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 …
1992 Yamaha TDM850
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 …
Japanese Indian – 1999 Kawasaki Vulcan Drifter
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 …
1969 Honda CL70
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 …
Dealer Display – 1975 Suzuki RE5
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.
1970 Yamaha HS1
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 …
2 Miles – 1983 Kawasaki KE100
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 …
Fully Restored – 1971 Suzuki Stinger
The Suzuki T125 Stinger was a 125cc bike with a great name and looks to die for. As teenagers of the time remember, this little screaming two-stroke twin-cylinder was the most exciting 125 bike of the time.
Well Upgraded – 1978 Suzuki GS1000E
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 …
1972 Kawasaki H2 750
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 …
Highly Original – 1973 Honda QA50K1
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 …
1967 Kawasaki Avenger
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 …
1986 Yamaha SRX600
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 …
Silver Wing – 1982 Honda GL500 Interstate
Post Sale Update: After 29 bids on eBay, this Honda sold for $2,550. When it was first released, the Honda GL500 basically sat in a class by itself – a full dress, middleweight tourer. Hell, I can’t think of something similar that’s available now – can you? I suspect bikes like the BMW F800ST or the Honda VFR800 come closest, …
47 Miles – 1988 Honda NX250
Post Sale Update: After 44 bids on eBay, this NX250 sold for $3,049. The middle weight of the Honda NX line-up (which also included a 125 and a 650), the NX250 was available for just two years.