When you think of rotary engines nowadays, Mazda is usually the first manufacturer to come to mind. In the early 70s, though, several companies were exploring the engine concept – three of whom were in the motorcycle space. Suzuki, Norton, and DKW all brought rotary-powered bikes to the market, but DKW was the first. Outside of the UK, it was …
The First Ducati – 1949 Ducati Cucciolo
The first motorcycle model ever released by the Italian firm, the Ducati Cucciolo was introduced in March 1946 out of the Borgo Panigale factory. One year later they were winning races with Glauco Zitelli at the helm, and a year after that the Cucciolo was being imported into the US.
Restored – 1997 Ducati 916
The Ducati 916 needs no introduction, but I’ve always considered it to be a bit of a revelation.
Moto2 Racer – 2010 Moriwaki MD600
The Moriwaki MD600 was a race bike built to compete in the brand new (at the time) Moto2 class, designed to replace the two-stroke 250cc class as a feeder to MotoGP.
1972 Chaparral Bullet T172
In the 70s, snowmobile manufacturer Chaparral saw how popular dirt bikes were becoming, and wanted to get in on the craze. They did so with a lineup of 3 small (and apparently mediocre) mini-cycles that were deemed “Familyweight”. This was the Bullet T172, a trail bike that was a downgrade of the ST80 (despite the smaller engine, the latter had …
1958 BSA Super Rocket A10
Post-Listing Update: This Super Rocket did not meet reserve at $5,350 despite 21 bids on eBay. In the 50s, BSA was considered to be a manufacturer of reliable motorcycles, though general consensus was that they were falling behind in performance to Triumph and Norton. Birmingham Small Arms fought responded with the BSA Super Rocket, which has to be fast just …
1967 Norton Featherlastic
12-5 Update: A month later, this bike is now up for sale at Brad’s Bikes for $7,500. Post-Sale Update: After 24 bids on eBay, this Norton Featherlastic sold for $6,801. When most people think of a mongrel Norton, they think of the Triton – a Triumph engine in a Norton Featherbed frame. But there’s also a much rarer take on …
2011 Royal Enfield Bullet with Sidecar
As you probably know, the the Royal Enfield Bullet is a retro styled thumper with post-WWII styling and 27 horsepower. It’s also a great platform for customization, as shown by a previously featured custom cafe racer build and this gorgeous sidecar rig which looks like it’s ready to tackle any thing you could have thrown at it back in the …
2000 Moto Guzzi V11 Sport Custom
Here’s an interesting Moto Guzzi Custom Cafe Racer from the folks at Santiago Chopper. I’ve featured a custom Guzzi from Santiago before, but this one’s based on a V11 Sport.
Mini Chopper – 1986 Laverda CU 125 Custom Ride
Normally the Laverda marque evokes thoughts of big triples with excellent style and exhaust notes. This is why I was especially stunned to discover this diminutive chopper – the Laverda CU 125 Custom Ride.
1977 Bultaco Astro
Post-Listing Update: This Astro did not meet reserve with 5 bids up to $3,099. The Bultaco Astro was the Spanish firm’s attempt at building a flat tracker straight from the factory. Based on the Pursang, it was available in 250 and 360 cubic centimeter displacement options.
1958 MV Agusta Raid 300
Originally introduced as a 250cc model, the MV Agusta Raid 300 brought an increase in displacement as well as new fenders, tank, and exhaust to make it an even better long distance mount.
Ending Soon – 1975 AMF Harley-Davidson SX-250
This AMF Harley-Davidson SX-250 has received a museum quality restoration and has spent time displayed at the New England Motorcycle Museum (owned by the seller).
2001 MZ Skorpion Sport Cup
The MZ Skorpion was the result of an international partnership between a British design firm, an East German manufacturer (MZ), and Yamaha. Weighing just 380 pounds and packing 48 horsepower, this is a rare sportbike that has become quite the cult classic.
1915 Indian Big Twin
Post-Sale Update: This Indian Big Twin sold for the BIN of $55,000. The Indian Big Twin was the last of an era – some even consider it to be the last “real” Indian as it was the end of the F-head engine in a cradle-spring frame. 1915 was the last year of production before Indian stopped racing efforts to help …