View Post

1985 Moko/Powa Design D10

In Custom, Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

I’m not ashamed to admit that I want this VERY badly, and it’s taking every ounce of my limited self-discipline to not bid on it. This is a D10, a futuristic concept bike based on a Yamaha FZ750 that was designed by a Swiss company called Moko/Powa Design. The consensus online (which seems to be from one source that a …

View Post

Arai Classic DC “Paul Smart” Helmet

In Japan by AbhiLeave a Comment

Over on the auction site (Iconic Motorbikes), we’ve got a rare and interesting helmet that part of a small run that Arai did in Japan when Ducati released the Ducati Paul Smart 1000LE. “I did a stint for a year in Tokyo, Japan. During my stint I became friends with a Ducati dealer. If have the story right, someone related …

View Post

Owned By Forbes – 1982 Bimota SB3

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Just 402 examples of the SB3 were ever built – and only nine of them were in white with red speed blocks. One of those nine was originally sold new to Malcolm Forbes (the publisher of Forbes magazine), and that’s the bike we’ve got up for sale over on Iconic.

View Post

2 Kilometers – 1984 Yamaha RZV500R

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

The RZ was introduced in 1984 and was arguably the first production race replica. Built to emulate Kenny Roberts’ YZR500 factory racer, the RZ500 was the closest thing two-stroke enthusiasts had to a GP competitor for the road…as long as you didn’t live in the United States of America. Emissions rules put in place by the EPA prevented Yamaha from …

View Post

2000 Cagiva Mito 125

In Italy, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

Over on the auction site we’ve got a rare-in-the-US example of a Tamburini-designed tiddler. Introduced in 1989, the Cagiva Mito (Italian for “myth”) was built to replace the Freccia 125. The original model featured dual circular headlights and for four years it was the best-selling motorcycle in Italy.

View Post

1 of 133 – 1997 KTM 200LE Jackpiner

In Austria, Off-Road by AbhiLeave a Comment

You’re either going to look at this bike and drool, or wonder what the big deal is. If you fall in the latter camp, here’s a refresher of how KTM came to be in the US, thanks in no small part to John Penton. If you’re in the former camp, just scroll down to the for sale listing and snap …

View Post

1966 Honda CM91 Roadster Kit

In Japan, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

The base model of this bike is something most people are familiar with – the step through Honda Cub, what James May once called the greatest machine ever. But in the late 60s, Honda was worried that scooters were losing popularity. Their solution was the Roadster Kit, which would completely change the CM91.

View Post

In Canada – 1989 Yamaha TDR250

In Dual-Sport, Japan by AbhiLeave a Comment

Yamaha called the TDR250 the “Ultimate Dual“. Thanks to a a dual-sport frame with a retuned two-stroke motor from a TZR250 sportbike, I call it weird. Whatever you call it, the US did not have anything like it, because Yamaha never officially sold it here. With that said, a few were sold in Canada, and that’s where this example is …