By 1976 the Japanese motorcycle industry was in full bloom. Innovations seemed to come out monthly, the race was on to build the fastest production bike for that year, and the UJM (Universal Japanese Motorcycle) was becoming established as a standard in the industry. Kawasaki rolled out the KZ900 LTD as a ‘limited edition’ factory custom with pulled back handlebars, …
In England – 2006 Kawasaki TR250 Custom
Mutt Motorcycles is based out of Birmingham, England, and their focus is on bringing “an exciting and fresh attitude to the small cc market at an affordable price.” While they now offer their own line of bikes in the UK, they also have a 15 year history of customizing bikes like this Kawasaki TR250.
681 Miles – 1973 Yamaha RD250
Adorned in a lovely coat of Butterfly Blue, this RD250 is impressively clean for its age.
1964 Honda C200
By 1965 I knew the inside of my local Honda shop at least as well as my own bedroom. After all, my best buddy had an S90 and I lusted for a Honda to replace my Yamaha. Imagine my surprise when I saw this bike that I had no idea ever existed. It would be like my mother asking me …
Pantah in Portugal – 1987 Cagiva Alazzura 350 Custom
Built by Capelo’s Garage, this baby Pantah was shown at last year’s Bike Shed London show with 150 other bikes. The Alazzura is a rare platform for custom builds, even more so when you consider that this is a 350cc bike built to cope with Italian tax regulations.
Green Wing Replica – 1972 Aermacchi Sprint 250 Ala Verde
Ala Verde translates to “Green Wing” from Italian, and it was a sport variant of the Ala Azzurra. It stood out thanks to distinctive styling and a bump in power from the 250cc engine up to 16 horsepower. As a ’72, this is one of the last Ala Verdes built – and it was during the time that Aermacchi was …
Original CB – 1973 Honda CB750 K3
If you’re reading this then the Honda CB750 most likely needs no introduction, but here’s the short version. The modern motorcycle was reimagined, reinvented and then brought to life back in 1969. It was the CB750 and Honda was its surname. The basic architecture was so sound that it spawned a new golden age of the sport and eventually became …
1969 Honda CL90
In the mid 1960’s America went completely crazy for dirt motorcycles and those that looked like they might be dirt capable. The CL designation from Honda meant Scrambler, and that was a higher rear fender, braced handlebars and a high mounted exhaust. The CL 90 was a full brother to the legendary S 90 and aimed at entry level riders. …
First Ride – 2017 BMW RnineT Scrambler
View Post1980 Ducati Supersport
The seller has a long and quirky story about how this bike came into his possession, but the takeaway is that he ended up driving a box van down to Pasadena from San Francisco and picking up a ’63 Moto Guzzi Falcone, ’87 BMW K100, this Ducati, and a biplane project! He has enjoyed bringing this bike back to life …
1966 Triumph T100 SC
In the mid 1960’s America went mad for dirt motorcycles. Husky, Maico, Bultaco dominated the racing, but a huge market fraction was devoted to ‘Scrambler’ type motorcycles that could be licensed on the street but ridden on the dirt. Enter the Triumph T100 SC. Most of the competition was either a dirt racer with lights or a road bike with …
2006 Bimota DB5 Mille
After years of trying to make fast track weapons, Bimota switched things around with the DB5. They started with “just” the 92 horsepower Ducati air-cooled twin and instead just built a more exclusive Italian sport bike for street enjoyment.
Step Into The Future? – 2015 Honda NM4
Introduced in 2014, the NM4 represents an attempt by Honda to expand their brand, piquing interest in the sport towards young consumers who may not have given motorcycles a second glance. It’s also another foray into the future to remind the world that Honda Motor Company remains an innovative design leader. Does it work? Well, despite the naysayers, the limited …
Flathead V8 Power – 1973 Honest Charley
Post Sale Update: This Honest Charley sold for the opening bid of $14,500. Want 8 cylinder power in a cruiser but think that Boss Hoss bikes are ostentatious and ridiculous? Check out this Honest Charley-branded bike, which features a 60 horsepower Ford flathead! Honest Charley was one of the original speed shops – older readers may remember seeing ads for …
Soft Custom- 1954 Ariel Square Four
Do you remember the Johnny Cash song about building a Cadillac in his garage from parts he stole one at a time? This bike might be similar (according to the listing story). Seems there was a guy that was involved in the air freight business from the US to England that loved Ariels and he ‘found room’ on many flights …