The “Velocette” came about in 1913 as a way to differentiate 2-stroke models from the 4-strokes that Veloce making at the time. Company founders preferred the “ette” to the point that they the renamed the brand. No matter the name, the British firm earned a reputation of a fine builder of top-notch 2-strokers with clever technology such as a oil …
1940 Excelsior Villiers Welbike
Post Sale Update: This Welbike sold for $10,100 after 54 bids on eBay. At the request of the British government, Excelsior developed the Welbike, a tiny single seater that was designed to be dropped into combat situations via parachute-equipped containers. The goal was that it could be unpacked and ready to ride within 11 seconds.
Brutale-Based 1 of 10 – 2014 Walt Siegl Motorcycles Bol d’Or
Walt Siegl came of age during MV Agusta’s reign of Grand Prix supremacy, so fast forward a few dozen years to where Walt has established himself as one of the premier custom builders in the world, and it makes sense that the Austrian would want to build a bike (or ten) celebrating MV’s rich racing heritage.
In Italy – 1954 MV Agusta CSS Disco Volante
The MV Agusta Disco Volante (Italian for Flying Saucer, affectionately named due to the distinctive tank) was formally known as the 175 CSS. It was a popular “Super Sport” that’s a perfect candidate for your local Giro.
Rare Italian – 1969 Romeo Sprint Super Sport
Post Listing Update: This Romeo did not meet reserve despite 16 bids up to $1,575 on eBay. Founded by Eduardo Po, Moto Romeo was an italian manufacturer based out of Modena from 1969 to 1975 that utilized Minarelli engines. In 1976, Eduardo’s sons took over and renamed the company Motrom. They initially wanted to call it “Motom” as a blend …
Restored – 1939 Norton 16H
Post Sale Update: This Norton sold for $10,601 after 32 bids on eBay. Between the impressively distant years of 1911 and 1954, Norton produced a series of bikes all around a 490cc side-valve engine. These bikes were referred to as the 16H – H stood for Home, as in a domestic model. The 16C (Colonial) was introduced in ’21 for …
Trendsetter – 1962 Honda C100 Super Cub 50
Post Listing Update: This Super Cub did not get any interest at the BIN of $1,500. If my review of the new Honda Super Cub has you jonesing for the bike that started it all, here’s a 50+ year old survivor that helped make American Honda the force it is today.
Factory ATP Kit Replica – 1981 Yamaha Turbo 1
Post Sale Update: This Yamaha sold for $3,520 after 3 bids on eBay. I learned two things today: 1.) Yamaha Motor USA has their own Tumblr account 2.) Before the Seca Turbo, Yamaha dabbled with a factory-supported turbocharged machine. Meet the “Turbo 1”.
Sold at Mecum – 1986 Honda CBX750 RC17
This January, Mecum auctioned off this CBX750FE for $4,400 (plus buyer’s premium). Now the new owner is looking for $6,995. Will he get it?
572 of 800 – 2000 Buell X1 Lightning Millennium
Presumably named after its year of release, the Buell X1 Lightning Millennium was a limited production run (800 bikes) that was all about silver aesthetics. Half of the bikes were sold in the US, and the majority of the remaining units went to Europe.
British Single Replica Racer – 2004 Molnar Manx Norton
The Norton Manx is one of the most legendary race bikes of all time, and rightfully so. The British single claimed the top spot of the podium at the TT from ‘31 to ‘54 (aside from two years). The Manx was produced (and remained competitive) for more than a decade-and-a-half by the famed British marque, which offered the machine in …
750cc Kit – 1979 Yamaha XS Street Tracker
This Yamaha street tracker is based on a XS650, though the motor has been bored out to 750cc and it’s got a Shell cam. Other highlights of the work include a Mikuni VM36 carb, Dunlop flat track tires, Yamaha XT500 seat, Galfer stainless steel brake lines, Brembo front brake, Boyer ignition, Hugh’s Handbuilt stator/rotor kit, a new wiring harness, and …
2006 Suzuki GSX-R1000
Years from now, when all motorcycles are turbocharged or electric and sportbikes of today are considered “old,” we’ll look back to simpler times. Times when you could make 176 all motor horsepower without the cage of traction control, and only a braided steel throttle cable stood between you, glory, and space. We will look back to the K5-K6 Suzuki GSXR1000. …
First Ride Review – 2019 Kawasaki Z400
View PostWhat Do You Want To Know? 2019 BMW R1250GS/R1250GSA
UPDATE: Here’s my review on ADV Pulse! I’ve said for years that if I was forced to only have one motorcycle, it would most likely be the newest BMW R-GS that I could afford. I will admit that I’ve had some reservations about my opinion as the big GSes have been getting way more complicated from a technological standpoint over …