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2006 Kawasaki ZG1000 Concours

In Japan, Less than 5k, Touring by Chris Cope1 Comment

Post Listing Update: This Kawasaki originally sold for a Best Offer under $1,800 but that deal fell through. The bike was relisted and then pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. The Kawasaki Concours (aka Connie) has always been one of those “if you know you know” bikes: really awesome motorcycles that inspire an almost fanatical devotion from those …

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1999 Honda VT1100 Shadow Tourer

In Cruiser, Japan by Chris CopeLeave a Comment

Those saddlebags, though. That’s the feature that has drawn my attention to this listing. Just look at those saddlebags, man. Look how well they fit the lines of the bike. You don’t often find that kind of aesthetic flow with luggage. Of course, everything comes crashing back to Earth when your eye turns to those basic alloy wheels. But if …

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1991 Honda CBR600F2

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: this Honda sold for $5,029 (including the buyer’s fee) after 30 bids on Iconic Motorbike Auctions. The successor of the Hurricane, the CBR600F2 was considered to be quite innovative when released in 1991. Many were sold, but few have withstood the test of time (both in terms of staying rubber side down and in terms of originality) …

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1967 Yamaha YDS-5

In Japan, Less than 5k, Small Displacement by Chris CopeLeave a Comment

Yamaha is an interesting company, isn’t it? It makes all kinds of things and tends to be pretty good at making those things, but doesn’t seem to be very good about keeping track of those things or effectively telling their stories. Here’s an example. Sitting next to me as I write this is a probably-1969 YSL-352S trombone. If you know …

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1982 Suzuki GS1000SZ Katana

In Japan, Sport by Chris CopeLeave a Comment

About a decade ago, I rode up to my father-in-law’s house astride a Suzuki V-Strom 1000. He visibly recoiled at the sight of my bike and hissed, “Suzuki” in the tone one might use for a sworn enemy. “I had a Suzuki in the ’70s,” he said. “Can’t even remember the name of it, it was so boring. Nothing wrong …

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1983 Yamaha Riva XC180

In Japan, Scooter by Chris CopeLeave a Comment

I’ll admit I am not well enough versed in scooters to know by sight which model Macklemore rides through a wall in his music video for “Downtown,” but I know that this Yamaha Riva instantly made me think of it*. I also know that I agree with Macklemore’s sentiment that: “Eight-hundred cash, that’s a hell of a deal.”

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My Old Track Bike – 2019 Kawasaki Ninja 400

In Japan, Race by AbhiLeave a Comment

You guys all know that my track/race bike is a Kramer 690, but the bike that really got me into track riding was a wonderful Ninja 400 that I remember fondly. I sold it last year but the bike is back at Iconic as the owner has to unfortunately but his track aspirations are on hold due to injury and …

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1985 Yamaha XT350

In Dual-Sport, Japan by AbhiLeave a Comment

“Between the small and the large, though, there is a perfect size that enhances the multi-functional nature of these “dual-purpose” motorcycles. That balance seems to be right around 350cc. This is enough displacement so that freeway travel won’t spin an engine’s heart out, without the weight and bulk that can limit off-road use mainly to smooth dirt roads.” Those are …

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“OEM Plus” – 1990 Suzuki GSX-R1100

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Introduced in 1986, the Suzuki GSX-R 1100 was a speed demon’s dream thanks to 137 horsepower and a wet weight of 434 pounds. Even better, it was released right after the United States lowered the import tax on bikes above 700ccs to 24.4 percent (from over 39 percent), so it actually felt like bargain to American riders. The seller of …

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2001 Kawasaki LeoStar

In Japan, Scooter by AbhiLeave a Comment

A few days ago we featured an imported Honda NSR50 and commenter Zebulon Pike mentioned that the seller also had an interesting imported underbone scooter and I had to make sure you all saw it as well. Meet the Kawasaki LeoStar!

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1998 Honda NSR50

In Japan, Small Displacement, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

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. 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 components that made …