Aprilia updated their liter bike in 2004 with the RSV1000R, and it was perfect for riders who demanded a rare, street-legal track weapon. A “Factory” version was also available, and it stood out with carbon fiber bodywork, fully adjustable Ohlins suspension, and forged aluminum wheels. Though it was exquisite, fast, and beautiful, it did not sell as well as it …
Ending Soon – 1988 Ducati 851 Tricolore
Thanks to the 851, Ducati became competitive in World Superbike again – the model debuted in 1987 and Ducati won WSBK in 1990. Per Superbike rules, Ducati was obligated to build 200 examples for homologation, so they created 207 “kit” bikes in a Tricolore scheme. Estimates suggest that 20 were brought to the US. Some of the kit bikes were …
Unexpected Flat Tracker – 1962 Ducati Diana 250
Post Listing Update: This Diana flat tracker did not meet reserve with 19 bids up to $3,050. According to the seller, this Ducati Diana was at one point a dirt track racer – though there’s unfortunately no proof of it in the listing. How awesome would it be to see some vintage photos of this thing sliding around? It has …
Unexpected Custom – 1976 Moto Guzzi T3
The Moto Guzzi T3 was an 844cc transverse V-twin that put out that put out approximately 59HP through a 5-speed transmission with shaft drive. Weight was 540 pounds, so it was not exactly fast, but it was comfortable and reliable, with typical big-twin torque. As such, it was selected by many California cities for Police duty. Supposedly this has a …
1973 Ducati 750 Sport
Ducati engineer Fabio Taglioni combined two single cylinder motors on a single crankshaft and successfully tested the V-Twin in July 1971. In October, 1971 Ducati introduced the V-Twin GT 750. In April, 1972 team Ducati ran 1st and 2nd at the Imola 200 with a Desmo version of the V-Twin marking their first victory in a large displacement race. By …
1978 AMF Roadmaster Moped 3-fer
American Machine and Foundry was founded in 1900 by Rufus L. Patterson, inventor of the first automated cigarette rolling machine. In the course of time AMF bought many companies and manufactured many items, including Harley Davidson, Roadmaster Bikes, Alcort Sailboats, and AMF Atomics. Yes. AMF made small atomic reactors for the US Military. Fast forward to 1976. The gas crisis …
1974 Laverda 750 SFC
If you’re looking for the best street bike Italy had to offer in the 70s, there’s a good chance that you’re on the prowl for a Ducati 750SS or a Laverda 750 SFC. Both are legends in motorcycling history with racing pedigree – the SFC shone in endurance racing, which helped Laverda build a reputation of creating tough, fast motorcycles. …
1 of 26 – 1999 Bimota V-Due Trofeo
View Post1950 Moto Guzzi Ercole
Ercole is Italian for Hercules – an appropriate name for this vintage three-wheeler that could carry nearly a ton of weight in the hydraulic bed. Some models came with a cab that could fit three, though this example was designed for a solo rider that would have to brave the weather.
1999 Cagiva Gran Canyon
Cagiva is an Italian motorcycle manufacturer. It’s history would make a great basis for an Italian Motorcycle-themed soap opera. Giovanni Castiglioni and his sons ran the business out of Varese, Italy. Over the years there were deals involving a used Aermacchi/Harley Davidson factory, a buyout of Ducati in 1985, and later buyouts of Moto Morini and Husqvarna. Most of these …
1972 Harley Davidson Shortster
Post Sale Update: This Shortster sold for $1,750. In 1972 Harley (Aermacchi) introduced the 65 CC Shortster minibike. It was an apparent attempt by Harley to get kids on a HD and get them dreaming of the big bike. One advertisement showed a youngster standing with his minibike by a pond. The reflection in the water was a Sportster. The …
Fiat Powered in Italy – 1981 Shifty 900
View Post2002 Ducati 998S Ben Bostrom Replica – 147/155
When Ben Bostrom competed in AMA Superbike with the Ducati 998S, his number was 155. So in 2002, when Ducati released a limited edition replica of his race bike, they sold 155 in the US and 155 in the UK. Every single one was signed on the tank by Ben himself, and MSRP was $22,695.
1953 Aermacchi 125N Cigno
According to the seller, there are less than 5 of these little Aermacchi scoots in the United States. I have no idea if that’s true, but what I do know is that what looks like the gas tank is actually a storage unit, and you can shift it to make the bike look like a small motorcycle or a step-through …
Auction Preview – Bonhams Paris 2017
Tomorrow, Bonhams is auctioning off a whole bunch of cars and 14 motorcycles in Paris.