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 …
Early Laverda – 1969 American Eagle 750S
Post Sale Update: This American Eagle sold for $10,400 after 32 bids on eBay. Laverda was introduced to the American market via two models called the 750S and the 750GT. The catch is that the bikes were not officially Laverdas – they were American Eagles, the brainchild of Jack McCormack. Jack had helped Honda and Suzuki break into the US, …
1 of 500 – 1995 Aprilia RS250 Loris Reggiani Replica
The R$250 is already a fantastic bike, but this features my favorite paint scheme of the model – the 1 of 500 examples of the Loris Reggiani replicas. Here’s #265 of the bikes built to honor the first racer who won a Grand Prix with an Aprilia.
1982 Honda CB1100R
Post Sale Update: After being relisted, this CB1100R sold for $14,500 after 16 bids on eBay. Considered to be Honda’s first homologation special, the CB1100R is a legend among Honda fans – especially those based in the US, where this bike was never officially sold. The CBR was offered in 81 (RB), 82 (RC), and 83 (RD). As a RC, …
Iron Lungs – 2015 Ducati Scrambler Custom
Built for last year’s Custom Rumble competition, this Ducati Scrambler custom (called “Iron Lungs”) is the result of a collaboration between Ducati Poland, Paweł Kozlowski, and 86 Gear Motorcycles. It doesn’t capture my interest like other entrants (say Untitled Motorcycles’ HyperScrambler), but it apparently won the social media contest of most popular entrant. From there it went on to be …
1941 Indian Scout 741
Indian produced 3 military Scout models during WWII. The 641, the 741 and the 841. The 641 and 741 used the standard 30.5 CID (500 CC) Indian V twin, the 841 turned the motor 90 degrees and fitted a shaft drive. Though they sold over 40,000 units to various militaries a good many left over units were sold to civilians …