For decades, Matchless and AJS were partnered together under the name AMC. During this time they released lots of ‘twin’ bikes – the same bikes under both names. Think of it like GM releasing very similar cars under the names of Oldsmobile (RIP), Chevrolet, Pontiac, etc. Here’s a bobber version of the AJS Model 18, twin of the Matchless G80
1974 Rokon RT340
The Rokon RT340 was a rare ‘one-wheel’ drive bike featuring an automatic transmission from the company best known for making the go-anywhere Trailbreaker. Because of the transmission, you might suspect it was geared (no pun intended) towards beginners who wanted to learn in the dirt without worrying about shifting, but Rokon built this to compete. It even took 3rd place …
927 Miles – 1983 Harley-Davidson XR1000
Post-Sale Update: This Harley-Davidson XR1000 sold for $14,909 after 25 bids on eBay. The Harley-Davidson XR1000 was a street-oriented evolution of the legendary XR750. Here’s a nice example of the sportiest street bike H-D made at the time with just 927 miles.
1946 Matchless G3L
Like the BSA M20, the Matchless G3L was produced for the British Army for World War II. Unlike the BSA, the G3L was extremely popular as it was the first bike that ditched girder forks. Matchless produced about 80,000 examples of this bike, and the government kept using them through the 60s.
1969 BSA Rocket 3
Sharing its roots with the Triumph Trident, the BSA Rocket 3 was a 750cc triple that was designed to extend the model line beyond 650 twins. It was specifically built for the US market, which wanted larger displacements and less vibrations. BSA’s financials suffered with the production of this bike, but nearly 27,500 of the Trident/Rocket 3’s were produced between …
It’s Here – 2015 Polaris Slingshot
I haven’t had a chance to try one of these (yet), and I’m not convinced the Polaris Slingshot has a place in the market, but I’m all for more options for the consumer so I figured I’d let you know they’re finally out.
1967 Van Tech Honda S90
11-5 Update: Looks like this Van Tech Honda S90 is back up for sale. It’s unclear what has changed with the bike during the new owner’s care, but it’s now available in Upland, California with bidding up to $2,850 and the reserve not yet met here on eBay. Post-Sale Update: This Van Tech Honda S90 sold for $2,250 on eBay. …
847 Miles – 1963 Triumph Bonneville
The seller claims this is the “finest unrestored, untouched, original 1963 Triumph Bonneville motorcycle in the world.” It’s a bold claim, but I don’t have any proof to the contrary…
Euro Model – 1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR
I’ve featured plenty of examples of the XLCR before – I find it quite an interesting milestone in Harley’s history. Here’s an example that stands out even further as it’s a euro model, complete with gauges in kilometers: This specific model has just 5,771 miles and is being offered from a private collection. It runs “as it should”, and it …
26 Miles – 1990 Honda Transalp
I’ve gushed about the Transalp before – and even recently featured one with just 2,700 miles as I didn’t expect to find one with less miles anytime soon. Reader David N has squashed that theory with a find of a Transalp with just 26 miles. It’s been stored indoors for over 20 years, but recently has had the fluids flushed …
Ending Soon – 1960 Motom Junior
Post Listing Update: Despite 23 bids up to $1,325, this Motom did not meet reserve. Barely seen outside of Italy, Motom focused on four-stroke small-displacement bikes. The company was founded in ’47 and kept making bikes until ’71. Here’s a distinctive example of one of their models, known as the 48cc Junior. Check out that pressed-steel frame! This Motom was …
1952 Torpedo Works 150
11-04 Update: Reader “Rico Birdo” has let me know that this Torpedo Works 150 is back up for sale, this time with a more reasonable BIN: $5,989. It sill ain’t cheap, but find it for sale here on eBay. Here’s a bike from a manufacturer I’ve never heard before – Torpedo-Werke AG. This bike has the upgraded 175cc engine which …
1973 Kawasaki H1 Street Tracker
18 months ago, this bike was built with a Champion Flat-tracker frame originally designed for a Yamaha DT1. The builder decided to have some fun and utilize a 500cc two-stroker from the Kawasaki H1. Modifications to the frame were limited to lower engine mounting points. Other goodies include Weiss triple trees, Vapor tach/speedo, HammerHead rea shocks, Betor forks, Takasago rims, …
2013 Triumph Thruxton 900 Custom
Post-Sale Update: After being relisted twice, this Thruxton sold for a best offer less than $9,888. I’ve gotta say, the Thruxton looks good in Phantom Black with Gold Stripes. Here’s a custom version (VIN: SMT920K19DT574934) that has just 408 miles and plenty of upgrades, including Progressive Suspension rear shocks, NH stabilizer, BC airbox, a skid plate, and lots of cosmetic …
The Other Triumph – 1953 Triumph TWN Cornet
OK, this is going to need a little bit of an explanation, because most people think Triumph is an English motorcycle company. They’d be right, but they might not realize that the company was started as a bicycle manufacturer by a German named Siegfried Bettman in 1886. A decade later, Bettman created another bicycle company in his hometown of Nuremberg …