The RC45 is a rare homologation bike in the US – thought it was produced internationally between 1994 and 1999, the US only got the ’94 model. 200 examples were built in 1994 for homologation purposes, and then 500 more were sold in Japan over the next few years. From what I’ve gathered, only about 20 are still in the …
2001 Kawasaki W650
Want a classic Bonneville that doesn’t leak? Check out this Kawasaki W650.
1965 Yamaha YDS3
In the early 60’s Yamaha was widely considered to have the best mannered 2 stroke motors, but in 1964 they broke new ground with the YDS. A parallel twin two stroke with the first direct injection oil pump – and it worked!
1975 Suzuki GT380
Introduced in 1972, the GT380 was one of several legendary two stroke Suzuki triples. As opposed to the Kawasaki triples of the day, the Suzuki models were well mannered and very road worthy. The GT380 (and the GT550) were air cooled with a “Ram Air” head that allowed increased cooling air flow. One other strange fact of the Suzuki GTs. …
1984 Honda VF1000F Interceptor
In 1984 Honda released two versions of the VF1000 Interceptor. Both models were very similar and based on the current Honda race bikes. The VF1000F was the more modest of the two builds, and the VF1000R was considered the fastest production motorcycle on earth. The VF1000F was only produced for one year. The VF1000F boasted a 113 HP, 998 cc …
Gravel Express – 1980 Honda GL1000 Goldwing
I didn’t really care for this bike when I saw it on BikeEXIF two months ago, but I do have a fascination with seeing what the asking prices are for custom builds that get some attention. This Goldwing was built by Roy Holtman – the man behind RH Motorcycles. It’s been given up a ground-up rebuild and turned into some …
1978 Yamaha SR500
Here’s a nice example of Yamaha’s classic SR500. It spent years in a collection and the seller bought it hopes that he could replicate a SR500 from his youth. After he cleaned it up, he decided it was too nice to modify, so now it’s your chance to pick up a well-preserved, original bike.
Cafe’d or Stock – Pick a Honda S90
Here are two examples of my beloved S90. Both have recent engine rebuilds but the owners had different ideas on cosmetics. They’re within $400 of each other – which one would you have?
Baby Dream – 1964 Honda CA95 Benly
Honda Motor Company’s first large-displacement (a relative term) motorcycles carried the Dream name, and were produced up to 305cc during the 1960s. The Dream 150 was available in the U.S market from 1960-66 and is more correctly referred to the CA95 Benly Touring or colloquially as the “Baby Dream,” a reference to its larger siblings of the time, the 250cc …
1974 Honda CL360 KO
It wasn’t much of a sales success, but Honda’s CL360 got a sixth gear in the transmission, an engine tuned for more torque, and a 30cc bump in displacement as part of an evolution from the CL350. The scrambler brother of the CB, this bike also got the high pipes, different rear fender, and braced handlebars. This example stands out …
2008 Kawasaki Concours C14 with GX Sidecar
Did Leno’s recent sidecar video inspire you to try out three wheels…but you’d rather stay on the street instead of the track? This Kawasaki Concours is probably as fast as you can get in the world of three wheeled street bikes if you want to get yourself and some extra passengers or cargo somewhere quickly!
1968 Suzuki Bearcat B105P
Suzuki’s Bearcat was a small dual sport that was marketed as a “thrifty swifty” – go anywhere and carry anything for cheap. At 25 miles per hour with the touring sprocket, the Bearcat returned 153 miles per gallon. This example is just $800 and it ‘runs good’, however the clutch is worn and will need to be replaced very soon.
1980 Yamaha XT500
Did Cas Vanderwoude’s excellent history of the Yamaha XT500 get you interested in one? Here’s a well-preserved original example from 1980, the first year with electronic ignition.
Retro Power Cruiser – 1993 Suzuki VX800
I don’t think I’ve ever seen one of these in person. Evidently only offered for a few years in the US – 1990-1993, the engine was developed from the Intruder lump, with an extra carburetor added and shaft drive. It’s sort of a cross between a standard and a cruiser, and while the styling is a bit dated, a quick …
Massive Innovation – 1982 Honda CX500 TC Turbo
For those who are fans of Honda Motorcycles, you will know that the entire CX line brought massive innovation to the motorcycling world. First was the longitudinal mounted V Twin motor that put the crankshaft output right in the middle which allowed a shaft drive. Modular wheels (and eventually tubeless tires), liquid cooling, carbs tuned for emissions, anti dive suspension, …