Sonic Weld was another of those companies that built custom frames for racing. Think along the lines of Trackmaster, Rickman, Cheney or Champion. It was common in the 70’s and 80’s to take an engine from a stock Bultaco, Ossa, Triumph, Yamaha, etc, and put it into a custom frame for racing. The factory frames were not up to the …
Press Bike – 1971 AJS Stormer 250
1-21-17 Update: 2.5 years later, this Stormer is back up for sale – and it looks like the most recent seller is on pace to make a profit. Find this bike now in Goleta, California with bidding up to $3,500 and 4 days left on the bidding here on eBay. Post-Sale Update: After 36 bids on eBay, this AJS Stormer …
Bookends – Harley Davidson VLs: 1930 and 1936
The Great Depression ravaged the entire economy of the United States, and Harley Davidson was no exception. Total production plummeted and dealers and the company struggled to survive. The 1930 model year saw the introduction of a brand new 74 CID V-Twin motor. Sidevalve design it would become known as ‘the Flathead’ in the HD lexicon. It offered a huge …
Custom Streetfighter in Australia – 2008 KTM RC8R
Starting with KTM’s RC8 superbike, Australia tuner MC RoadRunner (MCRR) has created a hell of a naked speedster after over 200 hours of work. Is it easier to wheelie? Absolutely. Would you rather have this than a stock RC8R? You tell me.
One Year Only – 1936 Harley-Davidson VLH with Sidecar
A one year only model, the VLH was arguably Harley’s ultimate flathead. This example stands out as it was ordered with several choice options: the 80 ci engine, 4-speed transmission (a $15 option), 19″ wheels/tires, speedometer, and a sidecar. It has been sitting for 3 decades but it runs and rides!
1949 Harley-Davidson Hydra Glide
1948 was the first year for the PanHead motor which featured alloy heads and hydraulic valve adjustment. In 1949 Harley Davidson introduced hydraulic telescopic fork front suspension to their big twins. The combination put a dagger in Indian’s heart. Harley had become the technology leader by a large margin. Hydra Glide. Doesn’t seem like much today, but the Hydra Glide …
RM Sotheby’s in Paris – 1932 Rudge 500 TT
View Post1911 Harley-Davidson Model 7
1911 was a very big year in the history of Harley Davidson. The motor company expanded from 150 employees in 1910 to 550 at the end of 1911. They put out a stunning 5,625 units, more than double the 1910 production. All were model 7, and most were the 30 CID single cylinder but the Model 7 D featured a …
1970 Rupp Enduro
In the 70s, Rupp was one of the leading producers of minibikes in the US. They introduced the Enduro in 1970 along with a company-wide new design for the frame and carb.
Rare Trials – 1982 SWM TL320
SWM started building the Rotax-powered TL320 in 1977. Incremental upgrades were put into play until the bike was killed off in 1984, but the highlight of the model run was right about when this specific bike was built – in 1981, Gilles Burgat won the FIM World Trials Championship. This example has been restored so you can do your best …
280 Miles – 1969 Suzuki AS50 Maverick
This tiddler was Suzuki’s baby street scrambler – good for 59 miles per hour and 114 miles per gallon. This example still needs to be broken in as it has just 280 miles on the odometer.
Rare in the US – 1992 Yamaha SRV250
Post Sale Update: This SRV sold for the BIN of $3,750. Never officially sold in the US, the SRV250 was Yamaha’s baby cafe racer a la the Honda GB500. The seller is not aware of another example in the US, and neither am I. I hope the next owner keeps it as-is and avoids the temptation of turning it into …
In Denmark – Wrenchmonkees Monkee AW16
The Wrenchmonkees are one of Europe’s best-known motorcycle customizers, and they have quite a prolific portfolio of builds. This is the 69th motorcycle they have built, and after taking it around Europe on exhibits through 2016 they’re now looking to pass it off to a private owner.
Rare in the US – 1993 Honda NSR80
US minibike enthusiasts will be familiar with the Honda NSR50. Japan got a 80cc variant that was never sold in the US, but here’s an example that’s somehow made it across the ocean.
1959 Norton Nomad 600
Post Listing Update: Paul has let me know that this bike sold privately and the Nomad has been pulled off of eBay. When I last checked, it had over 220 bids! Editor’s Note: This bike is being sold by none other than Paul d’Orleans – The Vintagent. There can’t be many better people to buy a motorcycle from. One of …