Post Listing Update: This Rapide got no interest at the asking price of $75,000. Sold between 1936 and 1955, the Vincent Rapide was a legendary motorcycle. The Series B Rapide was introduced in 1946 and it was instantly the world’s fastest production motorcycle with a top speed over 110 miles per hour.
1955 BSA Bantam
12/11/16 Update – Well, looks like the sale did not go through because this Bantam is back up for sale. Now it’s got a BIN of $4,500 here on eBay. Post Sale Update: After being relisted multiple times, this Bantam sold for $4,000. Between 1948 and 1971, BSA produced between 250,000 and 500,000 Bantams making it a very iconic British …
1968 Norton Commando Fastback
For a motorcycle that became the icon from an iconic line, the Norton Commando certainly started with a host of problems. The notoriously rough motor from the soon to be failed Atlas, the old design (Featherbed) frame and a ridiculously small development budget.
1977 Triumph Bonneville Silver Jubilee
Post Listing Update: This Silver Jubilee got no action at $6,999. It was then relisted at the exact same price with the exact same results. To celebrate the 25th year of Queen Elizabeth’s reign, Triumph built a limited edition of 2,400 Bonnevilles with silver/red/blue paint, a blue seat with red piping, some chrome, and decals on the sidecovers. Of the …
1958 Triumph Tiger Cub T20C
Introduced in 1953 with an iconic design by Edward Turner, the T20 was a good looking four stroke with a host of mechanical problems. By 1957 the plunger rear suspension had been replaced with a swing arm frame. In ‘61 and ‘62 it got a new bottom end design on the motor that mostly eliminated bottom end failure in the …
The Pipeline – 1998 Moto Guzzi 1100i Sport Custom
Built by Foundry Motorcycle out of the UK, this custom Guzzi is one of the most distinctive builds I’ve seen in a while. Called “The Pipeline”, it’s based on a Guzzi 1100i Sport, though the fuel injection has been ripped off. The name comes from the shape of the exhaust, which rises above the heads – the builders call it …
1947 Ariel Red Hunter
Post Sale Update: This Red Hunter sold for $6,300 after 21 bids on eBay. Val Page was the original designer of the Ariel Red Hunter in 1932 but Edward Turner had a huge influence on the line shortly before the war. By 1947 the Red Hunter (all of which had a red fuel tank and a distinctive red stripe on …
Turbo Rickman Project – 1978 Kawasaki CR1100
Post Sale Update: This turbo Rickman sold for $6,000 after 14 bids on eBay. In the world of motorcycle projects, a Rickman Kawasaki is pretty high up on the desirability list. But a 1,427cc, turbocharged Kawasaki Rickman? Good lord, this thing will fly when it’s put back together. Reader Gregor H has shared this insane project in the hopes that …
Trophy Winner – 1962 Triumph Bonneville
Post Sale Update: This Bonneville sold for $22,000 after 43 bids on eBay. Over the last year, this ’62 Bonnie has been restored to “concours quality.” It just placed third in the masters class of the 34th annual Battle of the Brits show in Michigan.
One Of A Kind – 1967 BSA Trials
Post Listing Update: This custom trials bike sold for the BIN of $7,500, but was then relisted a couple of days later and eventually pulled off of eBay. I’m baffled. I don’t even know what to call this motorcycle. BSA motor and transmission but that is just about it. It’s a no doubt custom built Trials bike fabricated around a …
1964 Royal Enfield Bullet 350
The first Royal Enfield was built in 1901, the last one built in England was in 1970 but a direct descendent of the company builds them today in India. The Bullet was introduced in 1948 as a 350 CC single, with a 500 CC single added in 1950. From 1964 to 1970 the Bullet was produced both in England and …
Sitting for 2 Years – 1968 BSA B25 Starfire
The B25 (known as the Starfire) was basically BSA’s twin to the Triumph TR25. They weren’t revolutionary, but the classic British style has aged nicely and it has now evolved into a pretty vintage runabout. This example has been sitting for two years, but the cosmetics are great (minus the sidecover decals) and it won’t take much to get it …
1961 Matchless G12
When I hear “Matchless” my thoughts automatically go to the raging singles from the dirt and hillclimbs of my youth. But they built refined road machines as well.
1964 Velocette LE Mk3
Introduced in 1948 the LE contained all sorts of new technology. Swing arm rear suspension with shaft drive, coil ignition, water cooled, aluminum shields for weather protection, trip odometer, floorboards, sound and heat insulation, a glove box, adjustable rear suspension and detachable panniers. It was also expensive and heavy. One member of the British Motorcycle press said “The odd looks …
1962 Matchless G80
If you wanted to buy a new touring bike (or maybe lug a sidecar) in 1962 your choices were really quite simple. European or Harley Davidson? Single or Twin? The Japanese were a few years from market impact, and the English really bullied the market at the time. Associated Motorcycles Matchless brand (and the identical AJS Model 18) were players. …