When it was released, the Honda Elsinore was an absolute game-changer. Just under 20 horsepower and 200 pounds, it was light, it was reliable, and it had plenty of suspension travel. Competitors scrambled to catch up. Here’s an example that’s been converted into a flat tracker.
2005 Kawasaki Ninja 250 Custom
The Kawasaki Ninja 250 is known for being one of the best starter bikes ever built. Here’s a custom build that sheds a bit of that beginner image.
1968 Penton Six Days 125 ISDT
Post-Sale Update: This Penton Six Days 125 ISDT sold for $1,895 on eBay after 23 bids. The seller says this is “ugly but runs fantastic.” I actually love the way it looks, as long as it all stays together! The Penton Six Days 125 (actually called the “Six Day”) was a very important motorcycle – it was the start of …
1998 Ducati 916SPS
Post Sale Update: This SPS sold for $11,900 after 9 bids on eBay. A limited edition of one of the prettiest motorcycles ever made, the Ducati 916SPS (Sport Production Special) was an uprated version that featured a modified engine and chassis. Nearly all the specifications were improved like Ohlins rear shocks and Showa front forks, it was designed to be …
1 Owner – 1984 Honda XL250R
OK, sort of 1 owner – the seller has just picked it up and seems to be flipping it. The Honda XL250R was pretty common back in the day – it was one of the world’s first mass-produced 4 valve bikes. Impressively, this bike has under 4,000 miles and looks great as it’s been parked since 1993. It’s got the …
“Earache” – 1968 BSA A65 Custom
While writing up a Triumph Salt Flat Racer a few days ago, I stumbled upon Factory Metal Works. On their site I discovered a beautiful custom built around a BSA A65 motor – they’ve named it “Earache”, and I’m a fan.
1948 AJS Model 18 Bobber
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 …