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10 Miles – 1999 Harley-Davidson MT500

In America, Dual-Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

One of the rarest bikes ever built by Harley-Davidson, the MT500 was originally built by the British in the 80s. Rights to the design were sold by Armstrong-CCM to HD, who sold just 355 copies of the MT500 in 1999, and a few more the following year. Only select HD dealerships were allowed to sell these bikes.

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6 Miles – 1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR

In America, Cruiser by AbhiLeave a Comment

When it was released, the Harley-Davidson XLCR (CR stood for Cafe Racer) was supposed to be an instant success powered by Harley’s most powerful production engine to date. It was a jet black departure from HD’s usual chrome fare. It didn’t sell well at all – now it’s a cult classic.

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1973 Yankee Z500

In America, Dual-Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: This Yankee Z500 sold for $5,000 after 26 bids on eBay. In the early 70s, John Taylor of Schenectady, New York started building the Yankee Z500, an American dual-sport designed to compete with the best bikes coming out of Europe. Yankee Motor Company started by importing machines from OSSA, the Spanish off-road powerhouse, and then moved to …

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Street Legal – 2017 Christini 300 AWD

In America, Dual-Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

You’ve seen two wheel drive bikes before thanks to companies like Rokon. But thanks to a fancy mechanical system enclosed within the head tub and frame, Christini has been the most successful manufacturer of two wheel drive bikes that can go anywhere and do it quickly. Nowadays they offer bikes in 300 and 450 displacements – the smaller option utilizes …

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Evel Knievel’s Stratocycle – Harley-Davidson XLCH

In America, Custom by Abhi4 Comments

8-28-23 Update: Two years later and it’s still up for sale, but now it’s back up to $200k. We’ll see how that goes…find the Stratocycle in Los Angeles here on eBay. 7-21-21 Update:Another 3 years later, Tim Huber notes that this famous Harley is now for sale by Heritage Auctions. They’re accepting offers for another couple of weeks, and the …

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3 Miles – 1974 Can-Am TNT 125

In America, Dual-Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Canada’s attempt at the MX world, the Can-Am TNT 125 was one of many dirt-oriented bikes produced during the short but very sweet lifespan of Can-Am. An acronym for Track ‘n’ Trail, the TNT bikes shared the same chassis and engine as the MX bikes, but utilized lower compression for easier riding traits on trails. Here’s one that stands out …

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1984 Tritan A2 Aero Car

In 3 Wheels, America by AbhiLeave a Comment

No, it’s not really a motorcycle. But that’s how it was classified because of its three-wheeled nature, and we’re going to run with it. The Tritan A2 was notable for having an incredible drag coefficient – just 0.15. Compare that to a period Toyota MR2, which had a Cd of 0.35. Amusingly, the only commercial “success” the A2 had was …

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Small Block Steed: 1996 Boss Hoss

In America, Cruiser by Gray Van DykeLeave a Comment

For some motorcyclists, it’s the efficiency of two-wheeled transport. For others, it’s the dynamic feeling of linking turns. And then there are those who prefer power to practicality and engine noise to overall comfort… It’s this lattermost group who created a niche for the beast you see before you — a 1996 Boss Hoss — to thrive in.

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Revival-Built 2007 Buell XB12X Custom

In America, Custom, Off-Road by Gray Van DykeLeave a Comment

Back in the early oughts — long before Harley had even begun development of the Pan America — Buell dove headfirst into the ADV market with the Ulysses XB12X. Between the sportbike-like handling, the in-frame fuel reservoir, and the large, floating front rotor, it was undeniably forward-thinking for its time. Admittedly, however, its reception was pretty mixed; the styling was …

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1961 Harley-Davidson Servicar Custom

In 3 Wheels, America, Custom by AbhiLeave a Comment

Produced for nearly 40 years, the Servicar was a three-wheeler HD produced in an attempt to further expand their target customer base during the Great Depression. One of their selected targets was automotive mechanics, so this bike was designed to allow mechanics put their tools in the rear storage box to make house calls. It also had a tow hitch, …

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1 of 21 – 2003 Cannondale S440

In America, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

In the late 90s, Cannondale (the well-known bicycle manufacturer) tried to move into motorsports, with an off-road bike, a supermoto, and an ATV. Long story short, it was a disaster. $80 million later, the company declared bankruptcy, having left behind an interesting story of what happens when you can’t live up to the hype. Most people know about the dirt …