The ‘69 Honda CL90 was essentially an S90 that was ‘scramblerized’ to take advantage of America’s lust for off road motorcycles. In Honda terms that meant wide, braced handlebars, a ‘high rise’ exhaust with burn shield, increased height, ribbed tires and improved fender clearance front and rear. The rear clearance was more than adequate but I can tell you that …
Original Military – 1942 Harley Davidson WLA
I have intimate knowledge of the ‘42 WLA. In 1980 a friend of a friend caused to appear in the US a new in crate WLA. I have seen photos of the original assembly and have seen many photos of the bike since then. This looks to be every bit as original as the one I have seen.
1977 MV Agusta 800SS
Also known as the Super America, the MV Agusta 800SS was a modified version of the America that was sold just in Germany by the importer Hansen. They added mag wheels, a rear disc brake, and optional Magni pipes to create this rare find. This example stands out as the original owner was Max Moritz, the famous name behind the …
Folding Scooter – 196x Italjet Kit Kat
The Kit Kat was Italjet’s solution for people who enjoyed flying and boating but then found themselves at a destination without wheels for land. It weighed just 73 pounds, so you could even throw it in the trunk of your car if necessary.
1961 Matchless G12
When I hear “Matchless” my thoughts automatically go to the raging singles from the dirt and hillclimbs of my youth. But they built refined road machines as well.
1 of 300 – 2005 MV Agusta F4 1000 Tamburini
When MV Agusta released the F4 1000 in 2005, they released two limited edition models along side the regular “S” bike. One was the AGO – the first 300 models built. The other was the Tamburini, a $42,695 sculpture named for the iconic designer who called this “My dream. My bike.” 300 were produced, 59 of which were imported to …
1979 Honda CBX
In 1978, Honda came out with their first production 6-cylinder bike, the CBX 1000. They had previously built 6 cylinder RC-series racing bikes, competing very successfully in the 60’s in the hands of racers like Mike Hailwood in GP racing and at the Isle of Man.
1964 Velocette LE Mk3
Introduced in 1948 the LE contained all sorts of new technology. Swing arm rear suspension with shaft drive, coil ignition, water cooled, aluminum shields for weather protection, trip odometer, floorboards, sound and heat insulation, a glove box, adjustable rear suspension and detachable panniers. It was also expensive and heavy. One member of the British Motorcycle press said “The odd looks …
1 of 500 – 1982 Puch Magnum Limited
Post Listing Update: This Puch Magnum Limited did not get any interest at the opening bid of $1,500. Puch ended their venerable Magnum line of mopeds with a limited production run of 500 – these were called the LTD or Limited. It was basically a Magnum MKII with special cosmetics and a numbered plaque – this one is 147 out …
Black Bomber – 1967 Honda CB450
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 …
1963 Moto Guzzi Stornello Sport
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) …
1962 Matchless G80
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. …
1915 Harley-Davidson Model 11F
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 …
Restored Racer – 2003 Honda CR250R
Honda started building the CR250R in the 70s, but in 1997 they switched to an aluminum frame. Over a 34 year period, the CR became a legendary dirt bike – in fact, it is the winningest dirt bike in US history, in terms of championships.