Post Sale Update: This Triumph sold for $5,775 after 54 bids on eBay. Built over the last 6 months, this cafe racer is based on a Triumph Trophy 650 that’s been on non-op since 1997.
Nice Price – 2005 BMW R1200RT
In 2005, BMW updated the RT with the 1,170cc boxer engine, good for a ~15% increase in horsepower and ~10% bump in torque – all while reducing the weight of the package by over 40 pounds. God bless progress. It immediately won Best Touring Bike awards from Cycle World and Motorcyclist, and the only gripe people really seem to have …
Another Rare German – 1952 Tornax V175
Tornax was a German motorcycle company that was in business from 1925 to 1955. Prior to 1934 they imported motors and some components from England, but the National Socialist Party made those sorts of imports illegal. Unlike most German manufacturers, Tornax stayed in business by utilizing motors made in Germany.
1991 Harley-Davidson FXRT Sport Glide
In 1982, Harley-Davidson introduced the FXR Super Glide II, and they promised handling on par with what other countries considered ‘sporty.’ It had larger lean angles and less vibration, and it’s remembered fondly by many HD riders. One year later, Harley introduced the FXRT – a touring variant that got a fairing and bags.
Unexpected Custom – 1971 Harley-Davidson/Aermacchi Sprint 350
Post Listing Update: This Sprint did not meet reserve at $4,008.88 after 24 bids on eBay. Looks like the seller was testing the market as he’s relisted it a few times with a BIN of $5,250. When reader Bill B sent me this bike, he said “it has one of the most dramatic before/after pics you’ll ever see,” and suggested …
Baby Blade – 1983 Suzuki Katana 750
5 years ago, this Katana was put up for sale on eBay. It looks like the bike went to a motorcycle museum, but now it’s back up for sale. Collectors would probably prefer the bigger Katana, however this features fantastic period Lockhart lower fairings which are hard to find. A Katana is a sword utilized by Japanese samurai – so …
American Iron Garage Build – 1979 Harley-Davidson XL Sportster
Post Sale Update: After 18 bids on eBay, this Sportster sold for $3,300. This Sportster was built into a street tracker for American Iron Garage (the DIY tech part of American Iron Magazine). It was put into storage over a year ago so it may need some work, but this has the potential to be a very cool daily rider!
1966 Ducati 350 Sebring
Before the V-Twin, even before the Desmodromic heads, Ducati had a line of Overhead Valve single cylinder, 4 stroke motorcycles. 1965 was the first year for the 350 Sebring, named for a class win by the factory at Sebring Raceway. By 1968 Ducati had introduced their Desmo heads and the rest is history.
4 or 6? 197x Benelli Quattro and Sei
Post Sale Update: The Quattro did not meet reserve at $4,850, but the Sei sold for $15,050! A seller in New York has two beautiful Benellis for sale – but you’ll have to wait a little bit as they’re both on exhibit at The Stony Brook Museum Educational and Cultural Center and they’re tied up until September 5th.
12.3 Miles – 1970 Velocette Thruxton
Over 50 years ago, Velocette set a 24 hour record for 500cc bikes with their Venom. Impressively, the record still stands today – and if you want more information on this, you should head on over to the the Vintagent. This example hasn’t had a chance to set any speed records, however, as it has done just 12.3 miles. The …
Barnfind Racer – 1951 BSA 500
According to the seller, this BSA (along with an Indian) was found in a barn in Cottage Grove, Oregon. The seller originally bought the Indian and his friend bought the BSA – his friend then got the BSA running with a valve adjustment, and a rebuild of the magneto and carb. The seller then bought the bike from his friend, …
1969 Bultaco Metralla
Bultaco was formed out of the failed Montesa Racing Division in 1958. Almost immediately Bultaco became a player in the trials and motocross segment of the sport. By 1969 you could buy a very competitive motocross bike right from your local dealer. The Bultaco dirt squirters are the stuff of legend.
Ending Soon – 1978 Yamaha XS750E
Post Sale Update: This XS sold for $1,350 after 8 bids on eBay…to Bike-urious contributor Cas Vanderwoude! This one-owner XS750 has not run in several years but I think it’s worth resuscitating. Either that, or someone needs to pick this up just to grab all the fantastic period goodies and throw it on their own XS!
Ending Soon – 1951 Vincent Black Shadow
Post Listing Update: 24 bids got the price up to $81,700 – but this wasn’t enough to meet reserve. For the first time in 35 years, this Black Shadow is up for sale. It’s been in storage since 1981 but the seller says it’s unrestored and runs “quite well.” The seller also says it’s a “wonderful candidate for restoration or …
1941 Shelby Whizzer
I got a brand new 26” Schwinn Bicycle for Christmas when I was 10 years old. By the time summer that year I was agitating for an auxiliary motor for it. I already knew the freedom that a Whizzer could provide. It is probably my earliest dream of being a motorcyclist. Made in Shelby, Ohio, the Shelby Bicycles were considered …