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1983 Kawasaki GPz1100

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

In 1983, Kawasaki gave the GPZ1100 a serious redesign with new bodywork, anti-dive forks, and the Uni-Trak rear suspension. Power output was also bumped to 120 horsepower (104 at the rear wheel), though this was gained at the expense of low-end torque.

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1980 Kawasaki Z1R

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

The Kawasaki Z1R was the brainchild of Wayne Moulton, known as the “Father of the Japanese Cruiser.” His belief was that a solid motorcycle could be moderately tweaked to form four versions, one of which is a sport-tourer. So he took the KZ1000 and turned it into this! The first year of production was 1978, and all the bikes were …

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Street Legal – 1993 Honda CRE500

In Dual-Sport, Japan by AbhiLeave a Comment

The CR500 is a truly legendary motorcycle with a long history, but did you know that Honda Australia created a street-leagl version called the CRE500? It’s been difficult to find the official story, though there’s plenty of rumors – one of which is that Honda Australia ordered too many CR500s and so they got certification and converted 250 of them …

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1 of 250 – 1978 Kawasaki Z1R-TC

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

TCC stood for the Turbo Cycle Corporation, and it was created to sell bolt on turbos for motorcycles built by American Turbo-Pak. The founder of TCC was a former Kawasaki USA employee named Alan Masek, and he used his contacts to help develop the first ‘production’ turbocharged bike. Kawasaki’s Z1R was their top of the line bike but Alan figured …

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1989 Honda XRV650 Africa Twin RD03

In Dual-Sport, Japan by AbhiLeave a Comment

The first generation of the Africa Twin was introduced in 1988 in response to Honda’s success with the NXR750 racebike – it would end up winning Paris-Dakar four years in a row, starting in 1986. Honda already had the single-cylinder NX650 and the V-Twin Transalp, but the Japanese company decided another big trailie was needed. History has shown that they …

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2023 Honda Motocompacto

In Japan, Scooter by AbhiLeave a Comment

Well, I think I just found my next pit bike! Honda’s just announced a spiritual successor to the Motocompo – meet the all-electric Motocompacto. It doesn’t roll off the tongue the same way, but it’ll be a lot easier to find in the US!

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2020 Bimota Tesi H2

In Italy, Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: This Tesi H2 sold for $51,574 (including the 7% buyer’s fee) on Iconic Motorbike Auctions. Over on Iconic, we’re selling one of the craziest motorcycles we’ve ever seen – the supercharged, hub-center-steering, way-too-loud Bimota Tesi H2.

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Salt Flat Racer – 1971 Suzuki 250

In Custom, Japan, Race by AbhiLeave a Comment

This Suzuki 250 was turned into a land speed racer to compete at the Bonneville Salt Flats – unfortunately this year the Bonneville speed trials were cancelled due to rain and the owner of this bike is leaving the country before the next running. So now you can try to make his dreams happen!

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1990 Honda Zook

In Japan, Less than 5k, Scooter by AbhiLeave a Comment

Sold only in Japan (and only in 1990), the Zook is a rare 50cc scoot from Honda. Per this press release, Honda planned on selling 40,000 Zooks to young people “as a trendy new model” for urban transportation. They called it “fun to ride” and “fun to look at”. It features a two-stroke, 49ccm motor that produces 3 horsepower.

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1990 Honda Transalp

In Dual-Sport, Japan by AbhiLeave a Comment

In the late 80s, Honda offered both an AT and a TA – the Africa Twin and the Transalp. Both were ahead of the times, though the latter was more street-biased. Consider it a jack of all trades sort of bike with a cult following. The US only got the Transalp between ’89 and ’91.

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2,832 Miles – 1989 Honda GB500

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Honda’s GB500 was an homage to classic British singles but there was a twist – it was reliable! The average American rider shopping for a Japanese bike at the time was more interested in the bigger supersport replicas, but the Tourist Trophy has become a cult classic.