View Post

1974 John Player Norton Commando 850 MKIIA

In England, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

11-3-16 Update: I don’t understand why sellers do this, but this has been relisted with an opening bid of $17,499 even though there was no action the last time bidding started $15k. Still, it’s a no reserve auction and the price includes shipping in the CONUS, so if you’re interested in this lovely restoration, find this Norton here on eBay. …

View Post

1 of 325 – 2015 Triumph Thruxton Ace

In Cafe Racer, England by AbhiLeave a Comment

The new Thruxtons are in (and by all accounts, they’re a huge improvement over the last generation), which means that the previous Thruxtons are now available with a significant discount. Case in point – the last time I featured a limited production Ace Edition version, it sold for $10,100 after 27 bids on eBay. This one’s got an asking price …

View Post

1958 Triton

In Cafe Racer, Custom, England by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

What do you get if you take the very best from two venerable manufacturers? In this case you get a 1958 Norton Featherbed frame with a 1978 Triumph Tiger powerplant wrapped up in custom cafe racer livery. You’ve probably heard of this mix before as a Triton (Triumph/Norton)

View Post

1960 BSA Gold Star

In England, Sport by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

Named in honor of an award at a speed trials (BSA literally received a Gold Star award) in 1937 the Gold Star was introduced as a 500 CC single in 1938. A 350 CC variant was added along the way and the model continued to 1963. One of the most successful motorcycles on the track and in the showroom in …

View Post

Ending Soon – 1974 Norton Commando Custom

In America, England, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Though Kenny Dreer wasn’t able to Norton back to life, he did create a small batch of Commandos called the VR880. If the general shape looks familiar, it’s because Stuart Garner acquired the rights to the Norton name and Dreer’s prototypes in 2008 – and he’s been rolling since. Heard about their upcoming 200 horsepower V4 superbike? Or the plans …

View Post

1965 BSA A65 Lightning

In England, Sport by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

Introduced the 1965, the A 65 Lightning used the relatively new ‘unit construction’ motor with alternator and battery electrics. Designed to be a sporty motorcycle the motor had a serious vibration over 5000 RPM and the chassis had a tendency to weave at speeds over 90 MPH. A great innovation an oil pressure warning light was included but it malfunctioned …

View Post

In England – 1978 MV Agusta Magni 861

In England, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Arturo Magni was brought on by MV Agusta’s racing department in 1950, and he was an instrumental part of their 75 World Championships. While he’d also go on to play a big role at Moto Guzzi, the Magni name is most closely associated with MV thanks to bikes like the 861. It was the first bike Magni built with his …

View Post

1966 Triumph T100 SC

In Dual-Sport, England by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

In the mid 1960’s America went mad for dirt motorcycles. Husky, Maico, Bultaco dominated the racing, but a huge market fraction was devoted to ‘Scrambler’ type motorcycles that could be licensed on the street but ridden on the dirt. Enter the Triumph T100 SC. Most of the competition was either a dirt racer with lights or a road bike with …

View Post

Soft Custom- 1954 Ariel Square Four

In England, Standard by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

Do you remember the Johnny Cash song about building a Cadillac in his garage from parts he stole one at a time? This bike might be similar (according to the listing story). Seems there was a guy that was involved in the air freight business from the US to England that loved Ariels and he ‘found room’ on many flights …

View Post

1969 BSA Rocket 3

In England, Sport by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

Introduced in 1968 the BSA Rocket 3 was designed and built by Triumph and is essentially identical to the Triumph Trident. The 3 cylinder motor was developed from the split case twin cylinder Triumphs by adding a cylinder between the split. The result was much smoother operation than the parent motor. All the 3 cylinder motors (and the Rocket 3) …

View Post

Part of the Legend – 1948 Triumph Speed Twin

In England by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

First offered in 1938 the Triumph 5T Speed Twin was designed by Edward Turner and was the first successful English parallel twin motorcycle and was the standard for every other English manufacturer. Sold in 1938-40 and 1947-66 (WWII intervened) it was originally manufactured in the Coventry plant which was completely destroyed in an air raid in 1940. The 5T was …

View Post

1967 BSA Hornet

In England, Sport by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

The Hornet is one of the rarest of the BSA offerings, it was sold from 1964 through 1967 and almost exclusively in the US. Aimed at the US off road market it was known as the Spitfire Hornet in ‘64 and ‘65 but the ‘Spitfire’ was dropped for ‘66 and ‘67. The bike was sold with no lights or mufflers, …