This weekend, Mecum is auctioning off a whole bunch of collector cars…and two weird motorcycles. One is a special construction chopper that I can’t find interesting no matter how hard I try, while the other is a custom Honda with a matching trailer. For some reason, it’s been turned into a “Ferrari.”
Yamaha Way-Back Machines
Vintage dirt bikes and enduros have become very popular lately. People have been dragging them out of their garages and barns and cleaning them up and they show up in large numbers at events like Barber Vintage Festival. Cruising Craigslist as I do (it’s a problem, I know) it appears the trend may be peaking. When you see a lot …
1976 Bimota SB2
I’ve featured a couple of SB2s in the past, but this is the first one that’s available in the US. This was one of the first streetbikes with a monoshock and it had adjustable steering geometry.
Custom and Special – 1981 Yamaha XS650 Special II
Post Listing Update: This XS650 did not get any interest at asking price of $4,300. In varying forms, the Yamaha XS650 was built between 1968–1985. In 1978, Yamaha introduced a “Special” variant that was more of a cruiser, as well as a Special II that had less chrome, decals instead of plastic on the side covers, and for some reason, …
Light Up Your Garage – 1980 Suzuki Dealer Sign
The perfect accessory for your Suzuki collection, this 37 year-old sign served as a dealer prop in a past life. Now you can use it to impress your buddies.
No Reserve – 2004 Honda Rune
View PostNew In Crate – 1980 Honda CBX
I’ve featured a couple of CBXs in the last week, but this one takes the cake. It’s still in the crate!
Rare High-Mile Mini – 1983 Honda Motra
The Honda Motra – also known as the CT50 – is a particularly funky little mini. Honda marketed the Motra as a rugged mini-scoot capable of schlepping a surprisingly heavy payload. The unique 50cc Honda was only sold in the Japanese market, but a handful of models have made their way to US shores thanks to what I can only …
1 of 250 – 1978 Kawasaki Z1R-TC
Post Sale Update: This Z1R-TC sold for $27,300 after 20 bids on eBay. TCC stood for the Turbo Cycle Corporation, and it was created to sell bolt on turbos for motorcycles built by American Turbo-Pak. The founder of TCC was a former Kawasaki USA employee named Alan Masek, and he used his contacts to help develop the first ‘production’ turbocharged …
100s of Spare Parts – 1998 Honda RS250R NX5
Post Listing Update: Despite 39 bids up to $12,600 on eBay, this RS250R did not meet reserve. A production racer from the factory, Honda’s RS250R was made available to privateer racers in 1985. It stayed in Honda’s lineup until 2009, and during it went through 4 different generations. As a ’98 model, this is part of the NX5 generation that …
World Record Holder – 2006 Kawasaki ZX-14
Also known as “The Spirit”, this Kawasaki ZX-14 set three FIM and four AMA land speed records to its name at the Bonneville Salt Flats – and it still holds some of them. It’s ready to compete…if you are.
Start a Fleet – 16 California Police Motorcycles
The very first police motorcycle was used in 1908. Since then, police departments have phased out units on horseback in favor of units on horses of the iron variety. Police fleets often include dual-sports and other specialty scoots, but the bulk of police motorcycles are large fully-dressed tourers that are ideal for long hours in the saddle. Harley-Davidson was the …
Great Story – 1974 Honda XL250 K1
This listing is for a Honda, but the reason it’s for sale is to fund the repair of a Willys Jeep. It’s a two-owner bike with an asking price of $1,500 and it’s clear that the owner is someone you’d enjoy hearing stories from over a beer. Does that make the bike worth it? Who knows, but you should at …
Can It Be? 2-Mile 1981 Honda CBX
This CBX has just 1.7 miles on the odometer but the seller is new on eBay and has no feedback. With that said, the photos seem to be original so there’s a good chance that this is a legitimate listing and it’s worth getting in touch with the seller if you’ve been looking for a low mile CBX.
The Start of A Great Thing – Suzuki XR69
The Suzuki XR69 is an incredible machine with a fascinating backstory, all starting back in 1976 when Pops Yoshimura reached out to Suzuki in hopes of getting some assistance in developing his GS750-based racer. The timing couldn’t have been better as Suzuki at this point had a fairly tenuous grasp on high-performance four-stroke engines. This symbiotic agreement was also beneficial …