Post Sale Update: This Commando Combat sold for $9,601 on eBay after 35 bids. Norton Commando fans know that 1972 was a bad year for the motorcycle. The British firm introduced an upgraded engine, designated Combat. Unfortunately, the bearings would often self-destruct, rendering the engine useless. Thankfully, this specific Commando Combat (VIN: 201297) has had the engine rebuilt with Superblend …
Dinosaur Racing – 1966 Cheney Triumph
Post Listing Update: This Cheney Triumph did not meet reserve despite 17 bids up to $5,365. One of the most challenging races in any discipline was the International Six Days Trial (ISDT – now known as the ISDE). An annual test of rider, machine, and durability, the ISDT is also known as the “Olympics of Motorcycling.” In 1968, ISDT changed …
1966 Norton Atlas Cafe Racer
Named after the ICBM, the Norton Atlas was released in 1962, earning a so-so reputation before being replaced by the classic Commando. Built to appeal to American aesthetic preferences, it was initially only produced for export. Here’s an example that’s been turned into a cafe racer.
1973 Triumph Hurricane
The Triumph Hurricane 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 better …
1960 BSA Gold Star DBD34
The last generation of the BSA Gold Star, the DBD34 was built from ’56 to ’63. This example has some hard to find extras thanks to its time under the ownership of BSA factory rider and AMA Hall of Famer Chuck “Feets” Minert.
1 of 125 – 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. …
1975 Norton Interstate 750
The Norton Interstate was a variant of the Commando designed to be more touring-friendly thanks to changes including a larger fuel tank and a comfier seat. Unfortunately, it was introduced in 1972 with the infamous Combat engine, meaning the traveling you were doing was probably back to the dealership for warranty work. For more on the Interstate, check out this …
2014 Royal Enfield Continental GT Cafe Racer
As I mentioned a few months back, the Royal Enfield Continental GT Cafe Racer is in the states (I actually just saw my first one outside of a motorcycle show at the Petersen Cruise-In – a post about that is coming later today), and Enfield fans should be excited. The lightest, fastest, and most powerful Enfield being produced, it’s the …
Royal Flush – 2010 Royal Enfield C5 Bullet Cafe Racer
Post-Listing Udpate: Despite being relisted several times, Royal Flush never got above $3,383 in bidding and did not sell. The Royal Enfield C5 Bullet is a retro styled thumper with post-WWII styling and 27 horsepower. It’s also a great platform for customization, as shown by this ‘as seen on TV’ custom cafe racer build.
British Bonanza – 8 Classic Brits
Well, if you’ve been waiting for a chance to create your own British motorcycle collection in one fell swoop, wait no longer. Here’s an eBay auction for an instant collection of 8 classic British motorcycles.
1936 Zenith C5 Special
Not many people know about the old British motorcycle manufacturer, but let me pass along a story about their first motorcycle. Instead of a normal gearbox-based transmission, Zenith developed something called the “Gradua”, a variable pulley that could change the length of the drive belt. Competitors complained, so several racing clubs banned the bike. Zenith responded by including “BARRED” in …
1927 Rudge-Whitworth Four Special
Founded in 1894 through the merger of two bicycle makers, Rudge-Whitworth moved into motorcycle production in 1911. They made a name for themselves with some technological innovations (such as the Multi gear system which allowed for 21 speeds) and some racing success. After starting with a 499cc single, their new model in 1924 was called the Four. But the name …
Needs Some Work – 1973 Triumph Hurricane X-75
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 …
2013 Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer
The rebirth of the Norton Commando now comes in 3 different models – the SF, the Sport, and this – the Norton Commando 961 Cafe Racer. Note that I’ve previously featured one of the limited production Special Edition models, as well.
“Bike” Review – Morgan 3 Wheeler
First things first: If you’ve been reading Bike-urious for a while, you’ll know that this is my first vehicle review (and also the most I’ve used the word “first” in a sentence). I apologize in advance – this probably won’t be what you expect from a review, as I don’t have a big budget or fancy equipment. I just have …