Yamaha introduced the TX line (4 stroke parallel twins) in 1973 to generally great reviews. The 500 was really a tech marvel, with lots of innovations-such as dual overhead cams, 4 valves per cylinder, counter balance shaft, an electrical system designed to support the electric starter and front disc brake. But, like all new technology, some inherent bugs appeared. By …
One of Many – 1962 Honda C110
Before there was a CBX or a CBR or CB anything from Honda, there was the C. We are all familiar with the C50 Super Cub, the step through 50cc bike that changed motorcycling forever in the very early 1960’s, but the C110 is considered the same platform and as such is one of the more than 60 million units …
Dunstall Equipped – 1974 Norton Commando 850
Paul Dunstall’s motorcycle business was humming by the time the 70s rolled around, and he was so successful that he had started shipping completed motorcycles over to contracted delaers in the United States. By the mid 70s, he was almost exactly splitting his production between Norton and Hondas, though he was definitely more famous for his work with the British …
1963 Yamaha YG1
Post Sale Update: This YG1 sold for an opening bid of $750. You NEVER forget your first time. This could be pretty sappy. This is essentially my first motorcycle. Mine was a ‘64 T variant. In 1963 Yamaha introduced what would become their first American success, the YG 1. It had a number current state of the art touches such …
Brand New – 1982 Ducati TT2
In 1981, Ducati introduced the legendary 600TT2 factory racer. It was an instant success, and Ducati offered examples to the public in ’82 and ’83. They were impressively similar to the four-time World TT2 championship winning-bike piloted by Tony Rutter, and are truly a landmark bike in the illustrios history of the Italian firm. It’s hard enough to find one …
1995 ATK 605
Post Listing Update: This ATK was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. In their heyday (during the 90s), ATK was known for creating some of the best handling dirt bikes a rider could get straight off the dealership floor. Their approach was simple – take a proven engine (in this case, a 600cc Rotax unit) and envelope it …
2003 Bourget Low Blow
Choppers bring out all kinds of passions in people. It could be “The freedom of the open road”, or “motorcycle art”, or “Outlaw” that springs to mind when you see a chopper. They can also be polarizing. Sport bike guys wonder why you would ride a bike that takes a block to turn around. Touring guys wonder where to put …
1993 Ducati 888 SPO
Post Listing Update: This 888SPO was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. With just 390 examples sold between 1993 and 1994, the 888 SPO is a limited production Ducati that doesn’t seem to get as much attention as it probably should. It was street legal, but this bike is happiest on a track.
Lovely Restoration – 1961 BMW R69S
Post Listing Update: This R69S did not meet reserve with 40 bids up to $16,000. Unofficially, the BMW R69S is easily one of the most popular motorcycles among Bike-urious readers – so I suspect this Phil Cheney-restored first-year model is going to attract some attention.
Game Changer – 1970 Bultaco Pursang Model 68
Bultaco was formed out of the wreckage of Montessa racing in 1958. Within one year they had their first racing win, taking 7 of the first 10 places in the Spanish Grand Prix 125cc class. In 1965 Bultaco completely dominated the Trials specialty with the two stroke Sherpa T, driving several British makers out of the business. In 1965 Bultaco …
1970 Triumph Trophy Cafe Racer
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 …