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In Germany – 1983 Bimota KB3

In Italy, Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Bimota’s third bike with a Kawasaki engine, the KB3 was limited to a production run of just 112 units. The Italian firm’s lineup at the time included the KB2 (GPz550 engine) KB3 (KZ1000 engine), the HB2 (CB900), HB3 (CB1100), and the SB4 (GS1100). You all know the usual classic Bimota formula by now – honkin’ Japanese engines mated to a …

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Endurance Racer – 1982 Segale Honda CB1100

In Italy, Japan, Race by AbhiLeave a Comment

Luigi Segale started his professional involvement with motorcycles a dealer in 1972, but he truly made a name for himself by partnering with Dirk Ildebrand, a frame builder, and building endurance racers with Japanese bikes. Here’s a rare example of Luigi’s work for sale – the bodywork has clearly seen the ground, and the front isn’t what I’d call attractive, …

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1982 Honda CB750F Super Sport

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

The Honda CB750F, also known as the Super Sport, was an evolution of the storied CB750 line. It gained some 80s styling to complement the 748cc dual overhead cam engine, a unit that produced 78 horsepower. The bike was capable of hitting about 125 miles per hour, and it was very competitive in the market in terms of power and …

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The Zephyr – 1993 Kawasaki ZR1100

In Japan, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

In the early 90s, Kawasaki introduced the Zephyr, a retro-styled bike which emulated the legendary Z1. It was available in a wide variety of displacements but the big boy was the 1100, which utilized an evolution of the 8V DOHC air-cooled unit from the GPz1100. The hope was that you’d get modern convenience with classic looks, though the seat of …

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1975 Yamaha XS650

In Japan, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

Built between 1970 and 1983, the XS650 had a production run of approximately half a million. When it was introduced, it was the biggest motorcycle Yamaha offered. It aped the styling of classic British twins but these Yammies developed a solid reputation for reliability.

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1965 Honda S90

In Japan, Small Displacement, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: AFter 34 bids on eBay, this S90 sold for $2,280. I think one of the rules of this site is that I have to feature a S90 every month or so – it’s in the bylaws or something. I adore mine and it still gets me to work once a week, no problem (even if I can’t …

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1,350 Miles – 1989 Honda GB500

In Cafe Racer, Japan by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: This GB500 sold for $5,100 after 15 bids on eBay. Inspired by the beautiful English thumpers of the 60s, the Honda GB500 was a bike ahead of its time when it was released in the late 80s. Unfortunately, it did not sell well, and the US only got it for two years.

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1982 Suzuki GS1100EZ

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

In the early 80s, Suzuki knocked off the CBX as the superbike du jour. The Suzuki GS1100E came into the market and instantly became the bike of choice for the power hungry. American press mags constantly raved about not just the power, but also the surprising handling abilities for such a large bike. The shame for Suzuki was that this …

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1 Year Only – 2008 Suzuki B-King GSX1300B

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

The best way to think about the Suzuki B-King is to consider it a naked version of the famous Hayabusa. Sold only for one year in the US, it features the 2nd generation, 1340cc Hayabusa engine that was retuned for more mid-range torque. When it was unveiled to the world as a prototype, this bike featured a 240 section rear …