In 1962, Suzuki claimed its first TT victory in the 50cc class with East German racer Ernst Degner (who would win the 50cc world championship later that same year), earning Suzuki its first ever world title (he also proceeded to win five out of the next six 50cc titles). In the years that followed, Suzuki would introduce machines in the …
Ending Soon – Restored 1974 Honda XR75
Post Sale Update: This XR75 sold for $4,050 after 43 bids on eBay. Introduced in early 1973, the XR75 was a popular platform for youngster that were getting into serious off-road riding – or even racing. Because of that, very few examples have survived in good shape. This one can’t be considered a survivor as the seller says it’s been …
2000 Kawasaki W650
Before Triumph brought the Bonneville back in the early 2000s, your best bet for a “Modern Classic” Bonnie actually came from Japan. Kawasaki’s W650 was a retro standard inspired by their W1, itself a copy of the BSA A7. The W650 was only exported to the US for two years, but during that time it was the best option for …
First Six – 1977 Benelli Sei 750
Post Sale Update: This Sei did not get any interest at the BIN of $24,000. That was to be expected, I just thought the low mileage was interesting. The first production motorcycle to utilize six cylinders, the Benelli 750 Sei was the result of Alejandro De Tomaso (of sports car company fame), who had just purchased Benelli and wanted them …
Expensive Test Ride – 2018 BMW G310GS
I really enjoyed my time with BMW’s entry level street bike, the G310R – click here for my review. At the launch, BMW told me that they were also going to create a baby GS with the 310 motor, and it’s finally here. There are very few bikes in the US yet (the US media launch won’t even happen for …
1 of 805 – 1996 Triumph Daytona Super III
Post Sale Update: This Super III sold for a lowered BIN of $3,000. 2-27-18 Update: Over a year later, this Super III has been relisted. The seller has apparently just copied my listing description from last time, updated the VIN to include a missing number (SMT372DD0TJ035851), installed a new battery, and increased the BIN to $3,500. This time around he …
No Reserve JDM Model – 1988 Honda Bros 400
Post Sale Update: This rare-in-the-US Honda sold for $1,274 after 44 bids on eBay. It was called the “Bros” in Japan, but you probably recognize this as a Honda Hawk GT. The US only officially saw this bike as a 650, but Japan also got a 400 version which was good for 33 horsepower. The 650 is a more logical …
Gary Nixon Tribute – 2014 Kawasaki Ninja 300 Custom
Post Listing Update: This custom Ninja did not get any interest at the BIN of $6,500. Built by Bexton Moto (I’ve featured their work in the past), this Ninja 300 has been created as an homage to Gary Nixon’s H2 that he campaigned in the FIM Formula 750 Series. Do you think it works?
1956 Zundapp KS 601 EL
Post Listing Update: The new asking bid of $15,995 did not get any interest. 2-26-18 Update: Over three years later, reader Rob B has discovered that this rare Zundapp is back up for sale. The last time I featured this bike it did not meet reserve with 3 bids up to $10,400. It has since sold and the new owner …
105 Miles – 1995 MZ Silver Star Classic Gespann
The “Gespann” was MZ’s factory sidecar option for the Silver Star, and this example has just 105 miles!
Ending Soon with No Reserve – 1974 Ducati 750 Sport
Post Sale Update: This 750 Sport sold for $42,100 after 6 bids on eBay. This restored example of Ducati’s best looking bike in yellow is impressively being offered with no reserve. But hurry, it ends soon!
Bought by Dan Gurney – 1975 Honda XL175
Post Sale Update: This XL175 sold for $10,000 after 31 bids on Bring a Trailer. Honda’s XL175 wasn’t particularly special – but this example is slightly more interesting than usual as it was purchased by Dan Gurney (RIP) and his company, All American Racers. To be frank, that’s pretty much where the celebrity relationship ends – Gurney gave it to …
Trackmaster Framed – 1974 Triumph Street Tracker
Post Listing Update: This Triumph was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. Originally a dirt track racer, this Triumph was made street legal after the current owner acquired it in 2003. The seller says it’s the “star of his collection” and “the epitome of everything I love about a motorcycle.”
Rare in the US – 1997 Bimota SB7 Final Edition
Bimota’s “successor” to the SB6 was not officially sold in the US, so it’s rare to see one come up for sale here. I put successor in quotes as the SB6 got a GSX-R 1100 motor while the SB7 utilized a modified version of the water-cooled GSX-R 750 SP motor. The reason for this is that Bimota wanted to compete …
ESO Powered – Cheney Vintage MX Project
I’ve featured a few Cheney-framed off-roaders before, but this project may have the most interesting motor out of all of them. One of the legends of off-road frame design, Eric Cheney started as one of Britain’s best MX riders. Unfortunately, he picked up a blood infection while racing in Algeria and it became so bad that he had to stop …