Post-Sale Update: This custom electric sold for $1,975 after 15 bids on eBay. Introduced in 2011, Zero’s XU model utilized a dirt bike frame but it was designed for street riding. One year later the bike gained belt drive, a new AC motor, and 50% more battery capacity. Two years later the bike was discontinued, making room for more new …
Well Farkled – 2011 Husaberg FE390
In the seller’s words, this ‘berg has been “upgraded to be a reliable extreme technical offroad bike and comfortable to ride on regular roads.”
25th Anniversary – 2008 Buell Ulysses XB12XT
A couple of years after the XB12X was released, Buell introduced the XB12XT in 2008, during the 25th Anniversary of the marque. The X was a big dual-sport, but the XT is an ‘adventure-tourer’ with a lower seat, hard luggage, taller windscreen, heated grips, and more.
Swiss Army BMW – 1969 BMW R50/2
Switzerland is a neutral country, meaning it doesn’t engage in armed conflicts, but it does maintain a military force for peacekeeping missions. And, apparently, in 1969 the Swiss military procured BMW motorbikes from neighboring Germany.
Pre-Import Interceptor – 1984 Honda VF1000R
Post-Sale Update: This French Import sold for the BIN of $9,500. Honda Motor Company bet a lot on the V4 engine concept in the early 1980’s. They blasted the marketplace with a full range of styles and engine sizes, and the big gun was this baby, the VF1000R. America got the ill-fated “F” model in 1984, essentially an enlarged 750, …
Street Legal – 1965 Rickman Triumph Metisse
Post-Listing Update: This Metisee got no action at the BIN of $8,900. Just like a dog with no discernible breed, this bike was a ‘mongrel’ of sorts – so they used the french translation (Metisse) to name it. This example is going to need a little bit of work, as it’s been on display for a few years, but a.) …
2005 Triumph Thruxton Cup Racer
In 2005, Triumph partnered with AHRMA to create a spec-series for the Thruxton. Unfortunately, the website for this cup doesn’t seem to work anymore, but the cup is still active – and there will be racing in California later this month.
In Canada – 2008 Yamaha Morphous
Here’s a vehicle only true scooter fans know about – the Yamaha Morphous. Ignoring the oddball name, it was by all accounts a well designed scooter that did not achieve commercial success. It was introduced in 2005 in the US and was pulled in 2009. If you’re looking for a scooter that stands out, it’s hard to imagine a better …
Project Scooter – 1960 Triumph Tigress
Also sold as the BSA Sunbeam, the Triumph Tigress was a scooter available in 175cc two-stroke and 250cc four-stroke variants, producing 7.5 and 10 horsepower respectively. They were introduced in 1959, and production of the 250 ceased in 1964.
Gorgeous Swede – 1962 Lito 500cc MX
View Post1983 Honda CB1100F
Post-Sale Update: This CB1100F sold for $3,300 after 7 bids on eBay. Built for just one year, the Honda CB1100F was a sleek looking standard that was mighty quick – in January of ’83, Cycle World said it was the fastest stock bike they’ve ever tested.
In England – 1999 BMW R1100RS 75th Anniversary
For BMW’s 75th anniversary, the Germany company created a limited run of the R, GS, RT, and the RS. Differences were limited to the special paint scheme and fancy paperwork called the “Edition Folder” for the owner. The RS also got ABS, heated grips, and luggage to complete the package.
Quail Gathering Winner – 1999 Ducati Monster 750 Custom
Starting with a Ducati Monster, Jimmy Kilroy built a custom that kept the frame intact but surrounded it in fascinating bodywork. The build was completed in 2012, and the next year it won the “La Piu Bella” (the most beautiful) award at the Quail Motorcycle Gathering.
Numero Uno – 2004 Honda Rune
Post Listing Update: This Rune got no interest at the asking price of $25,000. The Honda Rune is already an interesting bike – but this specific example definitely stands out as it is serial number 1! When it was first released in 2004, the public was a bit stunned – amost people did not believe that this concept would actually …
Vance & Hines Supersport Replica – 1992 Yamaha FZR 600
Post-Listing Update: This V&H FZR did not meet reserve with bidding up to $2,225. In 1992, Yamaha offered a limited edition replica of their Vance & Hines AMA Supersport bike. I’ve seen conflicting numbers of production (between 500, 600, or 636) and conflicting stories about what the limited edition included. The paint scheme is obvious, though what I’m unsure about …