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, …
1971 Honda CB500 Four
Over the years, Honda has put out more than 70 ‘CB’ models from the CB50 to the CB 1300. Probably the most famous of these are the 4 cylinder in-line models as typified by the CB750 that turned the motorcycle industry on it’s ear in 1968.
1980 Yamaha Pocke
7-22-16 Update: Over a year later, the seller of this Pocke has taken a clue from commenter yrrah and reduced the opening bid – but will it be enough? Find it in Calexico, California with an unmet opening bid of $1,800 here on eBay. I’ve never heard of the Pocke, which this seller claims is hard to find outside of …
Ex-Nick Ienatsch – 1984 Bimota KB3
7-21-16 Update: This nifty KB3 is back up for sale with a lower BIN. Find it with bidding up to $10,700 here on eBay. Post Listing Update: Despite 27 bids on eBay up to $12,351, this KB3 did not meet reserve. As if a Bimota KB3 wasn’t rare enough, this example has been impressively upgraded and spent some time under …
99 Point Restoration – 1972 Hodaka Ace 100B+
Post Sale Update: This Ace sold for a hefty $5,300 after 15 bids on eBay. Here’s a 100B+ model of Hodaka’s well-loved Ace enduro. This example has just been restored and it was given a score of 99 points (and a First Junior Award) at the AMCA Lucas National at Barber.
Two-Fer – Honda Motocompo Scooters
What’s better than one Motocompo? Two Motocompos! What’s better than two Motocompos? Two Motocompons in a Subaru 360 van! Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like the van is up for sale so you’ll just have to settle for two rare scoots.
Impressive Survivor – 1972 Honda CL70
The seller says this is a ‘museum quality’ CL70 – which is technically true as it’s a two owner bike, one owner of which was a local Honda museum. It’s in truly impressive original condition but the bike needs a new owner.