In 1956, BSA released an updated version of the Gold Star. Known as the DBB34, it featured a new head, 38mm Amal carb, swept-back exhaust, and clip-on handlebars. That year, BSA won both the Clubmans Senior TT and Clubmans Junior TT races at the Isle of Man – but the Gold Star wasn’t just successful on pavement. BSA also created …
1968 Honda CB450 K1 Desert Sled
The K1 CB450 was a one year only bike, and it was the last Honda to rock chrome panels on the gas tank. Here’s one that’s been turned into a desert sled.
2008 BMW K1200R
“Gorilla in a Tuxedo.” That’s how Motorcycle.com described the K1200R, a naked version of BMW’s K1200S sportbike. It was big, fast, and a bit quirky – it was also the most powerful production naked bike available when it was released. As MCN put it, “The BMW K1200R is another from the latest-generation Beemers that blow away the firm’s reputation for …
1973 BGW Trakcycle
Introduced in 1972, the Trakcycle was a creation of BGW Industries in Mansfield, Ohio – a October 1972 issue of Popular Mechanics says that the Trakcycle “represents just about the ultimate in all-season, go-anywhere ruggedness and versatility. Its rubber-ribbed, cord-reinforced track belt is nearly a foot wide and heavily treaded, giving the bike tremendous traction.”
2009 MV Agusta F4 1078 RR 312
Over on the auction site we’ve got one of the last examples of the first generation of MV Agusta’s legendary F4 1000. You wouldn’t be alone if you though the MV Agusta F4 was the world’s most beautiful motorcycle – but styling is subjective. What can’t be argued is speed, and the F4 R 312 was, when released in 2008, …
191 Miles – 2010 Ducati 1198 S Corse
The 1198S was a phenomenal machine – MCN called it “one of the best V-twins ever made” and “truly one of those motorcycles that everybody should be allowed to ride once in their life.” For those of you that want a dash of exclusivity, Ducati produced a special cosmetic package called the Corse between 2009 and 2011. Here’s one that’s …
No Reserve – 1986 Moto Guzzi LeMans 1000 Custom
As 1984 wrapped up, Moto Guzzi introduced the next generation of their iconic Le Mans with a bigger motor, Lario-inspired styling, and a 16″ front wheel. The front wheel change was polarizing as the frame had been designed around the 18″ front wheel of the previous generation but no changes were made to accommodate the smaller rim. This one has …
1 of 30 – 2021 Aprilia Tuono V4 X
In 2020, Aprilia created the ultimate version of their RSV4 sportbike. They called it the “X” and made just 10 examples, which sold out immediately and for hefty prices. Soon after, they recreated the magic with their naked bike, the Tuono. This time they made 30, and they sold them for $41,667. That’s not the only impressive number – the …
1979 Suzuki GS1000S Wes Cooley Replica
Suzuki shocked a lot of people with the GS series, particularly with their 997cc-engined entrance into the liter bike market. It was fast, it had great handling and brakes, and over time it’s proven itself to be one of the most reliable engines in history. In 1978, Yoshimura was running a KZ1000 with Wes Cooley, but they weren’t winning races. …
1999 Yamaha TRX850
Over on Iconic we’ve got a rare example of a motorcycle that was never officially sold in the United States. Sales were initially disappointing and Yamaha killed it after 4 years, but the bike seems to be remembered quite fondly by moto-journalists and owners – MCN later called it “the best-kept secreting in motorcycling” and a “forgotten gem,” this bike …
Rare in the US – “1986” Kawasaki Estrella
I know many of you are fans of the Kawasaki W650 – but did you know that Kawi made a little brother with a 249cc engine that was never officially sold in the US? The model debuted in 1992, and it was originally called Estrella (Spanish for “Star”). In 2017, it was given the name it deserves: the W250.
1995 Triumph Daytona Super III
In the early 1990s, famed engine experts Cosworth assisted Triumph in their quest to build a faster version of the Daytona 900. It was a rare bird, as just 805 examples of the “Super III” were sold, 179 of which made it to the United States. Cosworth’s primary contribution was a new method of pressure sandcasting for the engine cases. …
384 Miles – 2007 BMW K1200R Sport
To complement their K1200R naked sportbike (which was the most powerful naked bike of the time), BMW offered a “Sport” variant which added a fairing as well as a second air intake which added another 4 horsepower (up to 167).
1 of 23 – 2007 Bimota DB6 Delirio Azzuro
6-23-2022 Update: Three years later, this bike is back up for sale. It’s got a few more miles (now up to 1,209 even though the seller says 700), but more importantly the opening bid ask is down quite a bit. Last time I featured this the seller wanted $25k as an opening bid. Now bidding starts at $11,000. Find it …
898 Miles – 2000 Honda Gold Wing 1500
Honda’s Gold Wing is arguably the world’s definitive touring bike, which is why it’s very surprising to see a 20+ year old one with less than 1,000 miles.