In the past, the development of motorcycle engines progressed at a rate that markedly exceeded that of frames and suspension systems, resulting in a demand for trick, high-performance, aftermarket chassis and suspenders. Whether it was an inability to compensate for a powertrain’s oomph, an unnecessarily hefty weight, the stock frame offerings of the ‘60s gave backyard hobbyists, factory race departments, …
Well-Modified – 2005 Ducati Monster S2R 800
2018 marks 25 years for the Ducati Monster, and it’s had quite a run during that quarter-decade. In 2005, the model line was updated with a new king – the S4RS Testastretta (999 Superbike motor/Ohlins suspension) and the S2R desmodue (2V Desmo motor). The latter borrowed the styling from the former but it offered similar amounts of joy for a …
70 Pound Diet – 2003 BMW R1200CLC Custom
The seller of this bike bought this as a stock CLC with 81K miles on it, and then customized it into something that feels like a predecessor to the K1600B. In the process, it saved a whopping 70 pounds!
1982 Ducati Pantah 600SL
The Ducati Pantah 600SL (actually a 583cc) was the first Ducati to use a hydraulic clutch. Other upgrades included Bosch ignition, Paoli forks, and a tougher gearbox. The engine was good for 57 horsepower at 8,500rpm and it was paired with a 5 speed transmission and Dell’orto carbs. A year later, the Pantah got an even bigger engine and became …
Luftmeister Turbo – 1985 BMW K100RT
From one angle, this is just a very ugly BMW K100RT in Big Bird Yellow. But if you look up at the front of the engine, you’ll notice one of the 200 turbo kits that were produced by RB Racing on behalf of Luftmeister. Now it’s ugly AND fast!
Lucky Strike Livery – 1992 Suzuki RG150 Gamma
I’m not sure how, but this small displacement Suzuki sport bike has been imported to the US, and it’s plated in California! I’m hoping someone knows more about these bikes than I do, though, because I was under the impression that in ’92 Suzuki only offered a RG125 and RG200. Is the seller correct in saying this is a RG150?
60s & 70s Japanese Collection
Someone’s got quite a collection of classic Japanese motorcycles and he’s letting it go. Honda fans will be especially excited, ut there’s plenty of Yamahas and Kawasakis as well.
Monolever – 1988 BMW R100RS
Post Listing Update: this RS did not meet reserve despite 22 bids up to $5,605 on eBay. After the “Last Edition” debacle, BMW brought back the R100RS as a Monolever (one rear shock). There were other changes as well – a slight shift in powerband for more torque and the expense of top end horsepower, lower gearing to make up …
Period Fairing – 1983 Honda CB1100F
Post Sale Update: this CB1100F sold for $2,607 after 39 bids on eBay. The Honda CB1100F is cool enough by itself thanks to the fact that Cycle World called it the fastest stock bike they had ever tested (over 140 miles per hour) in January of 1983, but I think this one is even more interesting due to the period …
1972 BSA Thunderbolt
Post Listing Update: this Thunderbolt did not meet reserve despite 16 bids up to $2,950 on eBay. BSA is probably best known for the Lightning, but they also had a similarly-named touring complement known as the Thunderbolt.
1949 Triumph Speed Twin 5T
Post Listing Update: this Speed Twin did not meet reserve despite 14 bids up to $9,700 on eBay. Triumph introduced the 5T Speed Twin in 1938, and it immediately set the standard for other English manufacturers when it came to parallel twins. It was one of Edward Turner’s most notable designs, and it had a long production life – it …
1989 Honda VTR250 Interceptor
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.
1962 Yamaha YDS2
Post Sale Update: this YDS2 sold for $4,060 after 38 bids on eBay. 1962 was the first year that Yamaha sold bikes in the US, and it was also the debut year for the YDS2, a 2-stroke that Yamaha said featured “water resistant designs”. How times have changed.
1938 BMW R66
Post Listing Update: this R66 did not meet reserve despite 28 bids up to $22,200 on eBay. Introduced in 1938, the R66 was BMW’s “sport roadster”, and it was the pinnacle of their pre-WWII creations. It was designed to lug a sidecar around, but if you were only riding it as a two-wheeler then you could flirt with a top …
American SuperSport – 2009 Fischer MRX 650
At the dawn of the new millennium, sport bikes were incredibly popular in the US. Sales were booming and steadily on the rise, though there was a noticeable lack of sport bikes from American marques. Sure, Buell was around (as was Brammo, if that counts), but sales were aplenty and there was more than enough money to go around. So …