The Triumph Rocket III made quite the stir when it first came out in 2004, as it had the largest displacement engine fitted to mass production motorcycle – a whopping 2.3L that put out 140 hp. Fun fact: the STARTER motor on this bike makes as much power as Triumph’s first-ever motorcycle – just about 1.75 horses.
Video Intermission – MotoGeo Mongolia Adventure
You ever meet someone who’s doing what you’ve been dreaming of? Once you get over the initial jealousy, it’s incredibly inspiring. This weekend, I went through that exact experience with Jamie Robinson: former motorcycle racer, current founder of MotoGeo, and as you’ll see when you watch his videos – a big fan of giving people a “thumbs up”.
Picture Intermission – Venice Vintage Motorcycle Club Rally 2014
This past Saturday, I went to see the Venice Vintage Motorcycle Club Rally, which was fantastic. Unfortunately, I was only able to spend about an hour there, so I didn’t have a chance to see as much as I would have wanted to. With that in mind, I also didn’t get as many photos as usual, so I apologize in …
Video Intermission – Honda RC148
Jesus Christ. Turn your speakers down, because this is just incredible. I wasn’t paying attention the first time I watched this – you hear a tiny idle and I naively thought it was the motorcycle. Then you see that the noise was just a generator for a wheel to bump start the racer. 5 cylinders, each 25cc, could rev up …
Dirt Cheap – 1995 MZ Skorpion 660
The MZ Skorpion was the result of an international partnership between a British design firm, the East German manufacturer, MZ, and Yamaha. Weighing 380 pounds and packing 48 horsepower, this is a rare sportbike that has become quite the cult classic. The Skorpion utilizes the engine and electrical systems from a Yamaha XT660, and the brakes/suspension from Italian firm Grimeca. …
Rare in the US – 2007 Honda Varadero XL1000V
I’m still trying to figure out how this bike came to the United States, because Honda never imported them here. But the Varadero has been around since 1999, steadily plugging along as an adventure bike with the heart from a Superhawk.
Solid Deal – 1978 Honda Goldwing GL1000
Post-Listing Update: Well, that was quick. The listing has already been removed by the seller, I assume this bike has sold? This Honda Goldwing GL1000 has been the recipient of some TLC from a guy whose passion is restoring vintage Japanese bikes. Though it has 48,616 miles, it’s been given a new lease on life as nearly everything except for …
Picture Intermission – Restoring a RD400
A couple of weeks back I featured a lovely Yamaha RD400 for sale. I happened to randomly get in touch with Dean, the seller who brought it back to life, and he let me know that he had a thread documenting his work with the bike. It’s impressive as hell, and I figured you’d want to see it. Before: After: …
Video Intermission – Motorcycle Ambulance
Alright, this is SIGNIFICANTLY longer than my usual video intermission, but it’s always nice to see an example of motorcycles contributing to the greater good. Eli Beer was an EMT in Jerusalem who realized that his inability to get through traffic in the city was sometimes the difference between life and death for his patients. So he created United Hatzlah, …
The Motorcycle Film Festival
With the recent release of films like Why We Ride and The John Penton Story, motorcycles are enjoying an increase in popularity as the subject of films, documentaries, and even advertisements (the latter of which is mercilessly mocked on Hipster Bike Videos). So last September, a group of motorcyclists and independent filmmakers led by Corinna Mantlo and Jack Drury organized …
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 …
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.
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 …
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!
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.