Based on the name, you might think this bike was powered by some sort of four cylinder engine – but you’d be incorrect. Produced between 1907 and 1954, this bike got its name from the fact that it produced 4 horsepower according to the early system of “tax horsepower”, which had nothing to do with actual power produced but instead …
1958 Triumph Twenty-One
The first of Triumph’s unit-construction motorcycles, the Twenty-One was launched in 1957. Two years later it was renamed the 3TA. Whatever it’s called, this bike did not get much love in America, as riders here didn’t care for the looks of the ‘bathtub’ rear bodywork.
1958 Ariel Square Four
The Ariel Square Four design goes all the way back to 1931, soon after Edward Turner designed an interesting new four-cylinder motorcycle engine formed from two OHC parallel twins. The design became known as the square four engine, and lent its name to this Ariel motorcycle.
1975 Norton Commando 850 Interstate
By 1975, the portfolio of Commando models had consolidated to just two variants – the Mk3 Interstate and the Roadster. As you’d probably guess, the Interstate was better suited for touring with modifications like a larger tank (25 v. 11 liters), mudguards, lower exhaust to make room for panniers (which never happened), different gearing, and more.
Yellow Peril – 1971 Norton Commando Production Racer
Arguably the most collectable of Commandos, the Norton Commando Production Racer (affectionately known as the Yellow Peril) was a street-legal factory racer made available to privateers for a princely sum. At a time when you could buy an Austin Mini for less than $1,500, the Production Racer would set you back $1,900.
Great Tank – 1976 Triumph Bonneville
Post-Sale Update: This Bonneville did not meet reserve at $5,450 after 29 bids on eBay. We all love the Bonnie, but this bike is specifically being featured because of the sweet tank. This bike was restored/painted by Dave Bell, this bike (VIN: T140VXN65924) is claimed to be mint.
1973 Norton Commando 850
It’s not every day that you see a bike that was bought for someone as a gift by Pamela Anderson. Pam gave this bike to surfer (and founder of Waves For Water) Jon Rose. it is claimed to be in exceptional condition thanks to a recent recommissioning after some time in storage.
Trackmaster Framed – 1974 Triumph T140e Racer
This is claimed to be one of the last oval down tuned Trackmaster competition frames, and it was sold through Gary Nixon Enterprises. (Tangent – if you have a few minutes, you should read this fantastic article on Gary Nixon on The Selvedge Yard.) This bike has competition history – placing 3rd at the Hagerstown Pro Vintage half mile and …
1972 Triumph Bonneville Custom
Post Listing Update: This crazy Triumph did not get any action at the opening bid of $9,000. Built by the (apparently crazy) folks at 6th Street Cycles, this numbers-matching Bonnie has been turned into an interesting custom. Would you ride it? Would you OWN it?
1963 BSA Super Rocket
In the 50s, BSA was considered to be a manufacturer of reliable motorcycles, though general consensus was that they were falling behind in performance to Triumph and Norton. Birmingham Small Arms fought responded with the BSA Super Rocket, which has to be fast just based on the name, right?
1948 Scott Flying Squirrel
Released in 1926, the Scott Flying Squirrel was an interesting motorcycle that placed third in the ’29 Isle of Man TT. A water-cooled 598cc twin, this is one of the coolest sounding two-strokes I’ve ever heard – riders used to call it the “Scott Yowl”.
1928 Cotton “Super” OHV
2-18 Update: This Cotton is back up for sale with some better photos and bidding at the opening bid of $9,000 with the reserve not yet met here on eBay.
Ending Soon – 1961 Matchless G80TCS Typhoon
After years of success with the G80, Matchless offered a “Competition Suspension” variant called the G80CS to answer demands for more power, aimed towards US riders who were looking for a desert racer. But for three years (’59-’61), Matchless released an even better version – the Matchless G80TCS Typhoon. Just 125 were built, and most were exported to the US.
Team Obsolete Boy Racer – 1956 AJS 7R
Post Listing Update: This Boy Racer did not meet reserve with bidding up to $26,100. Also known as the “Boy Racer” due to its 350cc of displacement, the AJS 7R was a production racer designed by Phil Walker. Introduced in 1948, the bike went through a graduation evolution – by ’54 the engine was putting out 40 horsepower at 7,800 …
Norton Commando 961 Trifecta
Looks like Gold Coast Motorsports has themselves a triumvirate of the new Norton Commando 961s. Some people have been on the waiting list for years, so here’s your chance to stop waiting and ride.