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1936 Zenith C5 Special

In England, Vintage by Abhi2 Comments

Not many people know about the old British motorcycle manufacturer, but let me pass along a story about their first motorcycle. Instead of a normal gearbox-based transmission, Zenith developed something called the “Gradua”, a variable pulley that could change the length of the drive belt. Competitors complained, so several racing clubs banned the bike. Zenith responded by including “BARRED” in …

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1 of 25 – 2010 KTM RC8R Red Bull Edition

In Austria, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post-Listing Update: Despite being relisted, this RC8R got no love at $19,900. In 2010, KTM started importing the RC8R to the US. To celebrate, they released two limited edition models, both of which had just 25 examples produced. One was the Akrapovic Edition (reader Zack B. actually found one for sale just 3 days ago), the other is this post’s …

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1969 Ducati Scrambler 350

In Dual-Sport, Italy by AbhiLeave a Comment

In the 60s, American importer Joe Berliner was bringing in so many Ducatis that he had the ear of the corporate office. So when he started asking for a do-it-all bike aimed towards younger riders, the Italian firm obliged him with the Scrambler, a dual-sport based off the road-based Diana which Berliner had converted for dirt track competitions in the …

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1973 Honda CB500 Racer

In Japan, Race by AbhiLeave a Comment

Here’s some vintage racing goodness – a Honda CB500 Four that’s been converted into a racer that competed in F1 CCS’s Vintage Classes in 2000. It was also raced in 2001 and 2002 in CCS, WERA, and AHRMA, and won LW and HW Vintage classes. After that it sat until 2011 when it was sold and got some street duty. …

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1975 Harley-Davidson SX 125

In America, Italy, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: This SX got no interest at the BIN of $2,500. One of the results of AMF’s investment in Harley, the Harley-Davidson SX 125 was a small displacement enduro complete with “Italian” style and an upswept pipe. This specific Harley-Davidson SX 125 (VIN: 7A12122H5) has 1,100 miles and has recently been restored. It is currently on display at …

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Military Chief – 1940 Indian Chief 340B

In America, Cruiser by Abhi4 Comments

I’ve featured a few Harleys that were built for the military, but the Indian Chief 340B is the first military Indian I’ve been able to find for sale. Essentially a civilian model that was slightly modified for armed service duty, this was a rare bike – as far as I can tell, only about 5,000 were produced.

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1927 Rudge-Whitworth Four Special

In England, Vintage by AbhiLeave a Comment

Founded in 1894 through the merger of two bicycle makers, Rudge-Whitworth moved into motorcycle production in 1911. They made a name for themselves with some technological innovations (such as the Multi gear system which allowed for 21 speeds) and some racing success. After starting with a 499cc single, their new model in 1924 was called the Four. But the name …

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1971 Laverda SF Vintage Racer

In Italy, Race by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post-Listing Update: This Laverda SF Vintage Racer was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. Was the Laverda SFC 750 I posted on Friday too expensive ‘original’ for you? Then you might want to take a look at this Laverda SF that was converted into a racer about 18 years ago.

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2014 Rokon Trailbreaker

In America, Off-Road by AbhiLeave a Comment

Founded about 50 years ago, Rokon has become synonymous with two-wheel-drive motorcycles that are able to go anywhere. Initially designed as a motorcycle/tractor, the Trailbreaker lives up to its name with incredibly low gearing that enables riders to climb up steep hills balancing at just 0.5 miles per hour.

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1937 Indian 437 Sport

In America by Abhi1 Comment

Though I think this bike is quite the looker, the Indian 437 Sport was not received well by the press, who considered it to be uglier and just plain worse than the rest of the Indian line-up.

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Needs Some Work – 1973 Triumph Hurricane X-75

In England by Abhi1 Comment

The Triumph Hurricane X-75 represented a paradigm shift in motorcycling manufacturing, as it was the world’s first factory custom motorcycle. The brainchild of Craig Vetter (well known as a motorcycle designer and manufacturer of custom motorcycle fairings) and Don Brown (General Manager of BSA), the Hurricane was created when Brown called Vetter up on a secret project to create a …

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1976 BMW R90/6 Cafe Racer

In Cafe Racer, Germany by AbhiLeave a Comment

Here’s a BMW R90/6 Cafe Racer in an interesting red/silver paint scheme. It also has a vintage style Ducati SS fairing, custom seat, and clubman bars. It’s had the airbox removed and it has just 26,000 miles. Find this BMW R90/6 Cafe Racer here on Craigslist in Woodstock, Illinois. This bike-uriousity bought to you by Zack B!

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Number Six – 1997 Bimota SB6

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

I’ve been on an odd run of low-serial-number Bimota’s, so why not continue that with this Bimota SB6, which was (fittingly) serial number 6. Production of the SB6 ended in 1996, so the fact that this is titled as a 1997 means it was one of the last ones brought to the states.