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 …
1966 Honda S90
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’. …
1 of 25 Police Models – 1967 Honda CB450P
View PostRotary Project – 1975 Suzuki RE5
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 …
Grande Grunge – 1977 Honda CB750 Custom
Post-Listing Update: Grande Grunge did not meet reserve with bidding up to $2,550. I’ve featured a Powder Monkees build before – that was the “Wabi-Sabi“, and I have to say I liked that bike more than this, the Grande Grunge.
1962 Honda CB77 Super Hawk
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 …