1911 was a very big year in the history of Harley Davidson. The motor company expanded from 150 employees in 1910 to 550 at the end of 1911. They put out a stunning 5,625 units, more than double the 1910 production. All were model 7, and most were the 30 CID single cylinder but the Model 7 D featured a …
1970 Rupp Enduro
In the 70s, Rupp was one of the leading producers of minibikes in the US. They introduced the Enduro in 1970 along with a company-wide new design for the frame and carb.
In Denmark – Wrenchmonkees Monkee AW16
The Wrenchmonkees are one of Europe’s best-known motorcycle customizers, and they have quite a prolific portfolio of builds. This is the 69th motorcycle they have built, and after taking it around Europe on exhibits through 2016 they’re now looking to pass it off to a private owner.
Serial #1 – 1982 Cub Commuter Microcar Project
Built by Convenient Machines, the Cub Commuter was one of several efforts in the 80s to produce a cheap mode of personal transport for Americans. A seller in Vermont has two projects available. They’ll both need a lot of work, but one of them is the first example off the production line.
Ending Soon – 1968 Harley-Davidson FLH Electra Glide
1968 was not a particularly good year in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Electra Glide had debuted as a 1965 model and 1966 saw the brand new Shovelhead motor for the big twins. The Shovelhead made roughly 10% more power than the Panhead which more than made up for the added weight associated with electric start and rear suspension. That part was …
1912 Indian V-Twin
1912 was a very good year for Hendee Manufacturing Company of Springfield, Massachusetts. So good that the Indian brand would sell 32,000 units in 1913 to make them the largest manufacturer of motorcycles on the planet with 42% of the US market. The company didn’t officially change it’s name until 1923 when it became the Indian Motocycle (no r) Company.
One Off – Steam Powered Hensel Trike
Post Sale Update: This oddball trike sold for $8,361.96 after 51 bids on eBay. I wonder what will happen to it… Decades ago, a Californian aviation mechanic named Fred Hensel built this three wheeled steam powered vehicle. It was registered in California as a motorcycle, so I’m going to share it!
Twin Engined – Custom 2x150cc Baja Trike
When reader Christian E sent this over to me, he said it was most definitely “Bi” and “Curious.” How could I not feature it?
A Weekend With the AWD Rev’It #95!
It’s Sunday morning, and I’ve been working up the courage to try this for hours. It’s finally time to forget my instincts and see what happens when I hold a slide around a corner and then whack the throttle open. On a normal big enduro, that’s an easy way to turn a slide into a lowside. But this is no …
Super 8 – 1971 El Burro Minibike
The full name of this little scoot is actually “El Burro Sand n Sno Bike.” Obviously it would handle pavement with no problems, but the idea was that you could air down the tires to 1-2 psi and the 12-inch wide tires would create enough of a footprint to get around in sand or even on snow.
Fairing for Sale – Jacwal Superwedge
1-5-17 Update: The seller has let me know that this fairing is now up for sale on eBay, though the price has gone up a bit. You can find it with an unmet opening bid of $1,700 or a BIN of $3,000 here on eBay. OK – it’s not a bike for sale, but I’m always willing to try new …
1950 Cushman Eagle
Started in 1903, incorporated in 1913 in Lincoln, Nebraska, Cushman Motor Works built motors principally for farm and industrial applications. In 1922 they introduced a four stroke overhead valve single cylinder motor famously known as the Husky. In 1936 they brought out their first scooter in an effort to sell more Husky motors in the teeth of the Great Depression.
1960s Centaur Folding Scooter
Post Listing Update: This Centaur was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. I actually remember this from the early 60’s. Popular Science and/or Popular Mechanics had a feature on it. I didn’t give it much consideration then. The owner of this one isn’t sure what year it is, but they were built from 1960 to 1965.
Signed by Big Daddy Roth – 1965 Skat Kitty Minibike
Post Sale Update: This Skat Kitty sold for $2,900 after 42 bids on eBay. Sold by Projects Unlimited out of Dayton, Ohio, the Skat Kitty was the first production scooter with a cast aluminum frame and fender assembly. This one stands out as it features the signature of none other than Ed “Big Daddy” Roth.
Return from WWII – 1946 Indian Chief
In 1946 Indian resumed production after the war with exactly one model: the Chief. The Duponts were actively trying to sell the company and decided that just marketing their most popular model was the economic choice for the company. Turns out that was another decision that contributed to the demise of Indian.