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.
Movie Hero – 2009 Suzuki Gladius
I always thought that the Gladius was a dull follow-up to the SV650. But this custom version built for the movie Priest is anything but.
1986 Honda Z50 Christmas Special
Post-Listing Update: This Z50 did not meet reserve despite 32 bids up to $1,775. The Christmas Special is also known as the “Chrome Edition”, as everything (even the frame) is chromed. It seems that the model name was actually Z50RD, where the D stands for Dealer. Top Honda retailers got 2 of these to sell in 1986 in the month …
Couple of Unexpected Off-Roaders
The Suzuki SV650 and Harley-Davidson Sportster were originally designed to stay on pavement. But thanks to some creative owners, I can show you two examples that have been converted into bikes that can handle pavement or dirt.
AMA Superbike – 1986 Honda Interceptor VFR750F Racer
This Honda Interceptor VFR750F Racer was a AMA Superbike racer as soon as it was bought new in ’85. The original owner got one of the first 3 HRC “Power-Up” Kits and then raced it until 1990, where it stayed in climate controlled storage for 22 years. Now it’s ready to go back to racing.
Impressive Condition – 1990 Suzuki DR350S
25 year old dual-sports should not look this good.
2003 Cagiva V-Raptor 1000
1-4-15 Update: This V-Raptor is back up for sale with nicer photos and a BIN of $6,500 or best offer here on eBay. The Cagiva V-Raptor was designed as alternative to the Ducati Monster – they were even styled by the same man. Though there are plenty of similarities, the Raptor comes with the V-Twin heart from a Suzuki TL.
1973 Honda CL350
The scrambler variant of one of Honda’s best-selling motorcycles, the Honda CL350 differed from its’ street-based brother as it gained the high scrambler pipes and a 19-inch front wheel.
1972 Honda CB450 Cafe Racer
Hot on the heels of a stock CB450 K1 that I featured a couple of days ago, here’s one that’s been turned into a cafe racer.