Sharing its roots with the Triumph Trident, the BSA Rocket 3 was a 750cc triple that was designed to extend the model line beyond 650 twins. It was specifically built for the US market, which wanted larger displacements and less vibrations. BSA’s financials suffered with the production of this bike, but nearly 27,500 of the Trident/Rocket 3’s were produced between …
In Canada – 1948 AJS Model 16
The 1948 AJS Model 16 is a civilian version of the Matchless G3 which was developed in 1939 and used extensively by British and allied forces during WWII. Rugged, dependable and relatively easy to tune, the G3 came out of the war with a good reputation which translated into civilian sales. The bike was also very economical to run, another …
1965 Greeves Silverstone 24RCS
In the early 1960s Greeves had started to make it’s presence felt in off road racing in England and Europe with it’s light weight single. In 1962 a racer/engineer named Reg Everett took a Greeves MX bike and modified it for track racing where he promptly started winning. Greeves took note and by 1963 offered an affordable racer, the Silverstone …
In Canada – Never Driven – 1988 Matchless G80
In 1987, businessman Les Harris brought back the iconic Matchless G80 – which was originally built between 1946 and 1966. Harris had already demonstrated success with resuscitating the Triumph Bonneville, and then he tried his hand with this model.
Italian Made – 1940 Matchless G3L
An Italian Matchless? It’s true! The G3L was built by Matchless for the World War II – the British firm ended up producing about 80,000 examples of the model. After the war, Italy’s motorcycle industry (and frankly, all other manufacturing sectors) were in a state of disrepair. ARMA was a Matchless/AJS dealer in Milan that thought they could stand out …
6 Bikes – Classic British Motorcycle Collection
Some in Laredo, Texas has 6 classic Brits for sale – and all but one of them work great. We’ve got 3 Nortons, 1 Triumph, 1 BSA, and a Triton.
1949 BSA ZB34 Competition
BSA (Birmingham Small Arms) introduced the Gold Star in 1938. Available in 350 CC or 500 CC variants they were known as model M24 until WWII interrupted production in 1939. After the war BSA brought the bike back in 1948 as the YB32 (350 CC) and YB34 (500 CC). For 1949 the designation changed to ZB34 which received a new …
Another Star of Stage and Screen – 1958 Triumph TR5
Introduced in 1949 the TR5 was another iconic Edward Turner design that really worked and resonated with motorcycle riders and fans. James Dean bought one after he saw Marlon Brando in The Wild One (Brando rode a 6T) and had a series of photos taken with and on his motorcycle. Many of the photos and the motorcycle itself is in …
1956 James Colonel
Like many motorcycle manufacturers, James Cycle Co started with the production of bicycles. Over time they evolved into motorcycles, and their calling card was red/maroon paint. They typically utilized Villiers engines, though AMC bought them out in 1951 and eventually James started using AMC two-stroke motors instead. By ’66, James was out of business.
Comet Powered – 1951 Vincent Black Shadow
Post Sale Update: This semi-Black Shadow sold for $34,100 after 7 bids on eBay. This is a tough one. We’ve got a Vincent Black Shadow chassis but it’s powered by a Vincent Comet engine. Does that make this half a Black Shadow? What would you do – ride it as is or try to find a more fitting engine for …
1949 Panther Model 100
Established in 1904 Phelon & Moore’s first effort was a single cylinder four stroke that not only used the motor as a stressed member of the frame but was a two speed and was the FIRST completely chain driven motorcycle. Their first Panther was launched in 1924, but the Brand became Panther in 1930. The Panther model 100 was launched …
1967 Triumph Bonneville T120R
Triumph continually modified and tweaked the Edward Turner designed Bonnie through all the years of it’s production. By 1967 the Bonnie was unit construction (motor and transmission in a single case) had a significant frame improvement and 12v electrics. New for ‘67 were better rods and pistons, exhaust bracing, and a steering head lock. The ‘67s still suffered from horrible …
Needs Some Work – 1949 Triumph 5T Speed Twin with Sidecar
Triumph introduced the 5T Speed Twin in 1938, and it had a long production life. Here’s one of the later examples – it was registered and ridden for just two years and 1,300 miles, and then parked until recently. It starts and runs but you’ll need to spend some time and money to address a few things before you get …
A Classic Approach – 1963/67 Triton
While not as rare as a unicorn, the Triton concept isn’t exactly a plow horse either. In the 60s the idea was to combine a best in the business Norton ‘Featherbed’ frame with a reliable and powerful Triumph parallel twin. There were a lot of these made in the day, and the combo certainly contributed to the ‘Cafe Racer’ craze. …
Star of Stage and Screen – 1966 Triumph Tiger T100
Post Listing Update: This Tiger did not get any action at the BIN of $5,200. Is it the most famous motorcycle in the world? Maybe. The T100 Tiger was the bike that Ted Simon rode on his first trip around the world which was the basis for the book “Jupiter’s Travels”. It is also the bike Bob Dylan dumped near …