I bought a 1995 GSPD Classic a few months ago. I bought it because I wanted to learn to become a better mechanic. To me, these 90’s airheads give you the best of both worlds. You get the simple design of the aircooled engine with a bike that’s only 25 years old instead of 40 or 50. There’s no doubt …
Rideable Collector – 1985 Honda VF1000R
There never seems to be a shortage of the big VF’s on the market. Trouble is, they often live at one end of the spectrum or the other; low-mileage museum pieces or hi-mile projects. This ’85 “R” model sits in the sweet spot — not too perfect but one you could be proud to own and actually ride.
Ex-Police? 1982 BMW R45
On one hand, the BMW R45 is already a super rare find in the US, and that makes it cool to me. On the other hand, this is claimed to be an ex-police bike from Belgium but the listing isn’t overwhelming me with evidence. Is it a police bike? Maybe. Is it just a regular R45 with two blue lights …
1986 BMW R80GS
Here’s a clean example of the granddaddy of the GS line – and though they aren’t mounted for the photos, it comes with the OEM luggage, too. I adore these bikes but the sale prices are starting to rise dramatically.
1975 Honda CB750 with Sidecar
How cool is this? Everyone knows what a landmark bike the Honda CB 750 was. Well, give it a few upgrades and add a retro sidecar, and you get this very cool rig. You too can be a huge hit in your neighborhood! Take your dog for a ride, and the chicks will be all over you!
1981 Honda CB900F Cafe Racer
The predecessor of the CB1100F, Honda’s CB900F was introduced in 1981 after US riders sufficiently complained that the bike was available in Europe but not in the States. Cycle magazine called it “one of the best performance buys on the market” in 1982. Of course, this statement has not held up over time, so now it’s an interesting platform for …
Channel Your Inner Prince – 1982 Kawasaki Spectre 1100
You too can can be like Prince! Here is your starting point…. This 1982 Kawasaki Spectre 1100 comes with a complete set of Vetter bags, tail trunk AND the Windjammer fairing. It’s even got some purple trim! For the complete look you’re going to have to add a sissy bar, but that’s easy – no welding required.
In England – 1978 Yamaha SR500 Custom
The English Electric Lightning was a Cold War era jet fighter known for having an incredible rate of climb – pilots said flying it was like “being saddled to a skyrocket.” That plane was the inspiration for this Yamaha custom built by Old Empire Motorcycles – a SR500 dubbed “Lightning.”
1957 Maserati 160 T4
I found this bike for sale and didn’t know it existed. Maserati made a motorcycle? The answer is an unqualified yes, but not only are the bikes extremely rare, but information on them is also very hard to come by. It seems that when Andolfo Orsi (an industrialist who owned many companies including Maserati) died his sister Ida Orsi inherited …
Fully Dressed Restoration – 1967 BMW R50/2
Pots Sale Update: After 35 bids on eBay, this BMW sold for $11,211. Here’s another classic BMW restored by Brooks Motor Works – last week I shared a R69S that he had restored. This R50/2 is on the other side of the riding spectrum thanks to bags and a whole lot of wind protection.
1967 Matchless Hybrid
1967 was very nearly the end of the line for Matchless and Norton Villers (the parent company) Leftover 1968 models were sold as 1969s but 1967 was really the last year for regular production. In the early and mid 60s Matchless had seen some serious engine problems to the point where the parent company combined the factories and started putting …
Old and New – 1975 Honda “CB450R”
Post Listing Update: This CB450R did not get any action at the opening bid of $3,550. Built by Kurt Blankemeyer of Design Cycle, this “CB450R” combines a heavily modified frame from a ’75 CB400F and mates it to a Honda CRF450R motorcross engine. It is glorious, and it’s on offer with no reserve.
Unexpected Custom – 1974 BMW R90S
Post Listing Update: This R90S was relisted a couple of times, but eventually it did not meet reserve with the bids stalling at $8,500. Obviously, BMW airheads have become a popular platform for customization in the last few years. Still, you don’t expect to see someone start with a R90S! What do you think of the end result? Before you …
The Black Racer – 2004 Moto Guzzi V11 LeMans Nero Corsa
Post Listing Update: This Nero Corsa was relisted at an opening bid of $8,200, but it still got no interest. The last of the spine frame Guzzis, the Nero Corsa was a beautiful limited edition of the V11 LeMans. I’ve seen rumors that just 200 were built (50 of which made it to the US), but I have not been …
Military Cutaway – 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA
Post Listing Update: Insanely, this non-functional WLA did not meet reserve $37,100 despite 30 bids on eBay. Affectionately known as “The Liberator”, Harley-Davidson’s WLA is one of the most famous military motorcycles of all time. Unfortunately, this example isn’t in running shape, but hopefully you won’t mind because it’s a cutaway that was used to educate military mechanics on how …