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 …
1991 Harley-Davidson FXDB Sturgis
Sturgis is about to end, which means the time is right to look at a special edition Harley dedicated to the event. In 1991, HD released a customized FXDB to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Sturgis rally. Here’s one of the 1,600 examples.
“The Tiddler” – 1978 Honda CB125S1
Built by Reverb Motorcycles out of the United Kingdom, “The Tiddler” was a commissioned bike where the client requested a 125cc or smaller bike as a display piece. Well, the owner couldn’t help himself and he ended up getting his license, riding this bike, and deciding he’d like something bigger – so this little bike is now up for sale.
1984 BMW R100RT Cafe Racer
Post Sale Update: After being relisted, this BMW sold for $10,000. I featured an R65 a few days ago that had been modified into a café racer, and remarked how great I thought it was that old, unloved bikes were getting a second lease on life. Here’s another great example. This bike (VIN: WB1044903E6243804) started life as an R100RT. It …
A Star is Born – 1973 Moto Guzzi Eldorado
The year was 1973 and Clint Eastwood’s “Magnum Force” is the #1 box office hit all over America. Probably the best supporting actor award should have gone to the Moto Guzzi Eldorados that all the rogue cops rode. It was great advertising for the new Eldorado line from Guzzi.
1948 Scott Flying Squirrel
The Scott Motorcycle Company started producing the Flying Squirrel in 1925 and continued right through to the last one produced in 1949. It was originally offered with a 498 cc or a 596 cc water cooled 2 stroke twin.