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Super Single – 2006 Kawasaki KLX450 Road Racer

In Japan, Race by AbhiLeave a Comment

About a decade ago, AMA debuted a Super Single class (it evolved to become Formula 450). It was developed as a cheap way to get people into road racing – start with a 450cc motocross bike, make a few modifications, and then go racing! Here’s an example that started as a Kawasaki KLX. It was first raced in 2008 and …

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1960s Centaur Folding Scooter

In America, Scooter by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: This Centaur was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. I actually remember this from the early 60’s. Popular Science and/or Popular Mechanics had a feature on it. I didn’t give it much consideration then. The owner of this one isn’t sure what year it is, but they were built from 1960 to 1965.

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Italian Made – 1940 Matchless G3L

In England, Italy, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

An Italian Matchless? It’s true! The G3L was built by Matchless for the World War II – the British firm ended up producing about 80,000 examples of the model. After the war, Italy’s motorcycle industry (and frankly, all other manufacturing sectors) were in a state of disrepair. ARMA was a Matchless/AJS dealer in Milan that thought they could stand out …

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Incredible Listing – 1975 Hercules W2000

In Germany, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: This W2000 did not meet reserve with 18 bids up to $8,201. One of my favorite eBay sellers is a gentleman in Chicago who a.) offers great bikes and b.) (more importantly) gives a lot of great information and photos in the listing. Here’s another excellent listing from him for a rare rotary motorcycle.

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1968 Kawasaki A7 Avenger

In Japan, Sport by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

Kawasaki got into the motorcycle business relatively late, buying a share in Meguro Motorcycles in 1960 and assuming full control in 1963. Their first model was the W1 which had been copied from the BSA A7 under license by Meguro. Kawasaki’s first ‘own model’ was a two stroke twin called the Samurai in 1966. In 1967 they introduced the A7 …

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Texas Police – 2009 Honda ST1300PA

In Japan, Touring by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: No one wanted this police Honda at the opening bid of $8,500. Nearly all of the big motorcycle manufacturers have offerings for police departments. Honda uses the ST1300 for their model, which they call the PA (Police ABS). In addition to the usual lights/sires that you’d expect, the ST1300PA gets a 7.7 gallon fuel tank, adjustable 3 …

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Return from WWII – 1946 Indian Chief

In America, Cruiser by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

In 1946 Indian resumed production after the war with exactly one model: the Chief. The Duponts were actively trying to sell the company and decided that just marketing their most popular model was the economic choice for the company. Turns out that was another decision that contributed to the demise of Indian.

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Erzberg Edition – 2009 KTM 950 Super Enduro

In Austria, Dual-Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: I’m stunned that this got no action at the opening bid of $8,500. I’ve seen much higher sale prices on ADVRider. KTM’s 950 Super Enduro was already one of the most impressive big dual sports ever built, but the Austrian firm decided to make something a little bit fancier with the limited edition Erzberg Edition. Hard Enduro …