It may feel to some, as it does to me, that the café bike trend has had a resurgence of late. That since about the turn of the millennium, there has been a steady uptick of interest in the bikes, and subculture. We can certainly agree that when Triumph released the Thruxton in 2004, and a couple of years later …
1 Owner – 1983 Suzuki SP500
“Tough. Gutsy. Fun on the road. Even more fun off.” That’s how Suzuki introduced the new-for-1981 SP500. It was durable but a little overweight, and nowadays it’s tough to find a clean survivor.
Bender – 1982 Yamaha Virago XV750 Cafe Racer
Named Bender, this Virago was rebuilt as a custom cafe racer that was on display at the 2018 Handbuilt Show and 2019 Mama Tried Show.
Left Side Shift – 1976 Triumph Bonneville 750
In 1976, Triumph swapped sides for the shifter and rear brake pedals to comply with new US regulations that required the shifter on the left. While they were at it, they also installed new petcocks with ON and OFF markings (again, a new US requirement) and swapped out the rear drum brake for a disc.
Eastern Fabrications’ “Red Asphalt” – 2018 Motus MST-R Custom
Built by Lock Baker of Eastern Fabrications (and the man behind Lockhart Knives), this all-American custom took approximately two years to painstakingly piece together. At the heart of the build is the 180hp, 100ci pushrod V4 engine borrowed from the now-defunct Motus MST-R. Wrapped around the mill is a one-off frame paired with a custom swing-arm. Running gear is all …
1954 BMW R25/3
The seller of this beautiful R25 has “traced its lineage/owners back as far as 1968,” noting that he’s got a “reasonably accurate history, down to the Swiss ammo pouch that belonged to Dieter Drews who mounted it on the luggage rack circa 1983, exactly where it resides to this day.”
Rare Pre-Tuono – 2001 Aprilia Falco w/ Factory Streetfighter Kit
Prior to the release of the popular sport naked Tuono, Aprilia offered a factory streetfighter kit for its Falco (or SL1000) model. On top of the Falco’s $10,999 MSRP, owners could opt to shell out an additional $2K for a slick street fighter package.
3,141 Miles – 1987 Honda Hurricane CBR1000F
The Honda Hurricane, besides having one of the greatest names in motorcycling history, was an excellent sport-tourer that introduced some crucial technology into the Honda lineup. It eventually evolved into the well-known Blackbird. Available in 1000cc and 600cc versions, the design of the bigger bike has aged a bit better with time. This is one of the more expensive offerings …
1959 Harley-Davidson XLCH Sportster
This XLCH was restored by the seller 7 years ago, and it was later featured in Issue #330 of American Iron. The seller has suffered a back injury that stops him from kick starting, so he’s letting this go to a new owner who can enjoy it.
Privateer Hill Climber – 1938 Harley-Davidson EL
Post Sale Update: This EL hill climber sold for $51,211 after 41 bids on eBay in Grant, Florida. Wayne Lyle Cody was a successful privateer racer out of Council Bluffs, Iowa back in the 1950s. His former hill climbing Harley EL sat in his shed for 50 years, and it’s now available in fully functional condition. The history of the …
2004 Honda CB50R Dream
Honda has always been one of the world’s best at sub-100cc bikes, from commuter bikes for the people to full on works racers. In 2004, Honda released just 440 copies of one of the best 49cc bikes ever made – the Honda CB50R, otherwise known as the Dream. Built as a replica of the 1962 RC110, it’s considered by some …
Restomod – 1955 Indian Woodsman
Post Listing Update: This Woodsman did not meet reserve despite 25 bids up to $6,311 on eBay in Spokane, Washington. Between 1955 and 1960, Indians sold in the US were actually re-branded Royal Enfields. It was the idea of an English company called Brockhouse Engineering (you may remember that they created the adorable Corgi) who owned the Indian trademark at …
Sideburn Magazine’s Hooligan Flat Track Racer – 1991 Harley-Davidson Sportster
Sideburn is an independent motorcycle publication founded in early 2008 with a focus on the flat track scene. In addition to its online and print content, the UK-based outfit is also responsible for sponsoring/organizing events like Dirt Quake (and Snow Quake), which Sideburn first held in 2012. A Harley-based flat track racer built and used by various Sideburn staffers (and …
Heinrich Touring Tank – 1974 BMW R90S
Post Listing Update: This R90S did not meet reserve despite 19 bids up to $10,600 on eBay in Phoenix, Arizona. The R90S is one of BMW’s most famous motorcycles, but this specific bike stands out because of the ~9 gallon Heinrich fuel tank – go fast, and go further!
1979 Honda CX500 Custom
Honda’s CX500 has become a popular platform for custom builds over the last few years as donor bikes could be found for cheap (though prices have been going up as of late). What are your thoughts on this custom?