View Post

1971 Honda CB450 Cafe Racer

In Cafe Racer, Japan by Abhi1 Comment

As the seller notes, there are plenty of cafe racers for sale, though most are barely modified and slightly cookie cutter. This bike was first shown at the 2009 Mods vs. Rockers show in Chicago, where it won Best Custom Cafe. It then got a full page spread in Cafe Racer Magazine and was selected to show at the 2014 …

View Post

1986 Yamaha Fazer FZX700

In Cruiser, Japan by AbhiLeave a Comment

Also known as the Baby V-Max, the Yamaha Fazer FZX700 was quite a revelation when it was released – the styling was distinctive and it was quicker than riders expected. No one complained about the speed, though not everyone loved the looks, and the bike didn’t sell tremendously well.

View Post

Is it Real? 1965 Kawasaki KR125 Factory Racer

In Japan, Race by Abhi5 Comments

Alright, knowledgeable readers – is this real? I don’t know, but I’m hoping one of you will. Claimed to be 1 of 6 factory race bikes built between 1965 and 1966, this Kawasaki KR125 is claimed to be a numbers matching, unrestored, mint condition bike. I can barely find any information on the KR125 – someone help me out? Find …

View Post

1984 Honda V65 Sabre

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

The Honda V65 Sabre was built around the 1100cc engine that also powered its cruiser-brother, the Magna. The engine stole the show, as it produced 121 horsepower – capable of pushing the bike up to a “design speed” of 173 miles per hour. However arbitrary that might sound, it was good for an entry into the Guinness Book of World …

View Post

Original Survivor – 1986 Yamaha XT600

In Dual-Sport, Japan by AbhiLeave a Comment

With just 3,172 miles, this Yamaha XT600 is a clean example of the popular 80s enduro. The 595cc engine put out 44 horsepower, which had to move about 360 pounds of motorcycle. They don’t have much of an aftermarket presence, but spare parts aren’t difficult to find. I can’t believe I’m saying this – but is this bike too nice …

View Post

1978 Kawasaki Z1RTC

In Japan, Sport by Abhi1 Comment

The Kawasaki Z1RTC has the distinction of being the ‘first’ of many things. Most importantly, it was the first turbocharged bike released into the market, kicking off the 80’s turbo bike rush which included bikes like the Yamaha Seca Turbo and the Honda CX650 Turbo.

View Post

9 Second KZ – 1979 Kawasaki KZ1000 Drag Racer

In Japan, Race by Abhi2 Comments

I realize the market for drag bikes is not a big one, but here’s something to mix things up a bit. The engine has V&H heads and has been bored out to 1,428cc – this in combination with a backcut transmission, Dyna race ignition, racing cams, and a whole lot more has enabled this bike to run a 9.93 at …

View Post

Reader Ride – 1986 Yamaha Radian YX600

In Japan, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

Introduced as an all new bike, the Yamaha Radian YX600 actually was a bit of a parts-bin special – ignoring the bodywork, the only unique parts were the front forks and rear shocks. That doesn’t mean it wasn’t an enjoyable ride – think of it as a standard with V-Max inspired styling, and an affordable way to get into what’s …

View Post

1993 Yamaha GTS1000

In Japan, Touring by Abhi1 Comment

For only one year in the US, Yamaha sold a sport-touring bike that was far ahead of its time – the GTS1000. Full of technology that would not make its way to most bikes for years to come, the GTS featured fuel injection, ABS brakes, and most importantly, the RADD front suspension designed by James Parker. This suspension was able …

View Post

400 Miles – 2002 Suzuki TL1000R

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Produced from 1998-2003, this TL1000R was Suzuki’s V-Twin superbike, the fully-faired (and racier) brother of the TL1000S. This model was briefly used in Suzuki’s World and American Superbike Championship campaigns before they switched to the lighter 750 Gixxer. The TLR put down a hefty 135 horsepower and 78 pound-feet of torque, motivating a bike that weighed 424 pounds dry. Here’s …