS parts.
1971 Honda 750 ATV
Filed under ‘things I would not want to ride for more than 2 minutes’, this Honda CB750 has been converted into an ATV, and apparently all the modifications are bolt-on.
1956 Ariel Square Four with Garrard Sidecar
View PostPicture Intermission – Motorcycle Catalogs from 1994
Someone on Reddit’s r/motorcycles has shared full Australian catalogs from Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki in 1994 (with a bonus of Kawi’s catalog from 1993) as well. Come take a trip down memory lane.