In 2006, Triumph graced us with the Daytona 675 and the world has been a better place ever since. A 675cc triple gave the supersport world some middle ground between Italy’s V-twins and Japan’s four cylinders. 2009 brought a host of updates to improve the already impressive package, and some massaging resulted in a small power bump to 126. A …
Supposed Factory TT Test Mule – 1930 Rudge Ulster Racer
Founded after an acquisition in 1894, Rudge introduced its first production motorcycle in 1910 — reportedly re-badged versions of France’s Werners. The marque really made its mark in 1924 however when it unveiled a new four-speed production model featuring a four-valve cylinder head. Sales of the new four-valve model were adequate, but in 1928 Graham Walker — father of commentator …
1 of 250 – 1999 Triumph Daytona 1200 Special Edition
In the early 90s, most major motorcycle manufacturers entered a gentlemen’s agreement to cap horsepower at 125. Triumph decided that when they were going to bring the bikes back from the new plant in Hinckley, that the best way for them to get attention was to ignore said agreement: enter the 147 horsepower Triumph Daytona 1200. A year after the …
Rare Project – 1947 Turner Rixi
The Turner Manufacturing Company was founded in 1859 under the name of Thomas Turner & Sons. They built a wide variety of products: cars, machine tools, aircraft landing systems, diesel engines, recovery winches, truck gearboxes…the list goes on. They also made light delivery vehicles under a subsidiary named LDV, which stood for…Light Delivery Vehicles. LDV offered the Bivan (2-wheeler), Trivan …
Restored – 1965 BSA Lightning Rocket A65R
An evolution of the A65 Rocket, the Lightning Rocket was an upspec version with twin Amal carbs, high compression pistons, and an optional close ratio gearbox. Cosmetically, it had extra chrome and narrower fenders/fuel tank.
Desert Sled – 1956 Triumph Trophy TR6
Post Listing Update: This desert sled Triumph did not meet reserve despite 26 bids up to $8,600. Nowadays, “Desert Sled” is just a model name that’s been commercialized by Ducati, but back in the day the term was commonly associated with big British twins that had a few basic modifications – skid plate, knobbies, handlebars – to go through, rather …
Manx-ish – 1959 Norton ES2
Post Sale Update: This ES2 sold for $11,000 after 2 bids on eBay. Introduced in 1927, the Norton ES2 started as a sporting single but over its nearly 40 years of life technology (and other models) passed it by. Still, it apparently makes a nice platform for a Manx knockoff that you can enjoy for much cheaper than the original. …
1970 Triumph Bonneville T120R
Post Sale Update: This Bonnie sold for $13,100 after 72 bids on eBay. When people think of classic bikes, Triumph often comes to mind, and the silhouette of a Bonneville slowly takes shape. As people look back to the past with more and more nostalgia, memories of fouled spark plugs and endless kickstarts fade away as the values of certain …
Street Legal – 1967 Rickman Metisse
In 2013, this Metisse “underwent modifications to adapt a period appropriate headlamp and taillamp/stop lamp and horn set up to make it street legal”. Would you ever put it on pavement?
Genuine – 1969 Dunstall Norton Commando 750
Post Listing Update: This Commando did not get any interest at the BIN of $17,999. 12-21-2018 Update: Another two years later and this Dunstall is up for sale again. The last time it was offered on eBay, there was 48 bids up to $34,000 but the bike did not meet reserve! Now the seller’s willing to take a lot less…find …
1958 Ariel Cyclone
Post Listing Update: This Cyclone was relisted but bidding did not get above $8,880 with 16 bids on eBay. A couple of years ago, I featured Bike-urious reader Dan Dutra’s Ariel Cyclone in a video when he brought it out to the Quail Motorcycle Gathering. Well, after four years as a caretaker, Dan’s letting this Cyclone go so he can …
In Canada – Colorado Norton Works #82
In the world of Norton Commando restorations, Colorado Norton Works is considered one of the premier names – if you’re willing to spend several tens of thousands of dollars. There’s also a wait list of approximately a year for new CNW builds, but if you’re impatient you can pick up #82, which is currently in British Columbia.
Yamaha XS650 Motor – 2003 Royal Enfield Bullet
Royal Enfield has just released two models powered by an all-new 650 twin motor, but the seller of this bike beat them to the punch. The title tells you what you need to know – this is a Royal Enfield that’s had a heart transplant. The seller says he “decided to change the motor to make it a reliable daily …
Fresh Build – “1969” Metisse Motorcycles Limited 750
Post Listing Update: This Metisse did not meet reserve despite 33 bids up to $15,850 on eBay. After Pat French passed away in 2007, his business partner Gerry Lisi continued the tradition of Rickman Metisse builds under the name “Metisse Motorcycles Limited“. In 2012, the company announced a “Mark 5” lineup, an attempt to cosmetically evolve the classic Rickman design. …
1974 Rickman Honda CR750
Post Listing Update: This Rickman Honda did not get any interest at the opening ask of $11,995. Apparently it’s Rickman week on Bike-urious. After the CR900 and Chantland-powered Metisse from a few days ago, here’s a CR750 (named for the Honda CB750 motor). The Rickman concept is well-summarized by the brothers themselves: “The Japanese produced very good engines, but they …