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 …
In Canada – 1986 Yamaha FZX750S
Here’s a beauty that was never sold in the United States. Indeed, you’ll need to travel north of the border to get your hands on it. The bike may look familiar, however. In the United States, a smaller-capacity, lower-power version was sold as the FZX700 Fazer. That bike’s 698cc engine promised 65 horsepower. And one assumes it wasn’t terribly popular; …
1998 Honda Valkyrie
Controversial statement time: in my opinion, the Honda Gold Wing’s flat six – be it in 1500cc or 1800cc form – is one of the best engines in motorcycling. Possibly THE best. There are caveats to that depending on specific intended use, of course. It probably wouldn’t be the best powerplant for an off-road bike, for example. But, overall – …
Bosozoku – 1981 Honda CB400T
Built by Good Call Works, this bosozuku bike (a subculture of Japanese motorcycling which translates to “violent running tribe”) definitely offers one way to get noticed on your next ride!
1973 Honda CB750 K3
Given the number of CB750s to be found on the internets, you’d be inclined to believe that every single one of the bikes made in the the 1970s survives to the modern day. Unfortunately, quite a lot of them have been tinkered beyond recognition. Finding one that hasn’t been permanently scarred by previous owners’ questionable choices is a challenge. Step …
1999 Kawasaki Drifter VN1500
There’s something strangely appealing to me about metric cruisers from the 1980s to 2000s. On one hand, you might argue that they were lazy attempts to cut into Harley’s dominance of the US market. On the other hand, they may have helped push the game along when Harley didn’t have much competition.