This bike contains one of my least favorite phrases – “ran when parked”. Despite that, it’s too cool not to feature. Originally imported to the US by Hap Alzina, the west coast BSA dealer, the Pranafa Playboy was a mini-scooter built by Dr. Seiffert in Frankfurt, Germany. The intent was something to have something you could take to work but …
1968 Honda CB450 K1
Offered for just two years, the CB450K1 featured a couple of cosmetic changes, including a redesigned tank compared to the Black Bomber. For more information on the K1, check out this link from Livable Landscape. This specific CB450 (VIN: CB450-3001978) was recently restored mechanically and cosmetically, including new pistons and rings in the engine. The paint is ‘near perfect’ and …
1995 MZ Skorpion Sport
The MZ Skorpion was the result of an international partnership between a British design firm, an East German manufacturer (MZ), and Yamaha. Weighing just 380 pounds and packing 48 horsepower, this is a rare sportbike that has become quite the cult classic.
1969 Honda CB160
Post Sale Update: This CB sold for $4,336.25 after 22 bids on eBay. The Honda CB160, affectionately known as the Mini Hawk, featured an over-bored CB125 that produced 16.5 horsepower at 10,500rpm. Here’s your chance to snag an example that’s been ‘perfectly restored’.
1955 Horex Resident
Here’s a “gorgeously restored example” of the Horex Resident, which was produced for just two years as the successor to the Regina. This bike is powered by a 350cc four stroke single with twin port exhaust that produces 24 horsepower. Find this Horex Resident for sale here on Brad’s Bikes (scroll to the bottom) for $6,500.
1979 Moto Guzzi 1000SP
Post-Listing Update: This Moto Guzzi 1000SP cafe racer was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. One of the better touring bikes in its day, the Moto Guzzi 1000SP Spada typically falls under the radar of some of the more classic Guzzi names. I’ve already featured one example that was turned into an absolute beauty, but here’s an interesting …
1965 Ducati Monza 250
Here’s a “fully-restored” example of the last year of the Ducati Monza 250 before they became angular. It was used mostly as a show bike (and has apparently won its share of trophies), but now it’s your turn to hopefully get it back on the road for regular use. Note that the seller and I have different definitions of fully …
Pikes Peak Racer – 2005 Yamaha YZ250
This Yamaha YZ250 was converted into a racer that placed 5th in class at the 2011 Pikes Peak Hill Climb. To make this happen, plenty of custom work was done, including Excel rims, Moto Master brakes, Galfer rotors, and a suspension set up for a 160 pound rider. However, this bike will probably need an engine rebuild, and it includes …
Purple Widowmaker – 1975 Kawasaki H2 750
A legend in the motorcycling world, the Kawasaki H2 750 is remembered so fondly thanks to its peaky, narrow powerband and its poor handling characteristics. A bike for experts only, the Widowmaker commands respect wherever it goes.
Video Intermission – McLean Monocycle
Kerry McLean has made a name for himself with a series of Monocycles – including a 5hp model built to learn on and his piece de resistance, a monocycle with a V-8 stuffed inside of it. Here’s a summary: Segment007 from Ripley’s Believe It or Not! on Vimeo. And here’s a video of an unfortunate crash that happened over a …
1994 Yamaha V-Max Street Fighter Custom
Ever seen one of those big, brawly Yamaha V-Maxs and wondered what it would be like if it was some sort of street fighter? I realize the answer to that question is probably no, but this presents a potentially interesting answer to a question that no one’s asking. This V-Max is heavily modified – highlights include the front forks from …
1982 Ducati 900 SD
After the classic 750 GT of the 70s, Ducati looked to evolve with a simpler engine, and they ended up with the first ‘square case’ bevel twin – the 860 GT. It was a commercial flop, so just a few years later, the Ducati 900 SD Darmah was released, and it was a much better sport tourer. The SD (Sport …
1941 Harley Davidson Servi-Car
Thanks to some pretty photos, this is one of the nicest-looking Servi-Cars I’ve seen in a while. This bike (VIN: 41g8968) was restored 10 years ago and is a runner that comes with a photo album ‘detailing some of the restoration process’. Find this Servi-Car for sale in Portland, Oregon with bidding up to $10,599 and the reserve not yet …
1967 Triumph Trophy
Hartz Bros Custom Cycle is in the middle of a ‘stock series’ where they are rebuilding Triumph 650s. This example merges a ’67 T120R frame with a ’71 engine and has been restored to be like new with .20 over pistons, Hepolite rings, Wassell electronic ignition, a new Amal 930, and more. It seems the shop used to focus on …
1999 Bimota DB4 Tricolore
The Bimota DB4 Tricolore followed the Italian firm’s modus operandi of taking a well established engine from another manufacturer and surrounding it with beautiful Italian bodywork. Using a frame similar to the Bimota Mantra, this successor wasn’t much of a technological advancement. Think of it instead as a moving piece of art.