In the late 70s, the big four Japanese companies kicked off a horsepower war by stuffing big engines into their usual frames, creating the notion of superbikes. When it came to Big Red’s turn, Honda decided to push boundaries and utilize their first 6-cylinder engine in a production motorcycle. Benelli actually beat Honda to the punch in terms of 6-cylinder …
Couple of Katanas – 1982 Suzuki Katana x2
The Suzuki Katana is a very distinctive bike designed by Hans Muth (the fairing might remind you of a similar Muth creation – the BMW R65LS). In the late 70s and early 80s, Japanese manufacturers were selling standard bikes as fast as they could make them. And while most of the bikes were technically sound, they all started to emulate …
1985 Suzuki RG500 Gamma
Here’s one of the defining bikes of the 1980’s – Suzuki’s RG500 Gamma
Rare in the US – 1988 Honda NSR250 MC18
The MC18 generation of the iconic Honda NSR250R was an all new design available either in “Fighting Red” or the “Terra Blue” that you see in front of you. Limited to 45 horsepower to follow Japan’s licensing laws of the time, the bike could easily be delimited so that you’d have access to all 63 horsepower. The MC18 was never …
1 of 3 Remaining – 1964 Marusho Lilac MF-19
Post-Sale Update: This MF-19 sold for $4,595 after 7 bids on eBay. Marusho/Lilac was a Japanese motorcycle manufacturer that was constantly under the shadow of Honda. After peaking in the late 50s, the company went bankrupt in 1962. The company was brought back to life just a year later, free of debts and configured to specifically target the American market …
Homebrew Cafe – 2007 Suzuki Ryca 650 CS-1
Though the seller never actually says it, this looks to be a Ryca 650 CS-1 kit, designed to turn your Suzuki S40 into a cafe racer with $2,800 worth of parts.
1976 Honda CB400F Super Sport
A show-winning example (1st Place in Classic ’76-’89 at the Classic Japanese Motorcycle Club Show in Auburn, California) of the Honda CB400F Super Sport, this beauty is claimed to run like new and look like it should still be in a showroom. Hard to argue with the cosmetic claims, based on the photos. The only thing the seller has replaced …
1980 Rickman CRE 1000 Predator
I’ve featured plenty of bikes from this seller (who somehow always has his/her hands on exquisite Italian machinery), many of which have been Bimotas that featured Italian frames/bodywork around Japanese engines. This time around we’re going with the British/Japanese combo of the Rickman CRE 1000 Predator, an odd sport-touring bike from a machine most people associate with expressions of light …
1992 Yamaha TZR250SP
Post-Sale Update: It seems this bike has quickly sold – would love to know what the final price was… Though it’s a bit overpriced, this is a beautiful, low-mileage (<1,000) example of the Yamaha TZR250SP, a race bike for the streets. As it’s a SP (Sport Production) model, it got expensive goodies like USD forks and a dry clutch. This …
Hello Kitty – 2004 Honda CBR1000
What’s that? You’ve always wanted a Japanese sportbike that’s covered in Hello Kitty decals? Well you’re in luck. Find this Hello Kitty CBR for sale in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for $4,499 here on Craigslist.
New in Crate – 2 1986 Honda Z50 Christmas Specials
Post-Sale Update: Incredibly (at least to me) these Z50s sold for $42,500 after 43 bids on eBay! In December 1986, Honda gave each of their top two retailers in the US a limited edition of the Z50 mini trails. It was called the Z50RDG – the D stood for Dealer, and I can’t figure out what the G signified. Some …
Bike Review – 900 Miles with the Honda NM4
I’ll say it…I think this bike is gorgeous. With that said, despite 3 weeks and 900 miles with the Honda NM4, I’m still not sure what I think of it.
Abigail – 1975 Honda CB500T
Built by Hot Sake Cycles, a one man shop run by biology teacher Shannon Hulcher, this Honda CB500T has been turned into a cafe racer named Abigail. It recently placed first at the Rat’s Hole Bike Show in Daytona, and has been used in multiple publications and an Allegra commercial.
$100k Honda – 1992 Honda “NR750”
The last time I featured a $100k Honda, it was one of the four original CB750 prototypes. This time we’re skipping ahead a few decades, to a bike that some consider to be the greatest of all time – the Honda NR750. Also known as the RC40, this bike was a technological showcase for Big Red that featured oval pistons, …
1989 Honda GB500
Post Sale Update: This GB500 sold for $8,100 after 20 bids on eBay. Honda’s GB500 has become quite a cult classic (with the selling prices to prove it) thanks to its classic (British) good looks and Honda reliability. Here’s an example that stands out thanks to its excellent cosmetic condition and an R90S-looking aftermarket fairing that can thankfully be pulled …