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1980 Kawasaki Z1R

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

The Kawasaki Z1R was the brainchild of Wayne Moulton, known as the “Father of the Japanese Cruiser.” His belief was that a solid motorcycle could be moderately tweaked to form four versions, one of which is a sport-tourer. So he took the KZ1000 and turned it into this! The first year of production was 1978, and all the bikes were …

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“NorStar” – 2004 Norton Manx Frame with BSA Goldstar Engine

In Custom, England, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

We’ve shared all kinds of hybrids with fun names here on Bike-urious beyond the usual “Triton” – Norvin (Norton frame, Vincent motor), Esquire (Norton frame, Ariel Square Four motor), a Narley (Norton/Harley) and even a Burton (Norton/Buell). But here’s a first on these pages – a combination of a Norton frame and BSA Gold Star engine called the NorStar.

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1953 AJS Model 20

In England, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

When Triumph introduced the Speed Twin in 1938, every other English manufacturer knew they had to offer two-cylinder motors of their own. AJS was the last of the major Brit builders to join the party (that pesky World War got in the way) when they released the Model 20 (and its Matchless twin, the G9) ten years later. Designed by …

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1973 Yankee Z500

In America, Dual-Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: This Yankee Z500 sold for $5,000 after 26 bids on eBay. In the early 70s, John Taylor of Schenectady, New York started building the Yankee Z500, an American dual-sport designed to compete with the best bikes coming out of Europe. Yankee Motor Company started by importing machines from OSSA, the Spanish off-road powerhouse, and then moved to …

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1986 Moto Guzzi LeMans 1000

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

As 1984 wrapped up, Moto Guzzi introduced the next generation of their iconic Le Mans with a bigger motor, Lario-inspired styling, and a 16″ front wheel. The front wheel change was polarizing as the frame had been designed around the 18″ front wheel of the previous generation but no changes were made to accommodate the smaller rim. By ’87 Guzzi …

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Nice Price – 2006 BMW HP2 Enduro

In Dual-Sport, Germany by AbhiLeave a Comment

The HP2 Enduro was the perfect bike for riders who thought the R1200GS was capable but too heavy. Thanks to a trellis frame and conventional telescopic forks, the HP2 saved 53 pounds of weight from the standard GS. They’ve become cult classics and that means that asking prices can be hefty – here’s one that’s bidden ridden and enjoyed plenty …

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Street Legal – 1993 Honda CRE500

In Dual-Sport, Japan by AbhiLeave a Comment

The CR500 is a truly legendary motorcycle with a long history, but did you know that Honda Australia created a street-leagl version called the CRE500? It’s been difficult to find the official story, though there’s plenty of rumors – one of which is that Honda Australia ordered too many CR500s and so they got certification and converted 250 of them …

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1 of 250 – 1978 Kawasaki Z1R-TC

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

TCC stood for the Turbo Cycle Corporation, and it was created to sell bolt on turbos for motorcycles built by American Turbo-Pak. The founder of TCC was a former Kawasaki USA employee named Alan Masek, and he used his contacts to help develop the first ‘production’ turbocharged bike. Kawasaki’s Z1R was their top of the line bike but Alan figured …

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1966 Bultaco Metralla Mk2 Kit America Project

In Race, Spain by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: This Metralla sold for $5,901 after 14 bids on eBay. Spanish for ‘shrapnel’, the Metralla was one of the most famous motorcycles to come out of Spain. The regular Mk2 model is rare enough, but Bultaco also offered a “Kit America” – a race package with a different tank, tail, handlebars, and a tweaked engine that made …