Named after the ICBM, the Norton Atlas was released in 1962, earning a so-so reputation before being replaced by the classic Commando. Built to appeal to American aesthetic preferences, it was initially only produced for export. Here’s an example that’s been turned into a cafe racer.
1973 Triumph Hurricane
The Triumph Hurricane represented a paradigm shift in motorcycling manufacturing, as it was the world’s first factory custom motorcycle. The brainchild of Craig Vetter (well known as a motorcycle designer and manufacturer of custom motorcycle fairings) and Don Brown (General Manager of BSA), the Hurricane was created when Brown called Vetter up on a secret project to create a better …
To the Top of Alaska, Day 17
June 20th, 2014 – Whitehorse, AK to Liard Hot Springs, BC ~400 miles As you follow the 1, you end up going in between British Columbia and the Yukon Territory back and forth several times. But no matter what province we were in, we were constantly showered by rain. We eventually made it to Watson Lake in Yukon, which is …
2014 Aprilia RSV4 R
In my opinion, the Aprilia RSV4 R has been overshadowed a bit in the marketplace a bit since the introduction of the BMW S1000RR. But it’s still an incredible supersport that’s faster than 99.9% of vehicles you’ll encounter on the road. Here’s a basically brand new example that’s been made even faster thanks to an extensive modification list which includes …
1990 Yamaha TZR250SP
Post-Sale Update: This Yamaha TZR250SP sold for $7,700 after 37 bids on eBay. Some would say the 3MA version of Yamaha TZR250SP was a full-on racer that came with lights. A limited number were built for homologation purposes, and it even took features from the factory TZ250W racer to make a sportbike that can still take on the newcomers.
2014 AIMExpo – Orlando, FL
Reader John K. has just told me about the AIMExpo, and I figure those of you near Orlando might want to check it out. I suspect I’m not the only person who feels that the Progressive International Motorcycle Show has become incredibly repetitive, so I’m looking forward to seeing how/if AIMExpo is able to mix it up.
1982 Laverda Jota 180
The Laverda Jota 180 (Jota is the name of a Spanish dance) was built as a sport version of the 3C after feedback from Roger Slater, the firm’s British importer. Built from 1976 to 1982, this example is one of the last bikes with a wonderful 180 degree crank, giving it a lopey idle and great sound. It also didn’t …
1960 BSA Gold Star DBD34
The last generation of the BSA Gold Star, the DBD34 was built from ’56 to ’63. This example has some hard to find extras thanks to its time under the ownership of BSA factory rider and AMA Hall of Famer Chuck “Feets” Minert.
Cover Story – 1979 Honda CB750 Limited
Post-Sale Update: After 26 bids on eBay, this Honda CB750 Limited sold for $3,310. Built as a 10th Anniversary bike, the Honda CB750 Limited was a 2-tone beauty with the same mechanical components as the base bike. This is a great example that was actually the exact model featured on the cover Clymer Honda CB750 DOHC Fours repair manual.
Video Intermission – Double Endos
From reddit user PhD_InYourAss (how’s that for a name?) comes this video of two bikes at Texas World Speedway taking a tumble after massive braking. Unfortunately, it seems both riders were hurt, so I wish them a speedy recovery. There is supposedly a GoFundMe page for them, but I have not been able to find it yet…I’ll update this if …
2002 Ducati 998S Ben Bostrom Replica – 106/155
Post-Sale Update: This Ducati 998S Ben Bostrom Replica sold for an unknown amount under $9,499…by reader David N! Congratulations! In 2002, Ducati released a limited edition of their beautiful 998 – the distinctive Ben Bostrom Replica. A total of 310 were built – 155 in the US and 155 in the UK. Why 155? That’s the race number Bostrom used …
GSMMotoRent Giveaway Follow-up
David S., winner of the GSMMotoRent Giveaway, enjoyed his day out and had the following to say. I thought you might want to hear his thoughts, and then give Dan Dickie over at GSMMotoRent a call if you want a similar experience!
1 of 125 – 1961 Matchless G80TCS Typhoon
After years of success with the G80, Matchless offered a “Competition Suspension” variant called the G80CS to answer demands for more power, aimed towards US riders who were looking for a desert racer. But for three years (’59-’61), Matchless released an even better version – the Matchless G80TCS Typhoon. Just 125 were built, and most were exported to the US. …
1975 BMW R90S
I adore the BMW R90S, which was a game-changer when it was released to the world. The gray and smoke paint scheme shown here was the first of two available paint schemes, both of which are beautiful and incredibly difficult to reproduce. With oversight from Hans Muth, this bike was built to show the world that BMW could make more …
Eastern European Motorcycles
Reader JP C. sent over an interesting article from Wired about the Eastern European Motorcycles division of the 2014 Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach.