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 …
1948 Vincent Rapide Series B
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 …