One of the most challenging races in any discipline was the International Six Days Trial (ISDT – now known as the ISDE). An annual test of rider, machine, and durability, the ISDT is also known as the “Olympics of Motorcycling.” In 1968, ISDT changed up the rules to state that a rider had to use a machine of their own …
1959 NSU Com Lux
Post-Listing Update: Despite 21 bids on eBay up to $1,626, this NSU Com Lux did not meet reserve. Not only have I never heard about this bike before, I couldn’t even really find anything concrete on the internet, either. I’m hoping one of you knows something about the NSU Com Lux? Hell, I’m not even 100% sure that’s the actual …
1975 Colorado Norton Works Commando
Post Sale Update: This CNW Commando sold for $18,999 after 7 bids on eBay. In the world of Norton Commandos, there’s very few modern legends that owners will trust to hop-up their bikes. Kenny Dreer and his VR880 is high up there, as is the firm of Colorado Norton Works, one of the best restorers out there. Here’s your chance …
Hardley Worthitson – 1940 HD Custom Bobber
Yes, I’m just featuring this bike for the name. A ’76 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead Hardtail that’s been converted to look like a 40s model, this distinct bobber will only appeal to a certain few of you. It comes with a S&S carb, Revtec gearbox, Moon oil tank, and a police style brown leather seat.
1957 Harley-Davidson FL Panhead
Post-Listing Update: This Panhead did not get any action, even after being relisted. As my friends will attest, I’m a man with many failings. I’ve noticed recently that one of said failings seems to be my lack of featuring Harleys on Bike-urious (partially because I don’t know enough about them) – so on my path to self-enlightenment, here’s a classic …
1954 Benelli Leoncino
The Benelli Leoncino, or the “Little Lion”, is a beautiful tiny two-stroke with one of the more interesting visual cues I’ve ever seen on a bike – a lion on the front fender, a la Jaguar automobiles.
1956 Maico Blizzard 250
Post-Sale Update: This Blizzard sold for $4,800 on eBay. Most people associate Maico with a series of world-beating off road bikes. But they also made road bikes, each of which was named after a “wind”, as in a weather feature. So say hello to the Maico Blizzard 250.
1990 BMW K75S
Post-Sale Update: After 46 bids on eBay, this BMW K75S sold for $3,450. I will concede that BMW K75 is not the sexiest motorcycle that’s ever been built – I remember that the editors of Motorcyclist once called it “the two-wheel equivalent of Birkenstocks.” With that said, I have a soft spot in my heart for these bikes, which I …
The Liberator – 1945 Harley-Davidson WLA
Of all the motorcycles Harley produced for the military, the Harley-Davidson WLA was by far the most common – though that doesn’t mean it’s easy to find nowadays. Based on the WL (W – a model line of bikes, L – high compression, A – Army), this bike helped create a dramatic rise in Harley’s popularity as surplus bikes were …
2005 MZ 1000S
Once the world’s biggest producer of motorcycles, MZ went bankrupt in May of last year. The last decade of its history was full of financial troubles, but the varying ownership had MZ constantly trying new things. In 1996, a Malaysian group took over and resolved to build MZ’s first superbike. The MV 1000S was born – a 140 mph parallel …
Yamaha RZ350 Kenny Roberts
A sought-after collectors bike in the US, the Yamaha RZ350 Kenny Roberts probably needs no introduction. Only sold in the states from 84-85, these were the first bikes in the US to come equipped with catalytic converters and the first Yamaha street bike in the US to use a perimeter frame.
New York Steak – 1973 Kawasaki Z1 900
8-8 Update: Despite 38 bids on eBay up to $61,100, this Kawasaki Z1 900 did not meet reserve. It’s been relisted with an opening bid of $25,000 (and better photos) here on eBay. Before Honda released the instant classic CB750, Kawasaki was also working on a a four-cylinder, 750cc sportbike – except Kawi thought it was going to be first …
1958 Royal Enfield Indian Tomahawk
The Royal Enfield Indian Tomahawk was a result of the odd marriage between (surprise) Royal Enfield and Indian. The Indian marque was owned by an English firm called Brockhouse Engineering, and during this time, they imported Royal Enfield bikes under the Indian name.
Eleven – 1996 Ducati 900SS Custom by Atom Bomb
Post-Listing Update: 27 bids got the action up to $15,100, but this Ducati 900SS Custom by Atom Bomb did not meet reserve. It has since been relisted with an opening bid of $23,900 here on eBay. Previously featured on BikeEXIF, this Ducati 900SS Custom is the work of Atom Bomb Custom Motorcycles. They call this bike Eleven – I call …
1964 Norton Atlas Cafe Racer
Named after the ICBM, the Norton Atlas was released in 1962, earning a so-so reputation before being replaced by the classic Commando. Built to appeal to American aesthetic preferences, it was initially only produced for export. Here’s an example that’s been turned into a cafe racer.