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568 Miles – 1975 Yamaha DT125

In Dual-Sport, Japan by AbhiLeave a Comment

With a 123cc two-stroke engine that produced about 10 horsepower, the Yamaha DT125 was a competent enduro. It was more capable than you’d expect because it shared almost everything but the engine with the DT175, so you got better components than the average 125. Here’s an example that looks almost new because it’s barely been ridden.

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1979 Honda CBX

In Japan, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

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 …

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1992 Yamaha TDM850

In Dual-Sport, Japan by AbhiLeave a Comment

1-17-15 Update: This TDM850 did not meet reserve at $3,050 last time around. But reader John K. just alerted me that nearly a year later, it’s back up for sale. Find it here with bidding up to $895 and the reserve not yet met or a BIN of $5,500 here on eBay. The Yamaha TDM850 is definitely an oddball…a well-rounded …

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Japanese Indian – 1999 Kawasaki Vulcan Drifter

In Cruiser, Japan by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: After 21 bids on eBay, this Vulcan Drifter sold for $3,601. In 1996, Cobra USA created a show bike homage to the ’48 Indian Chief based on a Kawasaki Vulcan. It was so popular that it inspired a production model – the Kawasaki Vulcan Drifter. Indian experts will never confuse this for an original Chief, obviously, but …

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1969 Honda CL70

In Japan, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

Here’s a very pretty example of the Honda CL70 with 3,345 miles. The seller suggests it’s near museum quality and that it has a new piston and cylinder. Everything works without issues and there’s only minor flaws: a small rip in the seat and a crack in the left side engine cover. Find this CL70 (VIN: CL70108136) for sale in …

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Dealer Display – 1975 Suzuki RE5

In Japan, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

Suzuki called the RE5 the future of motorcycling, thanks to its innovative rotary engine and distinctive styling. This is the ’75 model, which had more interesting design characteristics like the ‘tin can’ instrument cluster. The ’76 (and final model) was a little neutered in an attempt to make the bike more conventional.

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1970 Yamaha HS1

In Japan, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

A tiny ‘sport’ bike that incorporated Yamaha’s Autolube system, the HS1 was a 90cc twin with a 5-speed transmission. It produced 10.3 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and weighed just 196 pounds. This specific Yamaha HS1 was restored in 1997 and was featured in Old Bike magazine in 1998. Documentation of the restoration is available. Find it for sale for $4,000 …

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2 Miles – 1983 Kawasaki KE100

In Dual-Sport, Japan, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

A diminutive dual-sport produced for 25 years, the Kawasaki KE100 was an evolution of the G5. I can’t argue that there’s anything tremendously special about the KE100 versus the competition, however this example is worth featuring as it’s a 32 year old bike with…1.8 miles. With the exception of the tires and battery, it’s claimed to be original. Find it …

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Well Upgraded – 1978 Suzuki GS1000E

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post-Listing Update: This GS1000E did not meet reserve with bidding up to $3,350 on eBay. 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.” This example takes it even further with plenty of suspension …

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1972 Kawasaki H2 750

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Here’s an original example of the Kawasaki H2 that’s being offered with no reserve! This bike (VIN: H2F-12383) has 3,848 miles and everything works. The only non-original part is apparently a new set of reproduction pipes. The bodywork has been repainted, but the engine and frame do not match. Find this H2 for sale in San Marcos, California with bidding …

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Highly Original – 1973 Honda QA50K1

In Japan, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

Similar to the Z50, the QA50 had fatter tires and was much more rare. Produced for just 5 years, the QA50 went through 4 generations in 6 years. It featured a 49cc single cylinder engine, 2-speed transmission, and not much else. This is one of the second generation bikes, known as the K1. The differences from the K0 generation were …

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1967 Kawasaki Avenger

In Dual-Sport, Japan by AbhiLeave a Comment

The last of the big 4 Japanese manufacturers to start selling motorcycles, Kawi had a little bit of catching up to do when it came to understanding the US market. They initially offered small-displacement two-strokes, and while those bikes have definitely caught the eye of a few passionate riders, the average American buyer was looking for something bigger and more …

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1986 Yamaha SRX600

In Japan, Standard by Abhi1 Comment

Just like the SR500, the SRX600 featured the engine from one of Yamaha’s dirtbikes placed into a chassis to enable sporty street riding. Unlike the SR500, this bike sold poorly outside of Japan. Here in the states, it only lasted for a year. But the 45 horsepower was enough to have fun, and it’s become a cult classic in North …