This 850 Commando (VIN: 850311646) has just 3,185 miles as it was put away for storage in 1985 after a mechanical issue (thread in the right hand exhaust was stripped). It’s recently had a ‘mild freshen up’ to fix the thread, replace the rims, spokes, forks, and handlebars (rust issues) and a reproduction seat. Here’s your chance for a low …
1983 Honda CB1100F
Post-Sale Update: This CB1100F sold for $3,100. Built for just one year, the Honda CB1100F was a sleek looking standard that evolved from the 900F. In the process, it had tremendous performance – in January of ’83, Cycle World said it was the fastest stock bike they’ve ever tested.
1985 Kalamazoo Speed Truck
Originally a railroad equipment manufacturer, the Kalamazoo Manufacturing Company was founded in 1883 but expanded into material vehicles with the Kalamazoo Speed Truck in the 40s. They produced many variants of the Speed Truck, including this 3 wheeler (with a cute aftermarket trailer).
Meet a Reader – Larry Kahn
Larry Kahn is a gearhead who built one of the most interesting custom Ducatis you’ll ever see. I first met him after he left a comment on Bike-urious, and after exchanging a few emails with him it was clear that he’d have some interesting stories worth sharing. Read on for the usual questions!
1938 Triumph Speed Twin 5T
A first year example of one of Edward Turner’s best known designs, this Triumph Speed Twin enjoyed a “no-expense spared” restoration some time ago and has since sat in display. Somebody get this beauty back on the road!
2008 BMW HP2 Sport
Post-Listing Update: After being relisted, this HP2 Sport did not meet reserve at $14,097. The BMW HP2 Sport is one of the rarest bikes from the last few decades of BMW motorcycles. It certain ways, it was a tough sell. Loosely based on the R1200S, this was a very pricey and exclusive sportbike that put down less power than its …
568 Miles – 1975 Yamaha DT125
With a 123cc two-stroke engine that produced about 10 horsepower, the Yamaha DT125 was a competent enduro. It was more capable than you’d expect because it shared almost everything but the engine with the DT175, so you got better components than the average 125. Here’s an example that looks almost new because it’s barely been ridden.
1 of 136 – 1971 Rickman Enfield Interceptor
In the early 70s, an aspiring Floyd Clymer (who owned the name of Indian Motorcycles at the time) thought that the 736cc engine from the Mark II Royal Enfield Interceptor was an absolute jewel, and he ordered 200 to use in an hybrid sport-tourer to be created as Indians. Unfortunately, Clymer passed away after only approximately 15 were created, leaving …
Gear Review – Viking AXE-22 Saddlebags
Review of the Viking AXE Saddlebags for Sports Bikes by Gary Ng.
1 of 10 Prototypes – 1968 Honda CB350
You’re probably all quite familiar with the Honda CB350 – which was actually the world’s best selling motorcycle in just its first year of production. But here’s a special bike for classic Honda fans – one of the ten pre-production prototypes.
1979 Honda CBX
In the late 70s, the big four Japanese companies kicked off a horsepower war by stuffing big engines into their usual frames, creating the notion of superbikes. When it came to Big Red’s turn, Honda decided to push boundaries and utilize their first 6-cylinder engine in a production motorcycle. Benelli actually beat Honda to the punch in terms of 6-cylinder …
1960 Tote Gote Blazer
The Tote Gote was developed by Ralph Bonham, who built it to make his life easier while on hunting trips in Utah. That company ran from 1958-1970, but early on a board member (and sales manager) left to start a new company – which produced the Blazer you see here. The first six Blazer’s utilized a Tote Gote frame, and …
1992 Yamaha TDM850
1-17-15 Update: This TDM850 did not meet reserve at $3,050 last time around. But reader John K. just alerted me that nearly a year later, it’s back up for sale. Find it here with bidding up to $895 and the reserve not yet met or a BIN of $5,500 here on eBay. The Yamaha TDM850 is definitely an oddball…a well-rounded …
Helping Bikers – Maria Esther
As some of you know, I’m currently in grad school on the side. In a recent class, I had a co-founder of Not Impossible Labs (check out that ink if you’re really into 3D printing or helping people) as a guest lecturer, and he ended his talk with a suggestion that we all find a way to help others, even …
Japanese Indian – 1999 Kawasaki Vulcan Drifter
Post Sale Update: After 21 bids on eBay, this Vulcan Drifter sold for $3,601. In 1996, Cobra USA created a show bike homage to the ’48 Indian Chief based on a Kawasaki Vulcan. It was so popular that it inspired a production model – the Kawasaki Vulcan Drifter. Indian experts will never confuse this for an original Chief, obviously, but …