In 1982, Kawasaki introduced a middleweight to the GPz family between the 550 and the 1100 (a couple of years later, the 900 would also be released). The styling was right in line with the rest of the GPz series, though after one year Kawasaki increased the size of the front fairing.
1968 Honda Z50
Post Listing Update: This Z50 did not meet reserve with 20 bids up to $4,000 on eBay in Cedar Park, Texas. 1968 was the first year of US exports for the Mini Trail, and today we’ve got a pleasant survivor. In a wonderful article on Motorcyclist, Mitch Boehm notes “that the Honda Z50 Mini Trail is probably responsible for more …
1982 Kawasaki AR80
Post Sale Update: this AR80 sold for $2,025 after 6 bids on eBay in Chadron, Nebraska. Kawasaki’s attempt to compete with Honda’s MB5, the AR80 packed a 78cc two-stroke engine that produced about 10 horsepower.
Baby Interceptor – 1990 Honda VTR250
Yesterday I featured a 1990 Honda 250 sport bike that wasn’t officially sold in the US. Today, we have the one that was! Sold in the US for three years, the Honda VTR250 has become a cult classic for riders that love small bikes. The liquid cooled 250cc engine was paired with a six-speed transmission, and interestingly, an inboard front …
Ex-BSB Team Virgin Mobile Yamaha R7
Over on the auction site we’ve got something quite special – a Yamaha R7 that was campaigned in British Super Bike Rob Mac Racing with Team Virgin Mobile Yamaha. Even better, it was ridden by my buddy Jamie Robinson of MotoGeo!
1990 Honda CBR250RR
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 …
Spec II Bodywork – 1985 Yamaha RZ350
US-market RZ350s were sold as Kenny Roberts replicas, but some riders were willing to ditch the KR signature decals for different bodywork. That’s what happened here, as a previous owner swapped out the original chin fairing for a Spec II bodywork kit with full front fairing and solo seat tail.
Batcycle Replica – 1965 Yamaha YDS3
Post Listing Update: this YDS3 did not get any action at the BIN of $37,995 on eBay. Starting with a YDS3 (Yamaha’s “Big Bear Scrambler”), the creator of this custom turned it into a replica of the Batcycle used in the 1966 Batman TV show.
1978 Kawasaki KX250 A-4
Post Sale Update: this KX250 sold for $5,000 after 20 bids on eBay in Louisville, Kentucky. In 1978, Kawasaki debuted a “works replica” called the KX250 A-4. PulpMX called it “a works bike for the chosen few,” and it was a limited production (~1,500, ~600 of which came to the US) notice to the rest of the industry that Team …
2007 Honda “CR500”
Post Sale Update: this “CR500” sold for $5,049.99 after 21 bids on eBay in Surprise, Arizona. Following the model that made Service Honda famous, this custom combines a 2007 Honda CRF frame with a 1998 Honda CR500 motor to blend modern handling with old-school open class two-stroke madness.
1978 Yamaha SR500
Post Sale Update: This SR500 sold for $4,500 after 18 bids on eBay in Camano Island, Washington. The SR500 had a strong British vibe, and this custom takes it even further.
156 Miles – 1996 Honda NSR250R SE
Post Sale Update: this NSR250R sold for $19,000 including fees after 8 bids on Iconic Motorbike Auctions. In 1991, Honda split the base and SP models of the NSR250R with the introduction of the SE (Super Edition) model. They had all of the SP goodies (dry clutch, adjustable suspension, special livery) except for the magnesium wheels. In 1994, the Japanese …
1983 Suzuki XN85 Turbo
Post Sale Update: This XN85 sold for $10,000 after 38 bids on eBay in Beaverton, Oregon. Of all the Japanese turbo wonder bikes of the 80s, Suzuki’s effort was the rarest. Just 1,153 examples of the XN85 Turbo were built, and it had the distinction of being the first production motorcycle with a 16″ front wheel. When paired with the …
Urban Tiger – 1994 Honda CBR900RR
Post Listing Update: this CBR900RR was pulled off eBay, final sale price unknown. Honda’s CBR900RR revolutionized what a sportbike could be. But I’m not featuring this bike because of its performance – this time around it’s for the livery. In 1994, Honda introduced a distinctive scheme called the Urban Tiger, but it was never offered in the US. Here’s one …
1985 Suzuki RG400 Gamma
Post Listing Update: this Gamma did not get any action at the opening ask of $8,000 on eBay. You know the RG500 – but did you know that Suzuki made a 400cc version for Asian markets?