The AJS Stormer was a bit of a flop, as it was a last ditch effort by Norton-Villiers to dump excess inventory of Starmaker engines. However, it was the first MX bike to feature shocks that had been moved up as well as leading axle forks, so the chassis was at least worthy of the venerable AJS name. Head on …
1996 Harley-Davidson MT350
I’ve featured several examples of the bigger brother to this bike (the MT500), but this is the first Harley-Davidson MT350 that I’ve seen in a very, very long time. To be frank, I don’t know if the 350 is inherently better or worse than the 500, but it’s definitely unique enough to be shared.
1963 Norton Atlas Cafe Racer
10-20 Update: This Atlas Cafe is back up for sale. This time find it on the ‘bay with bidding up to $4,050 (remember that the original asking price was $8k) and the reserve not yet met here on eBay. Named after the ICBM, the Norton Atlas was released in 1962, earning a so-so reputation before being replaced by the classic …
1969 Royal Enfield Interceptor
In addition to having the classiest name in motorcycling history, the Royal Enfield Interceptor featured a tuned version of RE’s biggest engine at the time. They were only sold in the US and Canada – as a ’69 model, this is a MkII model.
1970 BSA Lightning
The BSA Lightning was one of three bikes BSA was cranking out in late 1960s. These three bikes played different roles – the Thunderbird was a touring rig, the Spitfire was a supersport bike, and this lovely Lightning was the ‘tweener – more of an all-around sport bike.
1966 Triumph T120TT Special
Post-Listing Update: This Triumph T120TT Special did not meet reserve at $7,700 despite 25 bids on eBay. A race bike straight from the factory, the Triumph T120TT Special was stripped of weight and had an increase in performance. The model was the brainchild of Bill Johnson, the American west coast distributor – just 900 were built.
Bonham’s Autumn Stafford Auction Preview
Love classic British bikes? Then you’re about to lose a lot of your productivity at work today. I apologize in advance.
Cover Girl – 1975 Norton Commando 850 Mk. 3
Everyone knows (and pretty much loves) the Norton Commando 850 Mk. 3 – but here’s one that has a.) my favorite paint scheme and b.) a little bit of fame, thanks to the fact that it was the featured bike on the cover of the Clymer Commando repair guide:
1973 Triumph Hurricane
The Triumph Hurricane X-75 represented a paradigm shift in motorcycling manufacturing, as it was the world’s first factory custom motorcycle. The brainchild of Craig Vetter (well known as a motorcycle designer and manufacturer of custom motorcycle fairings) and Don Brown (General Manager of BSA), the Hurricane was created when Brown called Vetter up on a secret project to create a …
1,723 Miles – 1971 BSA Lightning A65
Personally, I prefer the looks of the older Lightning, but it’s hard to argue with the condition of this oil-in-frame BSA Lightning A65.
1948 BSA YB34
I’ve never heard of this bike before, but the seller claims it’s a rare competition version of BSA’s 500cc single. This bike exposes my lack of BSA knowledge – I’m familiar with the ’48 YB32 Gold Star, and the ZB34 Gold Star which came about a year later – but a YB34 is not something I know anything about. Quick …
Converted to Street – 1970 BSA Victor
In the early 60’s, BSA’s race team was developing a large single in the hopes of winning the 500cc world motocross championship. A 441cc engine ended up being the ticket, which helped BSA capture the 500cc championship in ’64 and ’65. The following year, the company released the BSA Victor 441 Special to the public. “The 441 single is a …
Desert Racer – 1970 Trackmaster Norton Commando 750
Post-Listing Update: This crazy Commando got no action on eBay. Is this the coolest Norton Commando I’ve ever seen? Maybe. Maybe not. But it sure is one of the most unique. This Commando has a beautiful nickel finish Trackmaster oil-in-frame to turn it into a desert racer that will make you stand out.
Ending Soon – 2006 Triumph Scrambler Custom
Launched in 2006, the Triumph Scrambler 900 was the last bike designed by John Mockett, responsible for most of Triumph’s bikes starting all the way back in 1989. Mockett liked modular design plans, which is why the Scrambler is basically a Bonneville with a few off-road tweaks. Here’s a Triumph Scrambler that’s had a lot of further work done to …
1966 BSA Lightning 650
Post Sale Update: After being relisted multiple times, this Lightning sold for $3,500 on eBay. The BSA Lightning 650 was the British firm’s attempt at an all-around streetbike, slotting between the Spitfire and Thunderbolt. At the time, it was one of the fastest motorcycles available – able to top hit 108 miles per hour, and it’s one of the lasting …