In 1952 Audrey Hepburn was certainly one of the most beautiful women on earth, and when she rode on Gregory Peck’s Vespa in the movie A Roman Holiday the scooter’s success was assured. First introduced as a 1947 model they sold 2,500, by 1950 the numbers were up to a very respectable 60,000 units, but 1952 and Roman Holiday and …
“Woody” – 1979 Honda CX500 Custom
I don’t understand this listing, and I don’t really like the bike. The combination of the two is just so odd that I feel obligated to share it. So, what the heck are we looking at?
Restored SD900 – 1977 Ducati Darmah 900
After the 860GT flopped, Ducati released the sport touring Darmah SD900 – and it was much more successful from a commercial standpoint. Plus it just looks much better, even if that’s a subjective observation. Here’s an example that’s been restored to the impressive standards of Austin Vintage Cycle.
1956 Ariel HT5 Replica
Between 1958 and 1964, the Ariel HT5 racked up 161 trial championship wins at both the UK and international levels. Finding original examples of the bike is no easy task, but even today there are companies that make replica frames. Throw in an Ariel 500cc engine and you can complete the rest – or you can just buy this one.
Sitting Since 1983 – 1975 Kawasaki Z1 900
Post Sale Update: This Z1 sold for $12,001.69 after a whopping 114 bids on eBay. Prices for Z1s have been steadily increasing, which is why I’m no longer surprised when I see bidding approaching $10k for a one-owner example that hasn’t been registered in over 30 years.
1971 Aermacchi Harley-Davidson Rapido
Post Listing Update: Despite 24 bids on eBay, this Rapido did not meet reserve at $2,325.01. However, it was relisted and the seller must have lowered the reserve because it sold for $3,100. In 1965 Harley Davidson bought a 50% stake in the Italian manufacturer Aermacchi. For over 10 years they sold the small Italian bikes in HD dealerships under …
Dustbin Fairing – 1956 Moto Guzzi 175 Corsa
A couple of weeks ago, I featured a seller that was selling off a collection of over 40 bikes. The prices were quite high so barely anything has sold, but I have to make special mention of this Moto Guzzi because I’m a huge sucker for dustbin fairings.
1984 Yamaha RZ350 Kenny Roberts
Here is a 1984 Yamaha RZ350. One of the last two-strokes available in the US (other than pure dirt bikes). Yamaha put out a special Kenny Roberts Edition, with the bumblebee paint scheme and Kenny’s signature on the bikini fairing. Cycle World rated this a “Perfect 10” on the fun scale in their review of 1984. The stock RZ350 made …
1948 Simplex Servi-Cycle
In the early 1930’s Baton Rouge, LA Harley Davidson dealer Paul Treen pitched HD with the idea of making an inexpensive motorcycle that would provide cheap transportation and a steady stream of aspiring Harley Davidson riders. The Motor Corp. turned him down and he decided to make them himself. In 1935 the first Servi-Cycle appeared and continued in operation until …
Still New – 2000 MV Agusta F4 Serie Oro
The seller calls this a 2003, but the limited edition F4 Serie Oro was only offered in 2000 – so that’s what I’m going to call this. Either way, this is already a rare model, but this is on a whole another level as it has never been started or registered. Heck, the battery and mirrors have apparently never been …
Red White and Blue – 1987 Honda XL600R
Post Sale Update: After 49 bids on eBay, this XL sold for $2,750. Honda’s XL/XR series has been the mount of choice for enduro riders for decades. Most have been adorned in the traditional Honda red, but here’s an example of my favorite paint scheme of the XL600R – a patriotic red, white, and blue.
1946 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead Chopper
Flashback to 1971. Literally. Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper had sprung “Easy Rider” on the unsuspecting public in 1969 and the drive in theaters were full of classic movies like “The Hard Ride”, “Chrome and Hot Leather” and “The Wild Riders”. All of which seemed to star motorcycles, and particularly choppers. Lots of chrome, lots of noise, little substance.
1965 Norton Atlas – Race Horse or Plow Horse?
After 20 years of dominating English motorcycling with their legendary singles it became obvious to Norton that they needed a twin to compete with Triumph and others. In 1948 Norton introduced the Model 7 which was essentially a twin mounted on a single frame. Not a good effort for Norton. They improved with the model 88, 99 and 650SS and …
1974 Laverda 750 SFC
Laverda’s most famous motorcycle, the 750 SFC was basically a street-legal race bike – the C stood for “Competizione”. Here’s a restored example that was originally sold in the US market.
Freddie Spencer Tribute – 1985 Honda NS250R
Fast Freddie Spencer won the 1982 Belgian and San Marino Grand Prixs with Honda’s first liquid-cooled two-stroke three-cylinder engine. That iconic bike provided the inspiration for this NS250R – which is a little weird considering Freddie won a 250cc championship in ’85, and that might have been bike for source material.