In 1982, Kawasaki introduced a middleweight to the GPz family between the 550 and the 1100 (a couple of years later, the 900 would also be released). The styling was right in line with the rest of the GPz series, though after one year Kawasaki increased the size of the front fairing.
In Italy – 1980 TM 125 MX
Filed under “bikes I couldn’t find much information on,” this 125 motocross bike is an early example of TM’s offerings as the company was founded in 1976.
1973 Husqvarna 450 Desert Master
Post Listing Update: This Desert Master did not get any action at the BIN of $8,750. Introduced along side the 450 CR and WR, the Desert Master was a rare sales flop from Husqvarna in the early 70s – that makes them hard to find today.
1961 Parilla Olimpia
Post Listing Update: This Olimpia did not get any action at the BIN of $4,900. After World War II, Giovanni Parrilla built his first motorcycle (it was based on a Norton). This evolved into the company of Moto Parilla, which was best known for their “high-cam” engines in the US. Here’s one of their lesser known models, the Olimpia (which …
Old and New – 2009 Triumph Bonneville 50th Anniversary
Post Listing Update: Both bikes did not meet reserve – the modern one had 14 bids up to $4,550 while the classic had 24 bids up to $16,000. 12-27-20 Update: One year later, both of these bikes are back up for sale and it looks like nothing has changed with either (except hopefully, the reserves). Find the 50th Anniversary with …
1968 Honda Z50
Post Listing Update: This Z50 did not meet reserve with 20 bids up to $4,000 on eBay in Cedar Park, Texas. 1968 was the first year of US exports for the Mini Trail, and today we’ve got a pleasant survivor. In a wonderful article on Motorcyclist, Mitch Boehm notes “that the Honda Z50 Mini Trail is probably responsible for more …
Still New In Switzerland – 1992 Bimota Tesi 1D 904SR
Post Sale Update: Wow – the seller was willing to take less than $50k less than a year ago, but it just sold on Bring a Trailer for $76,000 plus fees. 12-26-2020 Update: Sam P and Joe G notes that ten months later, this rare Tesi is guaranteed to find a new home as it’s now being offered with no …
Salvage Title w/ 1 Mile – 2006 Ducati 999S
Post Sale Update: this 999S sold for $11,100 after 37 bids on eBay in Independence, Oregon. This is an oddball – it was at a Ducati dealership that had a fire on the other end of the building. Due to “smoke damage”, this bike was totaled. But the insurance company says in a letter that it only need a cleaning …
2015 KTM 1290 Super Duke R
It’s big, it’s fast, and it ain’t a beauty. KTM called it “The Beast”, and for good reason – the Super Duke R had some terrifying specifications: 1,301cc V-Twin with 180 horsepower, 106 lb-ft of torque, and 417 pounds of dry weight. As Loz Blain mentions in his review, “if you turn off the traction control, this bike will wheelie …
1982 Kawasaki AR80
Post Sale Update: this AR80 sold for $2,025 after 6 bids on eBay in Chadron, Nebraska. Kawasaki’s attempt to compete with Honda’s MB5, the AR80 packed a 78cc two-stroke engine that produced about 10 horsepower.
1 Mile – 2000 Bimota SB8RS
The SB8R was Bimota’s usual level of fancy – a trick frame and top-notch components wrapped around a Suzuki TL-R motor. But the SB8RS (the extra S was for “Special”) took it to another level with a full carbon fiber fairing, black wheels, carbon fiber shift rod, Ergal engine screws, and gold-anodized rearsets/rear sprocket.
Baby Interceptor – 1990 Honda VTR250
Yesterday I featured a 1990 Honda 250 sport bike that wasn’t officially sold in the US. Today, we have the one that was! Sold in the US for three years, the Honda VTR250 has become a cult classic for riders that love small bikes. The liquid cooled 250cc engine was paired with a six-speed transmission, and interestingly, an inboard front …
Ex-BSB Team Virgin Mobile Yamaha R7
Over on the auction site we’ve got something quite special – a Yamaha R7 that was campaigned in British Super Bike Rob Mac Racing with Team Virgin Mobile Yamaha. Even better, it was ridden by my buddy Jamie Robinson of MotoGeo!
1990 Honda CBR250RR
Nowadays you can get all kinds of 250-400cc entry level sportbikes in the US, but back in 1990 the entire market was basically the Kawasaki Ninja 250 and the Honda VTR250. In Honda’s home market of Japan, things were a bit more exciting. That’s where they offered the CBR250RR, affectionately known as the Babyblade. The 250cc inline four engine produced …
Ending Soon – 2018 Alta Redshift MXR
Post Sale Update: this Redshift sold for $10,100 after 42 bids on eBay in Novi, Michigan. I recently featured a Alta Redshift MXR with no reserve and it seemed to resonate with you guys and gals, so here’s another one that’s met reserve and will find a new owner!