Tesi is Italian for “thesis”, and the name reflects that this bike started as a thesis project by Pierluigi Marconi exploring hub-center steering for his mechanical engineering degree. The first generation was the 1D, which utilized the 93 horsepower twin from the Ducati 851. By the third generation (3D), the Ducati-built heart was the 1,078cc dual spark engine found in …
MV/SV – 2001 Suzuki SV650 Custom
7-29-21 Update: One final update, as this bike’s now going for no reserve and it’s guaranteed to find a new home – find it with bidding up to $3,900 in Santa Monica, California here on Iconic Motorbike Auctions.
1960 Zundapp Citation
The Zundapp Citation is an interesting motorcycle that started as a Horex Imperator. The latter’s 400cc engine had the displacement increased to 452cc, and it was then named after the Triple-Crown winning horse.
One Owner – 1966 BMW R50/2
BMW produced 2,557 examples of the R50/2 in 1966 – the second most popular year of production. The 494cc engine was good for 26 horsepower (so add a few more for this larger engine), and the bike could hit almost 90 miles per hour.
1938 Zundapp DB200
7-28-21 Update: 17 months later, this Zundapp is up for sale again. Based on the photos and the fact that it’s for sale in the same city, I’m guessing the original sale did not go through. Find it with bidding up to $2,125 with the reserve already met here on eBay. Post Sale Update: This Zundapp sold for $4,276 after …
Original Owner – 2007 Honda VFR800 Interceptor
In 2007, Honda celebrated the 25th Anniversary of their venerable sport tourer with a special red/white/blue paint job. I always thought this paint scheme looked amazing, though the stock black wheels were a mistake – they should have been white!
2018 Kawasaki H2 SX SE
Kawasaki shocked the motorcycling world when it unveiled supercharging to the modern age with the 2015 H2. The first models were desigend to go as fast as possible, but three years later Team Green introduced the SX, a sport-touring variant with relaxed ergonomics and touring features such as cruise control, heated grips, and saddlebags. It made for the perfect way …
“Stars & Stripes” – 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750 Custom
Featured in the August 2009 issue of Cycle World, this XR750 custom was called “Stars & Stripes” – you can probably guess where the name came from.
1989 Yamaha FZR400
At a time when Japanese manufacturers were getting increasingly aggressive and race-oriented with their 400s to compete in their domestic Formula 3 championship, Yamaha introduced the FZR400 in 1986 as a bike to be enjoyed “on twisty public roads where the customers would actually be riding and enjoying them.” The US got it in 1988, and many riders preferred it …
1995 Moto Guzzi 1100 Sport
Producer of big bikes with lovely, torquey V-Twin engines, Guzzi is best known for cruisers and standard bikes. But the Moto Guzzi Sport 1100 was a beautiful deviation from the norm.
Evel Knievel’s Stratocycle – Harley-Davidson XLCH
7-21-21 Update:Another 3 years later, Tim Huber notes that this famous Harley is now for sale by Heritage Auctions. They’re accepting offers for another couple of weeks, and the BIN price is $125,000. Good luck! 1-9-18 Update: 2.5 years later, this bike is now being offered by a different seller (but with the same asking price). Find it in Beverly …
ThunderDuc – 2006 Ducati Sport Classic Custom
Built by Chris Gorel, this Sport Classic custom is called the ThunderDuc.
1973 BMW R75/5
When BMW introduced the R75 as part of the /5 lineup, it was the biggest bike they offered. The /5 gained an electric start, coils, and an alternator to complement the reliable motor and 100+ top speed. Here’s a “slash 5” with the lovely toaster tank.
1985 Yamaha RZ500
Yamaha’s RZ500 (also known as the RD500LC) was a two-stroke rocket that was kept out of America thanks to EPA regulations. Only built between ’84 and ’86, it’s now a desirable collector’s bike – and this one’s already been titled in the US.
1977 Yamaha RD400 Custom
The RD400 came about when Yamaha made the RD350 a bit bigger in 1976 – displacement was 399cc. Thanks to 44 horsepower, the bigger RD was capable of hitting the ton with a top speed of 105 miles per hour. Most people know the 400 simply for being an easier to ride upgrade over the 350, but it was also …