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 …
2007 Ducati 1098S Tricolore
Just for the debut model year of the 1098 (2007), Ducati offered a limited edition “Tricolore” variant of the already-impressive 1098S. The S model came with lighter Marchesini wheels, a dollop of carbon fiber, and Ohlins suspension. Expectations were high for the follow-up of the controversially-styled 999, and Cycle World was impressed by the S: “on the road the 1098S …
1989 Honda XRV650 Africa Twin RD03
The first generation of the Africa Twin was introduced in 1988 in response to Honda’s success with the NXR750 racebike – it would end up winning Paris-Dakar four years in a row, starting in 1986. Honda already had the single-cylinder NX650 and the V-Twin Transalp, but the Japanese company decided another big trailie was needed. History has shown that they …
2023 Honda Motocompacto
Well, I think I just found my next pit bike! Honda’s just announced a spiritual successor to the Motocompo – meet the all-electric Motocompacto. It doesn’t roll off the tongue the same way, but it’ll be a lot easier to find in the US!
In Canada – 2008 BMW HP2 Megamoto
One of the rarest BMWs of modern times, the Megamoto was only sold in 2008. As this was BMW’s take on a large supermoto, the model name is just about perfect. Think of it as a street version of the HP2 Enduro. The US got 107 examples, and if you believe the seller of this example, Canada only got…one. I …
1 Mile – 2020 Ducati Superleggera V4
Over on Iconic, we’ve got one of the most impressive Ducatis ever built – the the Superleggera (Italian for “super light”) variant of the Panigale V4.
2020 Bimota Tesi H2
Post Sale Update: This Tesi H2 sold for $51,574 (including the 7% buyer’s fee) on Iconic Motorbike Auctions. Over on Iconic, we’re selling one of the craziest motorcycles we’ve ever seen – the supercharged, hub-center-steering, way-too-loud Bimota Tesi H2.
Salt Flat Racer – 1971 Suzuki 250
This Suzuki 250 was turned into a land speed racer to compete at the Bonneville Salt Flats – unfortunately this year the Bonneville speed trials were cancelled due to rain and the owner of this bike is leaving the country before the next running. So now you can try to make his dreams happen!
1990 Honda Zook
Sold only in Japan (and only in 1990), the Zook is a rare 50cc scoot from Honda. Per this press release, Honda planned on selling 40,000 Zooks to young people “as a trendy new model” for urban transportation. They called it “fun to ride” and “fun to look at”. It features a two-stroke, 49ccm motor that produces 3 horsepower.
Street Legal – 2009 Aprilia RS125
American fans of Aprilia rejoiced when the Italian firm announced that they would export the RS125 to the US, though it wasn’t all good news – due to EPA emissions standards, the baby RS was exclusively for closed-course riding even though it came with lights, mirrors, a horn, and everything else you’d expect to see on a street-legal machine. With …
1990 Honda Transalp
In the late 80s, Honda offered both an AT and a TA – the Africa Twin and the Transalp. Both were ahead of the times, though the latter was more street-biased. Consider it a jack of all trades sort of bike with a cult following. The US only got the Transalp between ’89 and ’91.
1984 Moto Guzzi V65 SP
The V65SP was Guzzi’s mid-sized tourer, complete with full upper and lower fairings – it was the little brother to the 1000 Spada.
2,832 Miles – 1989 Honda GB500
Honda’s GB500 was an homage to classic British singles but there was a twist – it was reliable! The average American rider shopping for a Japanese bike at the time was more interested in the bigger supersport replicas, but the Tourist Trophy has become a cult classic.
NOS – Garelli Urka 50
Founded in 1919, Garelli is now solely electric but they have a long history with small displacement motorcycles – they even won the 125cc Grand Prix championship every year between 1982 and 1987. Here’s an oddball scooter that I’ve never heard of before, and it’s still “new”!
Street Legal – 2017 Christini 300 AWD
You’ve seen two wheel drive bikes before thanks to companies like Rokon. But thanks to a fancy mechanical system enclosed within the head tub and frame, Christini has been the most successful manufacturer of two wheel drive bikes that can go anywhere and do it quickly. Nowadays they offer bikes in 300 and 450 displacements – the smaller option utilizes …