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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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1966 Honda S90

In Japan, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: This S90 did not meet reserve with 23 bids up to $2,050. Even if reader David N calls it a scooter, I still love the Honda S90 – so I’m always excited to feature a solid example of the breed. Here’s one that’s claimed to run as well or better as new, thanks to a ‘complete restoration’. …

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Rotary Project – 1975 Suzuki RE5

In Japan, Less than 5k, Standard by Abhi1 Comment

Nowadays, mention of a rotary engine usually makes gearheads think of the Mazda RX-7 and RX-8, but in the 70’s all four major Japanese motorcycle companies were at least in the prototype stage. Suzuki was the only Japanese company to bring a rotary into production, though it was for just two years. Between the two years of production, the ’75 …

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1962 Honda CB77 Super Hawk

In Japan, Sport by Abhi1 Comment

The Honda CB77, also known as the the Super Hawk, has the glorious distinction of being Honda’s first sportbike. This bike, in many ways like the Vincent Black Shadow, set the template for the next 20 years of motorcycles. Unlike the Black Shadow, though, the Superhawk was known for both speed and reliability, and it would lead to several future …

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The Big One – 1994 Honda CB1000

In Japan, Less than 5k, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

Affectionately known as the Big One, the Honda CB1000 was produced for just two years as a bike that stood out in a world of superbike replicas with acres of plastic bodywork. The slightly detuned engine didn’t help sales, and Americans weren’t ready for standards – the CB1000 ended up as a poorly-known cult classic.

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1982 Honda CB500 Custom

In Cafe Racer, Japan by Abhi3 Comments

As soon as I saw this bike, I couldn’t help but think of the Triumph Thruxton – hope I’m not the only one that seems the similarities: This bike has just 7,705 miles and has been given a new paint paint job as well as a few other pieces like the handlebar, seat, exhaust, and more. Find this CB500 for …