In American motorcycling 3 manufacturers dominate any discussion. Harley Davidson, Indian and Henderson. From 1912 to 1931 they were generally considered as the cream of the American market. They led the market with a flair. In 1925 Henderson introduced a 45 CID V-Twin that HD and Indian BOTH copied, and which lives on today in the 883 Sportster.
220 Miles – 1973 Harley-Davidson Z90
Built between 1973 and 1975, the Z90 was one of a series of small Harleys built by Aermacchi in the 70s. The bike may actually be best known as the ride of Kelly Leak (played by Jackie Earle Haley) in the Bad News Bears. Here’s a low mileage example from the first year of production.
1995 ATK 605
Post Listing Update: This ATK was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. In their heyday (during the 90s), ATK was known for creating some of the best handling dirt bikes a rider could get straight off the dealership floor. Their approach was simple – take a proven engine (in this case, a 600cc Rotax unit) and envelope it …
2003 Bourget Low Blow
Choppers bring out all kinds of passions in people. It could be “The freedom of the open road”, or “motorcycle art”, or “Outlaw” that springs to mind when you see a chopper. They can also be polarizing. Sport bike guys wonder why you would ride a bike that takes a block to turn around. Touring guys wonder where to put …
1991 Harley-Davidson FXRT Sport Glide
In 1982, Harley-Davidson introduced the FXR Super Glide II, and they promised handling on par with what other countries considered ‘sporty.’ It had larger lean angles and less vibration, and it’s remembered fondly by many HD riders. One year later, Harley introduced the FXRT – a touring variant that got a fairing and bags.
Unexpected Custom – 1971 Harley-Davidson/Aermacchi Sprint 350
Post Listing Update: This Sprint did not meet reserve at $4,008.88 after 24 bids on eBay. Looks like the seller was testing the market as he’s relisted it a few times with a BIN of $5,250. When reader Bill B sent me this bike, he said “it has one of the most dramatic before/after pics you’ll ever see,” and suggested …
American Iron Garage Build – 1979 Harley-Davidson XL Sportster
Post Sale Update: After 18 bids on eBay, this Sportster sold for $3,300. This Sportster was built into a street tracker for American Iron Garage (the DIY tech part of American Iron Magazine). It was put into storage over a year ago so it may need some work, but this has the potential to be a very cool daily rider!
1941 Shelby Whizzer
I got a brand new 26” Schwinn Bicycle for Christmas when I was 10 years old. By the time summer that year I was agitating for an auxiliary motor for it. I already knew the freedom that a Whizzer could provide. It is probably my earliest dream of being a motorcyclist. Made in Shelby, Ohio, the Shelby Bicycles were considered …
1991 Harley-Davidson FXDB Sturgis
Sturgis is about to end, which means the time is right to look at a special edition Harley dedicated to the event. In 1991, HD released a customized FXDB to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Sturgis rally. Here’s one of the 1,600 examples.
Military Cutaway – 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA
Post Listing Update: Insanely, this non-functional WLA did not meet reserve $37,100 despite 30 bids on eBay. Affectionately known as “The Liberator”, Harley-Davidson’s WLA is one of the most famous military motorcycles of all time. Unfortunately, this example isn’t in running shape, but hopefully you won’t mind because it’s a cutaway that was used to educate military mechanics on how …
Ending Soon – 1972 Harley Davidson Baja 100
Post Sale Update: This Baja sold for $9,500 after 44 bids on eBay.
Born Free Best Chopper – 1963 Harley-Davidson FL Panhead
Post Sale Update: This FL chopper sold for $19,600 after 27 bids on eBay. The seller calls this “part survivor/part custom” – whatever you call it, it won Best Chopper at last year’s Born Free 7. It’s been featured in Easyriders Magazine (NSFW) and will be featured in the August issue of Hot Bike/Street Chopper.
Motorized Big Wheel – Drifter Trikes
Do you get all nostalgic when you see a neighborhood kid on his Big Wheel? (DO they even still HAVE Big Wheels?) This could be for you, you big kid….
1999 Royal Enfield/Buell Custom
Post Sale Update: This crazy custom sold for $3,050 after 15 bids. Yes, it’s another Robert “Doc” Harms build – I will never not feature one of these! This time around we’ve got a turbocharged Buell single in a Royal Enfield frame, and it’s probably my favorite of the offered builds so far.
Ford Flathead Custom Trike
Post Listing Update: The opening bid was lowered to $3,600, but that still was not enough to get any interest on this oddball trike. Starting with the flathead engine and transmission from a 1952 Ford, this oddball trike runs – but are you brave enough to take advantage of that fact?