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NC30 – Honda VFR400 Racer

In Japan, Race by AbhiLeave a Comment

This Honda VFR400 is a dedicated track bike that was rebuilt several years ago after being torn down to the frame. A recent engine refresh means it has just 2 track days and 15 dyno pulls on the odometer. That refreshed engine pushes out a dyno-verified 65 horsepower at the rear wheel, thanks to ported and skimmed cylinder heads, lightweight …

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2000 Kawasaki W650

In Japan, Standard by Abhi4 Comments

The Kawasaki W650 is a retro standard that was imported to the US for only 2 years. A reference to the Kawasaki W1, itself a copy of the BSA A7, the newer bike is also inspired by the Triumph Bonneville. The W650 actually preceded the rebirth of the Bonnie and for a brief moment in time in the early 2000s, …

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Tiny Trellis – 1986 Yamaha SDR 200

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: This SDR was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. Here’s a bike I’ve never heard of before – the Yamaha SDR 200. Originally built solely for as a JDM bike, a small amount of SDRs turned into grey-market motorcycles and were imported into Europe and the United States.

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865 Miles – 1981 Honda CBX Supersport

In Japan, Touring by AbhiLeave a Comment

The Honda CBX only lasted five years, but it led to a new wave of sports-oriented motorcycles, and eventually to the Honda ST series. A 6.1 gallon tank was necessary as the 6 individual carbs and monster power led to just low 20’s miles per gallon. Want to learn more? Check out Motorcycle Classic’s writeup of this legendary bike here. …

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Tilting 3 Wheeler – 1984 Honda Gyro

In 3 Wheels, Japan by AbhiLeave a Comment

Introduced in 1982, the Gyro series of scoots are three-wheelers (one in the front, two in the back) where the body is able to lean up to 40 degrees compared to the rear axle! GYRO is actually an acronym, which stands for “Great Your Recreation Original”. Well, the translation’s not great, but you get the idea. The initial designs were …

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1984 Honda Ascot VT500

In Japan, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

Named after Ascot Park, a former flat-track raceway in Los Angeles, the Honda Ascot (also known as the VT500) was a V-Twin standard that was styled after flat-track bikes. I always thought the front headlight looked silly, and in the process I unfairly over-looked the Ascot. It didn’t sell well, but owners are passionate about this bike – an excellent …

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1 Year Only – 1987 Yamaha SRX250

In Japan, Sport by Abhi3 Comments

For decades, Kawasaki ruled the 250cc ‘sport’bike market – though Honda has recently taken a chunk of the market with their CBR250R. Honda also challenged the little Ninja in the 80s with the VTR250, though it did not have much commercial success. For one year in the States, even the big blue threw their hat into the ring with the …

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#140 – 1993 Honda CBR900RR

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: This CBR got no attention at the opening ask of $5,000. The first generation of the Honda CBR900RR, affectionately known as the Fireblade, was a revolution in the large displacement sport bike market. Despite a 50% larger engine, this bike weighed just 4 pounds more than the CBR600F2. Just as important, this bike was a whopping 76 …

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1985 Suzuki Madura GV1200GLF

In Cruiser, Japan by AbhiLeave a Comment

A direct response to the ‘mega-cruiser’ Honda Magna, the Suzuki Madura was all about one-upmanship. Honda called their Magna an 1100, so the Madura was called a 1200, even if the engine was actually 1165cc. Honda rated the Magna at 116hp, Suzuki rated the Madura at…117 horsepower. You get the idea. Either way, it was a rare (5,099 produced over …

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1966 Suzuki X6 Hustler

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

The Suzuki X6 Hustler, also called the T20 Super Six, was an instant hit with riders who loved high performance engines in lightweight bikes. The 247cc engine was capable of hitting over 100hp/liter (about 29 horsepower), and the bike was packed with plenty of technology, including the first 6-speed transmission used in a production motorcycle!

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1987 Honda TR200 Fat Cat

In Dual-Sport, Japan by Abhi3 Comments

Sold for just two years, the Honda TR200 (better known as the Fat Cat) was similar to the more popular Yamaha TW200. With a 199cc four-stroke engine putting power through a five speed transmission and an automatic clutch, this bike was unique due to its use of two ATV-style tires.