Reader Dan P shared this short film with me, an entertaining tale of motorcyclists who feel obligated to save a Ducati 900 Desmo Super Sport from a life as sculpture in the living room of an art collector. It’s called the Italian Machine, and it’s the work of none other than David Cronenberg. “A guy like that makes me want …
Needs Some Work – 1962 NSU Supermax 250
After World War II, NSU found themselves with factories that had been destroyed. But they were able to persevere and in 1952 they released the Max, one of the most popular quarter-liter bikes of the 50s – 97,120 bikes were sold. Fast forward four years and NSU introduced the Supermax, which featured a 18 horsepower single good for a top …
Clean 4th Gen – 1997 Honda VFR750
This excellent example of the 4th generation VFR750 has under 5,000 miles and is claimed to look, run, and ride like new. It has rebuilt carbs, new tires, Heli-bars, Hepco-Becker 30L saddlebags, and new regulator, a GPS-enabled chain oiler, and even more to turn it into an excellent sport-touring bike. There are a couple of tiny nicks from stones on …
Never Imported – 2000 Yamaha TRX850
The TRX850 was a little bit of a ‘parts bin’ special – it was a blend of the TDM850 and the FZR that came together in an attempt to challenge Ducati’s 900cc SuperSport (note the trellis frame). If you’re looking to stand out with your ride among people in the know, here’s your chance to get a bike that Motorcycle …
1948 Hiawatha Super Doodle Bug
Post Listing Update: This Doodle Bug did not get any interest at the opening bid of $3,500. Built between ’46 and ’48, the Hiawatha Super Doodle Bug was built to compete with Allstate-branded Cushman scooters. As the latter were being distributed out of Sears, the Doodle Bugs were sold out of the now-defunct Gambles retail chains under the Hiawatha brand …
Custom Cafe Racer – 2001 Ducati Monster
Here’s an interesting custom that’s based on a 750 Monster (which unfortunately has a salvage title). The tank and rear shock are from a 999, and the front forks and rotors are from a S4R. The headlight is from a Harley V-Rod, and the whole thing comes together thanks to a beautiful “Allusion Blueberry” powdercoating job. This bike definitely won’t …
Restored Classic – 1970 Honda CB750 K0
Here’s a restored example (VIN: 1041641) of a true classic, the CB750. It has 5,313 miles and was serviced last week so it should be ready to go.
Sitting Since 1997 – 1993 Ducati 888 SPO
The Ducati 888SPO was a limited edition of the 888 – only 390 were produced over two years. Featuring the trademark desmo valve V-Twin, this 888 produced 94 horsepower and was very much suited to track time.
1973 Jawa Golden Sport
Post Listing Update: After being relisted, this Jawa did nto meet reserve despite 4 bids up to $606.95. Here’s a running example of the rare Jawa Golden Sport. Known as the Mustang in some countries, this was a 50cc, 3-speed bike that has covered 713 miles. The chrome is pitting, but it runs well and it comes with an extra …
In NZ – 1981 Laverda Formula Mirage
A limited production model done up by the well-known Slaters Laverda of England, the Laverda Formula Mirage as a rebodied, upgraded Mirage that polarizes the Laverda faithful.
Video Intermission – The Killing Season
I’ve said many times before that one of my favorite videos involving motorcycles is the Top Gear special in Vietnam – if you have an hour to kill, check it out here. If you don’t have an hour to kill, here’s a 23 minute video of 6 skateboarders riding Vietnam from North to South, stopping to board when they want. …
Beautiful Knuckle – 1941 Harley-Davidson FL
This gorgeous Knucklehead was recently restored using only original and NOS parts and is claimed to be as close to perfection as possible. It looks fantastic in “Cruiser Green”, which is appropriately named because it’s going to take a lot of green to get this into your garage. Find this Knuckle for sale in Atlanta, Georgia with bidding up to …
1986 Honda Interceptor VFR700F
The VFR750F was one of the best sport bikes of the 80s – it won best 750cc sport bike from Cycle World 6 years in a row. But due to the drastic tax that was placed on bikes larger than 700cc at the time, it was a bit expensive. Honda thus created the VFR700F, a little brother/tariff beater that was …
Sport Glide – 1986 Harley-Davidson FXRT
From this impressive FXR history comes a quick lesson in Harley’s naming scheme for the Harley-Davidson FXRT, also known as the “Sport Glide”: F = Big Twin (80ci engine + 5-speed transmission) X = XL Sportster front end – including one piece fuel tank, lighter front suspension, and small headlight R = Rubber engine mounts of the new frame
In Italy – 1928 BMW R52
Post Sale Update: This R52 sold for $31,600 after 45 bids on eBay. Designed to be a tourer, the BMW R52 featured a 486cc boxer twin that generated 12 horsepower. The three-speed transmission had just been redesigned for this model, during a time frame when BMW was constantly making changes. Due to this, BMW switched to pressed-steel frames by the …