Introduced in 1949 the TR5 was another iconic Edward Turner design that really worked and resonated with motorcycle riders and fans. James Dean bought one after he saw Marlon Brando in The Wild One (Brando rode a 6T) and had a series of photos taken with and on his motorcycle. Many of the photos and the motorcycle itself is in …
Unexpected Trike – 2007 Kawasaki Ninja 500R
Thanks to a “Instatrike” kit from Tow-Pac, this Ninja 500 is now a 3-wheeler.
Ending Soon – 1962 MV Agusta 1962 Checca GTE Sport
Post Listing Update: Despite 38 bids up to $5,150, this Checca did not meet reserve on eBay. According to the seller, Checca translates to “Fairy” in English. It looks like the modern translation has taken more of a derogatory meaning, but hopefully you get the implication that this is a lightweight, nimble motorcycle. This gorgeous example has won multiple first …
1975 Honda CR125 Elsinore
A Honda 2 stroke? Back in 1973, Honda released their best ever dirt bike – the CR125 Elsinore. Prior to this, Honda dirt bikes were … well … not appreciated. That was about to change very quickly. At 20 HP, 188 LBS wet and sporting a 6 speed transmission, the Elsinores not only handled rather well, they went like the …
Christmas Present – 1965 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide
It being the season I decided I would look for my Christmas present. This is not a bike I would normally write up, or even consider buying. But I clocked through the offerings on EBay today and decided this would do. There were three Chiefs that I didn’t trust (I don’t think they were represented properly), several HDs that didn’t …
Sisufab Build – 1969 Honda CL350 Custom
Post Sale Update: After 9 bids on eBay, this Honda sold for $3,650. This Honda was built by Sisufab for the 2015 Roughrider Ink and Iron Expo in Fargo, North Dakota. The build took just 35 days and the bike ended up winning both the People’s Choice and Builder’s Choice awards.
Factory Streetfighter Kit – 2001 Aprilia Falco
The Aprilia Falco (also known as the SL1000) was a roadster that slotted in between the race-replica Mille and the sport-touring Futura. I thought it was slightly confusing – unlike the Tuono, it wasn’t much more comfortable than Aprilia’s sport bike at the time. To make the Falco stand out a bit more, Aprilia offered a limited edition “Streetfighter” kit …
1956 James Colonel
Like many motorcycle manufacturers, James Cycle Co started with the production of bicycles. Over time they evolved into motorcycles, and their calling card was red/maroon paint. They typically utilized Villiers engines, though AMC bought them out in 1951 and eventually James started using AMC two-stroke motors instead. By ’66, James was out of business.
Two Cheap Honda XL600Rs
A seller has two Honda XL600Rs that are said to run well considering the mileage. Considering they’re both less than $1,000 each, it could be a cheap way to start playing around in the dirt.
Harley Davidson Hummer Collection
Post Sale Update: After being relisted, this entire collection of 12 Hummers sold for $24,999. Harley Davidson built the Hummer model from 1955 to 1959. It was a stripped down model that used a 125 CC two stroke for power. But there is much more to the story. Harley Davidson, BSA and a Soviet company were awarded the design of …
High Miles – 1993 BMW R100GS Paris Dakar
If you follow such things – and you should, as it is absolutely crazy, you know that the participants for the 2017 Dakar Rally are already either in or on their way to Argentina. Formerly the Paris-Dakar Rally, it was first run in 1978 as a rally from Paris through France and Spain, across to Africa, through the Moroccan mountains …
New Bodywork – 2003 Honda 919
Honda’s 919 was an excellent all-arounder that was offered at a reasonable price. It was comfortable enough to ride all day but could still keep up with your canyon carving sport bike friends when necessary.
2016 BMW RnineT Custom
Post Listing Update: This RnineT has been relisted several times but it never meets reserve. The highest bidding has ever been up to is $12,200. BMW has had quite a hit on their hands with the RnineT – which is why they’re expanding the model into a family of 5. It’s also become a popular platform for customizers – here’s …
Frankenbike – 1989 BMW R100RT Custom
Starting with a ‘barn fresh’ BMW R100RT in bad shape, the seller spent years creating something…unexpected.
1970 Moto Guzzi V7 Ambassador
Post Listing Update: This V7 did not meet reserve with 24 bids up to $5,200. Moto Guzzi’s Ambassador was a hit with the US motorcycling press, who saw it as an excellent platform that was well designed for touring with a large fuel tank and comfortable seat.