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1968 Hodaka Ace 100 MX Custom

In America, Japan, Race, Small Displacement by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

A company named PABATCO (Pacific Basin Trading Company) based out of Athena, Oregon negotiated with Hodaka Motorcycles of Japan to produce and market a series of dirt specific bikes in the early 1960’s. Wildly successful from the start, for about 10 years they were THE most successful American dealer. I just happen to know that you could go to Athena …

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1992 Yamaha TDM850

In Dual-Sport, Japan, Less than 5k by AbhiLeave a Comment

The TDM850 was a bit of an oddball that was about 15 years ahead of its time. A pavement-focused dual sport like the Multistrada or the S1000XR, the TDM gave riders the ability to explore any paved road in comfort with the option to explore fire roads to their heart’s content. Unfortunately, not many riders in the US back in …

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Rare Enduro – 1988 Suzuki DR750

In Dual-Sport, Japan, Less than 5k by AbhiLeave a Comment

The DR750 was also known as the DR BIG, meaning it’s got one of the best model names in motorcycling history. It also had the world’s largest single cylinder engine used in a production bike – at least until Suzuki bumped up displacement to 800cc! They were never officially sold in the US, making this Illinois-based example a rare find …

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Icon Defined – 1929 Henderson KJ

In America, Cruiser, Vintage by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

In American motorcycling 3 manufacturers dominate any discussion. Harley Davidson, Indian and Henderson. From 1912 to 1931 they were generally considered as the cream of the American market. They led the market with a flair. In 1925 Henderson introduced a 45 CID V-Twin that HD and Indian BOTH copied, and which lives on today in the 883 Sportster.

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1987 Honda CBR600F Hurricane

In Japan, Less than 5k, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

The first year of the first generation – this is the bike that started the CBR line. It was quick enough to compete in 600cc racing, but user friendly to still enjoy on the street during the week. When it first came out, it was quite an improvement on the competition – Kawasasaki’s GPZ600 (arguably the class leader at the …

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1976 Honda CB750F

In Japan, Touring by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

The Honda CB750 is etched in our DNA as riders. Arguably the most significant motorcycle ever produced. Honda sold millions of them, and there are legions of good examples all over the internet. Why would I even bother to write one up?

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Kott Custom – 1978 Honda CB550

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

We all know how popular the Honda CB550 is for a Cafe Racer custom. Most of us know how talented Dustin Kott is with the genre (there are several examples right here on bike-urious). The owner of this bike bought a CB550 because it was his first bike and convinced Kott to have a go with it.

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1989 Honda CB-1

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

In their review of the Honda CB-1, Cycle World called it “a great motorcycle that never found an audience.” Despite 55 horsepower and a seating position comfortable for track days or just commuting, the average American rider walked right past it in the dealership as they wanted something bigger and faster like the CBR600 or 1000.