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. …
1963 Velocette Venom
Between 1955 and 1970, Velocette built 5,721 examples of the Venom. A factory-prepped Venom set a world record for being the first bike ever to average over 100 miles per hour in a 24 hour period. Here’s a 53 year old example that spent 30 years on display in a previous owner’s living room.
“1962” Norton Atlas Cafe Racer
11-18-25 Update: Nine years later, this bike is much shinier and it’s back on the market! Find it over on our auction site in Saint Clair Shores, Michigan with bidding up to $9,000 and the reserve met here on Iconic Motorbike Auctions. Here’s what it looks like now: Post Listing Update: After being relisted, this cafe’d Atlas got bidding up …
1939 Velocette KSS
By 1939 the K series Velocette featuring the overhead cam single had been in production for 14 years. The ‘39 was a Mk2 motor that was extensively and successfully raced in Europe, particularly at the Isle of Man. The KSS was a detoxified version of the racing bike that included electric lighting, illuminated speedometer, electric horn and the positive stop …
In England – 2014 Yamaha SR400 by Kevil’s Moto
Starting with a modern Yamaha SR400, Kevil’s Speed Shop has built a street scrambler that ideally gives you vintage style with modern reliability. How do you think it looks?
1963 Triumph TS20 Cub
The first Triumph Tiger Cub was born in 1954 as a little brother to the TR6. By 1963 the Cub was available in several variants including the TS20 Trials which was advertised as being as close to the Triumph ‘works’ bikes as possible. 340 of the Triumph TS20s were built in 1963 with all but 10 being shipped to the …
Rotax Power – 1988 Harris Matchless G80
View Post“Light Custom” – 1952 Vincent Rapide
The seller of this Rapide says the bike has been given a “light custom treatment with smart usable upgrades” that also happen to make it look like a Black Shadow. In his or her mind, it’s for someone that wants the Black Shadow look without Black Shadow prices. Do you agree?
Full Custom – 1955 Triumph TR6
Normally, I’m not a really huge fan of shop customized motorcycles. I love what people do to their own rides, but normally a checkbook custom leaves me cold. This one doesn’t.
1959 Norton Dominator Deluxe
11-6-16 Update: Bob K notes that this Deluxe is back up for sale, but which a significant discount. Find it from the same seller here on Craigslist in Issaquah, Washington for $8,995. The Norton Dominator (what a great name) was released in 1949 it was the basis for the next 3 decades of Norton twins. It was conceived to challenge …
1956 BSA Golden Flash
The BSA Golden Flash (A-10) came to life in 1949 in direct response to Triumph’s 6T, and the horsepower race was on in the British motorcycle industry. The A-10 used more advanced metallurgy in motor construction and was considered the superior motor at the time. By 1954 the Golden Flash variant had a swing arm suspension and improved transmission and …
Manx Tribute – 1957 Norton International
A period build with a pre-war engine, this Norton International has been built to look like the iconic Manx. Though it’s titled as a 1957, the engine is from twenty years prior.
1956 Triumph 6T Blackbird
In 1949 Triumph stunned the motorcycle world by introducing the 6T. A bored and stroked 650 CC version of their ultra successful 500 CC Speed Twin. The 6T used the same frame, brakes, suspension and even engine cases as the Speed Twin but with significantly more power it may have been the fastest MC made in 1949. Triumph got a …
1974 Kawasaki Rickman CR900
Based on Kawasaki’s iconic Z1, the Rickman CR900 was one of the ultimate cafe racers of the time. Take a powerful Japanese motor and surround it with a nickel plated frame that allowed for much better handling from the factory, and you got one of the coolest period bikes around. According to the seller, this is one of 77 Rickman …