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Japanese American Mini Trail – 1977 Hodaka Dirt Squirt 80

In America, Japan, Less than 5k, Off-Road, Small Displacement by Tim HuberLeave a Comment

Hodaka Motorcycles first started as a producer of engines before later joining forces with another existing outfit and going on to build complete bikes. The Japanese (and American joint) firm capitalized on the influx in popularity of small displacement trail bikes — a phenomenon due largely thanks to Honda’s wares and marketing. Hodaka’s philosophy was that riding should be affordable/accessible, …

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230 Miles – 2003 Yamaha V-Max

In Cruiser, Japan by AbhiLeave a Comment

When it was first released in 1985, the Yamaha V-Max wan an instant hit that was named Bike of the Year by Cycle Guide. The first generation lasted a whopping 22 years with minimal changes, ending when Yamaha finally released an all-new bike (called the VMAX) in 2008 – as a 2009 model.

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1964 Fuji Go-Devil

In Japan, Scooter, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: This Go-Devil sold for $1,600 after 22 bids on eBay. Built between 1964-1967, the Go-Devil was one of the nicest minibikes available at the time thanks to a 50cc 2-stroke Fuji motor, swing-arm suspension, front forks with 30 degrees of rake, and good build quality. It also folded up into a storage bag. One of my biggest …

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1990 Honda VTR250 Interceptor

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

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 disc – though by 1990 the front brake would change to the industry standard.

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Graves Superstock Racer – 2016 Yamaha R6

In Japan, Race by AbhiLeave a Comment

The Yamaha R6 is a staple at bike meets and trackdays across the world. Its blend of price, power, and handling currently can’t be matched by the other 600s – not to mention a history of steady Supersport and Superstock championships in case a dyno sheet and a magazine article aren’t enough proof of its abilities. I myself dream of …

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1982 Kawasaki GPz750

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: This GPz was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. 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 …

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1974 Kawasaki MT-1B

In Japan, Off-Road, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: This MT-1B sold for $2,381 after 65 bids on eBay. If you want a tiny off-road playbike but you want something less common than the Honda Monkey/Mini Trail, then meet the Kawasaki MT-1. Introduced in 1971, it stayed in production until 1974 and was then renamed the KV75 in 1975. Unlike the Honda, the Kawasaki features a …

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No Reserve – 2017 Yamaha R1M

In Japan, Sport by Mazlow PetosaLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: This R1M was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. I have never used the term ‘slow’ to describe a literbike, but manufacturers always seem to have an answer for more speed. Yamaha’s R1M matched the best electronic engine management and Ohlins electronic suspension software to their formidable crossplane crankshaft engine and moved the chains for …

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1975 Kawasaki H2

In Japan, Sport by Mazlow PetosaLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: This H2 did not meet reserve despite 13 bids up to $14,400 on eBay. The Kawasaki H2 market is picking up right now. With several recent sales having five digit asking prices, the number of bikes available seems to be rising. The 750cc three cylinder two stroke put out 74hp, and carried the coolest men in town …

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1977 Yamaha RD400

In Japan, Sport by Mazlow PetosaLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: This RD – sold for $6,100 after 25 bids on eBay in Olathe, Kansas. After Yamaha’s wonderful RD350, the only way to go was up. 1976 brought the RD400, with 40 hp and enough torque to keep the front wheel off the ground as long as you dare. Just 350 pounds of weight made for a svelte …

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Factory Scrambler Kit – 1967 Honda CB450D

In Dual-Sport, Japan by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: This CB450D did not get any action at the BIN of $20,500. Honda’s Black Bomber, also known as the CB450, is a valuable collectible nowadays. But when it was first released, the voluptuous styling was not for everyone. When the 1968 CB450 K1 was released, Honda still had several examples of the K0 languishing in showrooms and …