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1989 Honda Transalp 650

In Dual-Sport, Japan by AbhiLeave a Comment

The Honda Transalp XL600V was a dual-sport that was truly ahead of its time. A slightly less off-road biased cousin of the Honda Africa Twin, the Transalp was first released in 1987. This was one of the odder bikes that Honda ever sold – truly a jack of all trades sort of bike. The US only got the Transalp between …

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Urban Tiger – 1995 Honda CBR900RR

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

The 1995 Honda CBR900RR doesn’t get as much love from fans as the first generation, even though it’s an improved bike. This specific example stands out because it comes with the cheeky “Urban Tiger” paint job that wasn’t available in the US. The seller tells a story that 200 bikes were accidentally brought to Canada, which is why this example …

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1985 Yamaha RZ500

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Yamaha’s RZ500 (also known as the RD500LC) was a two-stroke rocket that was kept out of the US thanks to EPA regulations. Only built between ’84 and ’86, it’s now a desirable collector’s bike.

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2004 Honda CBR125R

In Japan, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

In the US, a small learner bike means some sort of 250cc bike. But internationally, learners often start on a bike like the Honda CBR125R – a reliable mount that’s perfect for teaching a beginner the joys of riding a bike. More importantly – it’s nearly impossible to find these things in the US!

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Little Honda – 1971 Honda CL70

In Japan, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

From reader Jim R. comes this reasonably priced little Honda. Everything works, it looks good, and you’ll get a rebuilt carb, oil change, and new spark plug to ensure that you can immediately enjoy this rare classic Honda. Find this Honda CL70 for sale here on Craigslist in Chester, Virginia for $1,500.

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1987 Bimota YB7

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Bimotas are already rare finds in the states, but the Bimota YB7 is even more exclusive. Only sold in Japan, and powered by a 399cc, 65 horsepower engine (a 27-year old design that revs to 14k!) from the Yamaha FZR400, this bike was built in response to Japanese importers who were asking for a “baby Bimota” to compete in the …

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1968 Marusho Magnum Electra

In Japan, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post-Sale Update: This Marusho sold for $7,207 after 31 bids on eBay. Marusho/Lilac was a Japanese motorcycle manufacturer that was constantly under the shadow of Honda. After peaking in the late 50s, the company went bankrupt in 1962. The company was brought back to life just a year later, free of debts and configured to specifically target the American market …

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Rare Color – 1987 Honda GB500

In Cafe Racer, Japan by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: This GB was relisted several times, but it never met reserve. The final listing got up to $1,924 after 14 bids on eBay. I’ve featured a bunch of GB500’s (but considering how iconic they are, I’ll probably never stop). With that said, I’ve never seen one of the burgundy models (with unique decals), which weren’t available in …

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1988 Honda Hawk NT650

In Japan, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

In the late 80s, Honda introduced one of the first modern production naked motorcycles. Though the Honda NT650 (also known as the Hawk) was not a commercial success, it went on to inspire more prevalent motorcycles like the Suzuki SV650N, and has become an absolute cult favorite.

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1954 Honda Juno KA

In Japan, Scooter by Abhi3 Comments

Post-Sale Update: After 3 bids on eBay, this Juno sold for $16,000. Built as a competitor to the successful Fuji Rabbit, the Honda Juno was Honda’s first scooter and was intentionally built to be full of features. You got the first electric starter, a full windscreen with an optional sun visor, and was the first use of FRP (fiber reinforced …

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689 Miles – 1981 Honda CBX SuperSport

In Japan, Touring by AbhiLeave a Comment

Honda wasn’t actually the first to put a 6-cylinder powerplant in a production motorcycle – Benelli earned that honor with the 750 Sei. Thanks to the modern day Goldwing, the idea of a 6-cylinder Honda isn’t a foreign concept, but it all started with the CBX. Built in response to a horsepower war started by Kawasaki, the CBX packed all …

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2000 Honda RC51 SP1

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

A couple of weeks ago, while writing up a CBR600F4 racebike, I mentioned that I’ve been on the hunt for some good RC51s to feature. Reader Zack B has answered my call thanks to this find of a Honda RC51 SP1 that, unlike most, is reasonably priced!