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 …
The Price is Right – 1986 Honda Nighthawk CB700SC
View Post1986 Yamaha Fazer FZX700
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.
Is it Real? 1965 Kawasaki KR125 Factory Racer
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 …
1984 Honda V65 Sabre
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 …
1 Owner – 1978 Suzuki GS1000
Considered by some to be the best 1000cc four-cylinder of its time, the GS1000 was based on the 750 but had many improvements – Cycle magazine called this bike the “best handling multi of all.”
Original Survivor – 1986 Yamaha XT600
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 …
1978 Kawasaki Z1RTC
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.
$2,500 – 1989 Kawasaki EX500
You asked for more affordable bikes, so here’s another one for you. Between 1987 and 1990, the Kawasaki EX500 won Cycle World’s “Best Under 500cc Streetbike”, because they considered it ‘unusually capable and versatile’.
9 Second KZ – 1979 Kawasaki KZ1000 Drag Racer
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 …
Reader Ride – 1986 Yamaha Radian YX600
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 …
1993 Yamaha GTS1000
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 …
400 Miles – 2002 Suzuki TL1000R
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 …
2 in 1 – 1992 Honda NSR250SP
Available with two liveries – Repsol and Rothmans, this Honda NSR250SP can make you feel like you’ve got two bikes.
100 Miles and Plated – 1998 Honda XR400R
Here’s an XR400R in impressive condition considering it somehow has only about 100 miles. With the exception of a period correct FMF exhaust that was installed by the dealer when the bike is new, this bike is stock – though it is missing the tool kit and original handguards. The seller notes that the only flaw is a few bubbles …