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2006 Honda XR400SM

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Introduced in 1996, the Honda XR400R was impressively successful – Dirt Rider magazine notes that it was the only 400cc bike at the time that had any sort of low-end or mid-range power. Honda barely changed the bike until they discontinued it in 2004 and replaced it with the CRF450X. But in 2005, Honda released a new variant in just …

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1973 BMW R75/5

In Germany, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

The owner of Fastheads is letting go of his personal ride, a solid R75/5 that he’s owned for the last 20 years. The bike now has 62,573 miles and the only non-OEM parts are the handlebars, mirrors, grips, and battery. It comes with the original tool set and everything is claimed to work great. Find this slash 5 for sale …

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1975 Laverda SFC Electronica

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Even the “base” SFC 750 is a legendary bike, but near the end of production, it got just a little bit better with the Laverda SFC Electronica. It was named for the incorporation of Bosch electronic ignition, but that wasn’t the extent of the modifications.

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Harley-Davidson XR1200

In America, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

A slight departure from Harley’s normal bikes of the time, the XR1200 was almost instantly raced in Europe as soon as it was released to the public. Built as an homage to the flat-tracker XR750, this was a bike designed to handle the curves as well as the straightaways. For more on the XR1200, check out this review from webBikeWorld.

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1983 Suzuki GS1150ES

In Japan, Touring by AbhiLeave a Comment

The Suzuki GS1150ES was one of the last big standards, a line that started with the Honda CB750. This bike was rare even when new, so I’m glad to share a pretty solid example of what is now a 32 year old motorcycle.

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Fizzy Days – 1973 Yamaha FS1

In Japan, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

The Yamaha FS1 was a tiny motorcycle that had tremendous success in Europe. The 50cc two-stroke produced 4.8 horsepower, enough to get the bike up to about 45 miles per hour. It was a first motorcycle for many. For more on why it’s a “Memorable Motorcycle”, check out this article from Motorcycle USA.

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Sandcast – 1969 Honda CB750

In Japan, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

#6,655 of the 7,414 original sandcast CB750s, this bike has just 14,530 miles and looks great thanks to a NOS tank (which has never had fuel in it) and NOS side covers. The only Sandcast bike features this one is missing are the recessed ignition and the ‘rolled rim’ rear wheel. It’s a good-looking Honda.

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1953 Simplex Servi-Cycle

In America, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

Originally founded in the late 20s with an initial investment of $25, Simplex Manufacturing Corporation was created by Paul Treen, a former dealer of Harley-Davidson who suggested that they start building a small bike for young riders, presumably to get them hooked on Harleys at a young age. Milwaukee said no, so Treen decided to do it himself. The Simplex …

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9,740 Miles – 1982 Honda CBX

In Japan, Touring by AbhiLeave a Comment

The Honda CBX only lasted five years, but it led to a new wave of sports-oriented motorcycles, and eventually to the Honda ST series. A 6.1 gallon tank was necessary as the 6 individual carbs and monster power led to just low 20’s miles per gallon. Want to learn more? Check out Motorcycle Classic’s writeup of this legendary bike here. …