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Black Bomber – 1967 Honda CB450

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post-Sale Update: This Black Bomber sold for $6,600 after 19 bids on eBay. The CB450 was Honda’s first “large displacement” bike, and it ended up becoming one of the most important Japanese motorcycles of all time. It was also quite upsetting to the British motorcycle industry, and they were put on the defensive by the Black Bomber. According to Motorcycle …

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1963 Moto Guzzi Stornello Sport

In Italy, Small Displacement, Sport by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

In 1960 Moto Guzzi set out to re establish itself in the most profitable Italian market segment by introducing the 125 CC Stornello. Using a brand new four stroke pushrod single, the Stornello made an instant impact in the eighth liter class of Italian bikes. In 1961 Guzzi added inclined valves and a hemispherical combustion chamber (yes, it’s a hemi) …

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1962 Matchless G80

In England, Standard by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

If you wanted to buy a new touring bike (or maybe lug a sidecar) in 1962 your choices were really quite simple. European or Harley Davidson? Single or Twin? The Japanese were a few years from market impact, and the English really bullied the market at the time. Associated Motorcycles Matchless brand (and the identical AJS Model 18) were players. …

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1915 Harley-Davidson Model 11F

In America, Cruiser, Vintage by Tom Wacker2 Comments

The 1915 HD Model 11F was one of the most advanced motorcycles available on the planet. It featured an overhead valve V-Twin motor (only the intake valve was overhead-the exhaust valve remained flathead) that had an automatic oiler. A magneto was offered and the Model 11F had a proper transmission and clutch. The Model 11J offered electrical lighting but cost …

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1963 Velocette Venom

In England, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Between 1955 and 1970, Velocette built 5,721 examples of the Venom. A factory-prepped Venom set a world record for being the first bike ever to average over 100 miles per hour in a 24 hour period. Here’s a 53 year old example that spent 30 years on display in a previous owner’s living room.

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1947 Harley Davidson WL with Sidecar

In 3 Wheels, America by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

The Harley Davidson ‘45’ flathead small V twin motor was one of the longest lived motors in company history, introduced in 1929 with the last one installed in a ServiCar in 1973. They weren’t a tower of power, but they were much the most reliable motor the company made for over 40 years. They simply started and ran in all …

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“1962” Norton Atlas Cafe Racer

In Cafe Racer, Custom, England by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

11-18-25 Update: Nine years later, this bike is much shinier and it’s back on the market! Find it over on our auction site in Saint Clair Shores, Michigan with bidding up to $9,000 and the reserve met here on Iconic Motorbike Auctions. Here’s what it looks like now: Post Listing Update: After being relisted, this cafe’d Atlas got bidding up …

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Varese Model – 1995 Ducati 916

In Italy by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: This Varese-built Ducati sold for $9,400 after 47 bids on eBay. The 916 has obviously become one of Ducati’s most important motorcycles, but it had a very worrying start. Right as the bike was set to debut, a fire broke out at the paint shop in Bologna. Ducati improvised and temporarily moved production to Cagiva in Varese. …

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1939 Velocette KSS

In England, Vintage by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

By 1939 the K series Velocette featuring the overhead cam single had been in production for 14 years. The ‘39 was a Mk2 motor that was extensively and successfully raced in Europe, particularly at the Isle of Man. The KSS was a detoxified version of the racing bike that included electric lighting, illuminated speedometer, electric horn and the positive stop …

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1973 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: This V7 sold for $14,699 after 31 bids on eBay. Nowadays, Moto Guzzi offers several variants of the modern V7. They don’t sell particularly well, but they do hark back to one of Guzzis most iconic motorcycles of all time – the original V7 Sport. It was an instant classic that was created by Tonti to honor …

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1969 Honda Z50 Mini Trail

In Japan, Off-Road, Small Displacement by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

Designed and built originally as an attraction at a Japanese amusement park, when Honda officials saw the reaction of all ages, they decided to market the bike to the world. Starting in 1964, the Z50 turned out to be a very successful seller for HMC. Commonly called the ‘Monkey Bike’ based on how adults looked riding this teeny bike it …