Designed and built originally as an attraction at a Japanese amusement park, when Honda officials saw the reaction of all ages, they decided to market the bike to the world. Starting in 1964, the Z50 turned out to be a very successful seller for HMC. Commonly called the ‘Monkey Bike’ based on how adults looked riding this teeny bike it …
SR250 Engine – 1987 Yamaha TW200
Notice anything peculiar about this TW? See how the tank says TW250? Well, Yamaha never made a TW250 – but the builder of this oddball did. It features an engine swap from a Yamaha SR250, which doesn’t just bump up power to 20hp, it also gives a more powerful alternator and electric start.
“El Raton Asesino” – 2014 Yamaha XV950 Custom in Germany
US readers know this bike as the Bolt, but in Europe it’s designated the XV950. Either way, when it debuted in 2013, it was probably the first true Japanese rival for the Harley Sportster. Yamaha decided to show potential customers how it could be modified by featuring the Bolt in their Yard Built program – one of my personal favorites …
1968 Honda S90
Post Sale Update: After 37 bids on eBay, this S90 sold for $3,050. We all know how Abhi feels about the S90. I am somewhere near the same. My best buddy on earth had one back in the day, and I just loved it. It still gives me the warm and fuzzies when I see a picture of one. The …
1978 Yamaha RD400E
Post Sale Update: After 26 bids on eBay, this RD400E sold for $4,191.41. When Yamaha bumped up displacement of the RD350 to make it the RD400, they also tamed the bike a bit. It was still a silly hooligan bike, but the powerband was a bit wider and the overall ride was slightly more comfortable. A hooligan bike for grownups, …
Hondaline Fairing in Canada – 1982 Honda V45 Sabre
Here’s a first-year example of Honda’s V45 (750cc) Sabre. Within a couple of years, Honda had shrunk the bike down to 700 to circumvent the taxes imposed on 750cc and larger import bikes by the US International Trade Commission. This one stands out due to the impressive original condition and the rare Hondaline fairing.
In England – 2014 Yamaha SR400 by Kevil’s Moto
Starting with a modern Yamaha SR400, Kevil’s Speed Shop has built a street scrambler that ideally gives you vintage style with modern reliability. How do you think it looks?
AMA National 250 Winner – 1998 Yamaha TZ250
View PostWell Modded – 2000 Suzuki DRZ400E
A street legal dual sport, this DRZ400E (E for electric start) has been well modified for a nice combination of power and suspension at a reasonable price.
1974 Kawasaki Rickman CR900
Based on Kawasaki’s iconic Z1, the Rickman CR900 was one of the ultimate cafe racers of the time. Take a powerful Japanese motor and surround it with a nickel plated frame that allowed for much better handling from the factory, and you got one of the coolest period bikes around. According to the seller, this is one of 77 Rickman …
1979 Yamaha XS650 Special
Post Sale Update: After 39 bids on eBay, this XS650 sold for $5,015. The “Special” variant of Yamaha’s XS650 were modified with a teardrop tank and pull back handlebars for some extra style. Here’s a Midnight Black and Gold example of the popular bike, and it has just 2,700 miles.
1985 Yamaha RZV500R
Post Listing Update: Despite 41 bids up to $13,200, this RZV did not meet reserve. Built as a tribute to the World Championship-winning 0W70 YZR500 works bike that Kenny Roberts rode, the Yamaha RZV500R was the first production bike in the world with a 2-stroke V4 engine.
Purple Rain Tribute – 1981 Honda
This bike doesn’t run at the moment, but it’s a pretty good find for a Prince fan who wants something two-wheeled in their collection…
Needs a Taillight – 1984 Honda Motocompo
Post Listing Update: This Motocompo did not get any interest at the opening bid of $3,000. One of the true cult classics of scooters, the Motocompo was designed to fit into the trunks of Honda’s subcompact cars of the time. To minimize dimensions of the scoot when it needs to be stored, the handlebars and seat can be folded in …
1978 Yamaha GT80F
The first bike of many a young rider, the Yamaha GT80 was one of the many small trail bikes offered by the Japanese.