I have a weakness for older ‘service’ bikes, like a previously featured Honda Dream Fire Bike and this Honda CB450 Police Special, which may have also been officially called the Honda CP450. According to the AMA, just 25 were imported to the US to pilot an entrance into the police motorcycle market.
Postie – 2004 Honda CT110
Post Listing Update: This Postie did not get any attention at the opening bid of $2,200. The successor to the CT90, the CT110 is clutchless, meaning your left hand is much more free to do other things, like…delivering mail. For years, Australia and New Zealand used these bikes for their postal workers, and the little CT110 has affectionately become known …
1939 Zundapp K800
Zundapp had tremendous success in the 30s with the K series of bikes, the smallest of which was 200cc, and the largest of which was the Zundapp K800.
2007 Buell XBRR
A factory-built, $30,995 racebike, the Buell XBRR was Erik Buell’s effort at taking care of privateer racers, and it was specifically designed to compete in the AMA Formula Xtreme class. Oddly enough, that’s normally a race for modified 600cc bikes, and the XBRR uses a 1339cc Thunderstorm V-Twin. Still, that’s where AMA thought the Buell would be competitive. For more, …
1956 James Captain
The James Cycle Company was a British firm that had a 70 year run that abruptly ended in 1966 when Japanese imports started to dominate the market. Until then, they produced plenty of bikes (most of which were painted maroon) with Villiers and AMC engines. One of their more popular models was the James Captain you see before you.
1969 BSA 441 Victor
In the early 60’s, BSA’s race team was developing a large single in the hopes of winning the 500cc world motocross championship. A 441cc engine ended up being the ticket, which helped BSA capture the 500cc championship in ’64 and ’65. The following year, the company released the BSA 441 Victor Special to the public.
1967 Triumph Bonneville T-120 Bobber
Here’s a custom Triumph Bonneville based on a Factory Metal Works frame. The bike has just 100 miles since a full restoration, and it includes a custom frame, fender, front end, pipes, and brass fixtures. The bike was also featured in the February 2013 edition of The Horse Magazine. Find this Triumph Bonneville Bobber for sale in Bethlehem, Georgia with …
Never Started – 1990 Bimota Tuatara YB6
The Bimota Tuatara YB6 was claimed to be the fastest production motorcycle of its time – though Kawasaki would claim otherwise with their ZZR1100. Still, this bike was an absolute rocket, capable of a solid 175 miles per hour thanks to a tuned Yamaha FZR1000 engine.
Bitsa Bike – 1980 Moto Guzzi Custom
Bitsa is a slang term that refers to a bike that’s been put together with “bits of” one bike and “bits of” another. This custom Moto Guzzi definitely qualifies, as it has pieces from multiple late 70s and early 80s Guzzis. As long as you’re not a stickler for originality, who cares? This bike looks good.
1970 Montesa King Scorpion 250
The Montesa King Scorpion 250 was one of the bikes that changed public perception of what a dual sport machine was. Instead of taking a street machine and tacking on ‘dirt’ features, Montesa introduced the concept of starting with a true off-roader, and then tacking on lights and indicators to make it street legal.
1980 Kramer 400
Post Listing Update: Despite 23 bids up to $3,050 on eBay, this Kramer did not meet reserve. I always love featuring motorcycles I’ve never heard of before – I get to learn and share at the same time. Here’s another opportunity for me to learn, with the Kramer 400. Adolph Kramer was a dirt bike tuner and builder extraordinaire who …
1941 Indian 648 Big Base Racer
A prototype of the famous Indian 648 Big Base Racer, this bike is claimed to be #3 of 13 pre-production models, according to the seller.
1 of 200 – 2003 Aprilia Tuono Racing
The Aprilia Tuono Racing (before the Italian company started applying the ‘Factory’ moniker on their high-performance bikes) was a limited edition, highest-spec version of the naked Tuono. Think of it as the RSV-R without a fairing and with wider, flatter bars.
XR750 Replica – 1995 Harley-Davidson XR1200 Custom
Here’s a Harley-Davidson XR1200 Custom that’s been converted into a replica of the classic XR750 – with the bonus of being street legal.
Big Wheel – 1986 Yamaha BW80
The Big Wheel came in three different displacements – 80, 200, and 350cc. Most often used as a learner bike for little kids, the Yamaha BW80 is fondly remembered by those who learned how to ride on it in the late 80s.