Sideburn is an independent motorcycle publication founded in early 2008 with a focus on the flat track scene. In addition to its online and print content, the UK-based outfit is also responsible for sponsoring/organizing events like Dirt Quake (and Snow Quake), which Sideburn first held in 2012. A Harley-based flat track racer built and used by various Sideburn staffers (and …
243 Miles – 2009 Harley-Davidson XR1200
In 2009, Harley-Davidson reached into the nostalgia bag and brought out the XR1200. The flat track fenders and raised suspension bore a clear resemblance to the XR750 before I even knew what flat tracking was. Since Harley cancelled the model in 2013, flat tracking has seen a resurgence in popularity, and Indian recently launched their FTR1200 using similar “race inspired” …
Early Production eBike – 1999 EMB Lectra VR24
Post Listing Update: this EMB did not get any interest at the BIN of $2,500. Originally founded in Northern California in 1995 by Scott Cronk and Rick Whisman, Electric Motorbike Inc — or simply “EMB” – was an early eBike manufacturer. Not long after the company’s inception, Whisman jumped ship, though Cron kept at it and was eventually joined by …
California Highway Patrol in Australia – 1938 Harley-Davidson ULH
Post Listing Update: This ex-CHP Harley did not meet reserve despite 32 bids up to $25,655 on eBay in Gosford, New South Wales, Australia. This ex-CHP Harley has made its way across the Pacific, and it’s now available in Australia.
1 of 760 – 1972 Yankee Z500
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 modifying OSSA engines in their own custom frames. Eventually, they combined two OSSA 250cc …
Mule Motorcycles Street Tracker – 1984 Harley-Davidson XR1000
Post Listing Update: This Mule Harley did not meet reserve despite 79 bids up to $19,650 on eBay in Aliso Viejo, California. Richard Pollock is the man behind Mule Motorcycles, and he was called when the owner of this XR1000 had an accident and wanted to bring his Harley back to life. The XR1000 is one of Harley’s cooler bikes, …
2013 EBR 1190RS Carbon Edition
Post Listing Update: This EBR did not get any interest at the BIN of $19,000. It’s no secret that I am leading the EBR train. Erik’s brainchild, the EBR 1190RS, is the best sportbike America has to offer and I cannot wait to own one. Early models were built to meet AMA homologation requirements, and the quality is reflected both …
2015 Motus MST-R
Post Listing Update: This MST-R did not meet reserve despite 16 bids up to $15,100. Depending on who you ask, the Motus story is inspirational, depressing, or possibly a combination of both. While the company recently went out of business, you can still enjoy the insanity of the “Baby Block” motor in a package that requires your brain and your …
BMW K1200LT-Powered – 2010 Tri-Magnum
Post Sale Update: After being relisted, this Tri-Magnum sold for $2,225 after 2 bids on eBay. Billed as a “high-performance three-wheeled sports car”, this Tri-Magnum made its debut on the cover of Mechanix Illustrated magazine in the early 80s. It was the creation of Robert G. Riley Enterprises, a company that offers DIY plans for multiple vehicles and claims to …
New In Crate – 1994 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL883
Post Sale Update: This Sportster sold for $5,100 after 38 bids on eBay. 1994 wasn’t a noteworthy year for the Sportster, but it’s still impressive to see one in the original crate from 25 years ago!
Andy DiBrino’s Street Tracker – Harley-Davidson Street Rod 750
I haven’t had a chance to try a Street Rod for myself, but that’s partly because I haven’t encountered one I’d want to try…until today. Andy DiBrino is a two-time RSD Super Hooligan National Champion Flat Track champion who also competes in American Flat Track, AMA Motocross, and MotoAmerica – Cycle News calls him one of the most versatile riders …
Sitting Since 1990 – 1979 Harley-Davidson Sportster
Post Listing Update: This Sportster did not get any interest at the opening ask of $2,900. It could be argued that the Harley Davidson Sportster recipe is so good that it is destined to die without changing. An air cooled v-twin and carefree attitude has always been undeniably cool. Even in 1979, 20 years of R&D gave the Sportster a …
Quail Motorcycle Gathering 2019 – The RoHorn Racer
View PostRare Project – 1972 Fox Tracker
Post Sale Update: this Fox Tracker sold for $930 after 20 bids on eBay. No, it’s not the Fox you’re familiar with. This Fox was called Fox Corporation, and it was based in Janesville, Wisconsin. It was very difficult for me to find official information on this company, but I’ve seen anecdotes that they offered six different models of minibikes …
Heathkit Boonie Bike GT-18
Heathkit was founded in 1926 in Saint Joseph, Michigan as a subsidiary of the Heath Company – they sold light aircraft kits. But they didn’t hit their peak until after World War II, when they offered electronic kits such as oscilloscopes. In 1968, they got in on the mini bike craze with the GT-18, which was marketed as the “Boonie …