The second generation of the Honda Express, the NA50 was sold between ’79 and ’81. It shared the 49cc two stroke and automatic transmission of every other Express model, but featured a slightly bigger gas tank and a more comfortable seat and handle bars.
CB1100R Motor – 1982 Bimota HB2
The successor of the uber-limited HB1, the Bimota HB2 replicated the formula of Honda engine inside a Bimota frame. This time Bimota used the engine from the CB900F, and produced a much more reasonable number of examples – 193 of them. But this one may be a one-of-one, as the original owner decided to go a slightly different route with …
1979 Dunstall/Suzuki GS1000 Competition Special
Paul Dunstall is a legend in the classic motorcycling world. Originally a motorcycle racer, he set up a workshop where he turned Nortons into world-beaters with engine and cosmetic modifications. Fast forward to the 1970s, Dunstall’s business had expanded to a point where he was shipping complete bikes directly to dealers in the US. At this point, he was splitting …
1987 Yamaha SRX250
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 Yamaha threw their hat into the ring with the Yamaha SRX250.
1,500 Miles – 1997 Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace
The Yamaha YZF1000R, known outside of the US as the Thunderace, was an interesting parts-bin bike that somehow came together to make an excellent sports-tourer that only sold in the US for just one year.
Dirtbag Challenge Build – 1977 Yamaha RD400 Chopper
The Dirtbag Challenge was an interesting event in which entrants would have limited time and budget to build a chopper that also has to be ridden at least 100 miles on the day of the event. Here’s an oddball entrant from a few years ago that started as a Yamaha RD400!
2,302 Miles – 1981 Suzuki GS1100E
In the early 80s, Suzuki knocked off the CBX as the superbike du jour. The Suzuki GS1100E came into the market and instantly became the bike of choice for the power hungry. American press mags constantly raved about not just the power, but also the surprising handling abilities for such a large bike.
1984 Honda Interceptor VF1000F
Launched in 1984 in response to America’s desire for a bigger Interceptor, the Honda VF1000F was the flagship of the V4 line…until Honda brought us the VF1000R just a year later.
349 Miles – 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS
If you saw the sweet custom Z900RS that was done up to look like a GPz in my recent Picture Intermission and want to do something similar (I’d vote the ELR kit, personally), here’s an interesting option that’s reasonably priced due to age, even though it’s barely been ridden.
1954 Norton Manx Kit with KLR650 Engine
6-29-25 Update: Almost two years later, this “Norton” is back up for sale but the BIN price is almost half of what it used to be. Per the comments below, should we call it a Kaworton? A Norasaki? Or something else? Whatever you call it, you can find it in Eustis, Florida with a BIN of $6,400 or best offer …
Unexpected Sidecar – 1999 Suzuki GSX-R750
“Perfect for your next post-apocalyptic motorcycle get together, or Mad Max sequel.” That’s how the seller of this fascinating custom sidecar sums up what could be your next ride!
No Reserve – Honda NSR250 MC21/MC28 Display Engine
Over on Iconic we’ve got an engine from one of my favorite 250 2-strokes: the MC21/MC28 generations of the Honda NSR250! It’s for display purposes only and you won’t be able to make it run in a cost-effective manner but I think it’d be an excellent display piece for a two-stroke nut.
No Reserve – 1990 Honda CBR250RR MC22
Nowadays you can get all kinds of 250-400cc entry level sportbikes in the US, but back in 1990 the entire market was basically the Kawasaki Ninja 250 and the Honda VTR250. In Honda’s home market of Japan, things were a bit more exciting. That’s where they offered the CBR250RR, affectionately known as the Babyblade. The 250cc inline four engine produced …
1993 Horex 644 OSCA
Established in the early 1920s, Horex was a German motorcycle manufacturer that has seen several ups and downs over the decades – including several different owners over some turbulent times. Some partners included Floyd Clymer (who tried to sell these under the Indian name in the 50s) and Friedl Munch (who famously built the Mammut/Mammoth). In 1989, Horex partnered with …
329 Miles – 1990 Honda NSR50
The NSR50 was in Honda’s lineup for decades before they blessed the USA with a chance to officially try it for ourselves in 2004 with the NSR50R. Before that year, Americans had to either order one directly from HRC (Honda Racing Corporation) or try to import one through the gray market. It was well worth the effort, because Honda used …