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Made in Gilroy – 2000 Indian Chief Centennial

In America, Cruiser by Chris CopeLeave a Comment

You probably know that the history of Indian Motorcycle between 1953 (when the original Indian Motocycle Co. went bust) and 2011 (when Polaris took over the marque) is murky and filled with charlatans and dreamers. In that 58-year period, no less than 10 individuals or entities laid claim to the Indian name, each offering (or promising to offer) a new …

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1947 Harley-Davidson FL with Sidecar

In America, Cruiser by Chris CopeLeave a Comment

If you’re like me, you kinda clocked out halfway through Robert Pirsig’s Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, when it went from travelog to philosophical ponderance. I’m more of a John Sutherland guy ─ I like wearing a leather jacket because it looks cool, and I don’t really want to mess with tappets ─ so, once he left the …

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100th Anniversary – 2003 Harley-Davidson V-Rod

In America, Cruiser by AbhiLeave a Comment

In 2001, Harley-Davidson released the V-Twin Racing Street Custom (VRSC). You may remember it as the V-Rod. A muscle bike that was used as a base for drag racing, Harley got some attention with this bike because the Revolution v-twin engine was jointly developed with Porsche. For 2003, Harley-Davidson celebrated their 100th Anniversary with special variants of their most popular …

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1987 Honda Super Magna

In Cruiser, Japan by AbhiLeave a Comment

For the 1987 model year, Honda added some dragster style to the Magna to compensate for the slight displacement reduction due to the ’83 motorcycle tariff (which expired in 1988). In other markets, this generation of the Magna was offered with a 750cc engine, but Americans got a 700cc motor. I’ve featured a couple of these before and both times …

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6 Miles – 1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR

In America, Cruiser by AbhiLeave a Comment

When it was released, the Harley-Davidson XLCR (CR stood for Cafe Racer) was supposed to be an instant success powered by Harley’s most powerful production engine to date. It was a jet black departure from HD’s usual chrome fare. It didn’t sell well at all – now it’s a cult classic.

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Still In Crate – 1988 Yamaha Route 66

In Cruiser, Japan by AbhiLeave a Comment

2-19-23 Update: 14 months later, this Yamaha is back up for sale on eBay (though it’s crossed the country and is now in California) with an opening bid of $4,100. As dnaj points out in the comments, this doesn’t look like a factory crate that Yamaha would have used, but it’s still an interesting find and I’m curious to see …

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Small Block Steed: 1996 Boss Hoss

In America, Cruiser by Gray Van DykeLeave a Comment

For some motorcyclists, it’s the efficiency of two-wheeled transport. For others, it’s the dynamic feeling of linking turns. And then there are those who prefer power to practicality and engine noise to overall comfort… It’s this lattermost group who created a niche for the beast you see before you — a 1996 Boss Hoss — to thrive in.

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Italian Police – 1970 Moto Guzzi V7

In Cruiser, Italy by AbhiLeave a Comment

By 1970, Moto Guzzi was offering four different variants of the V7 – the Sport, Special, Ambassador, and a Police bike. The Police platform had a bit of success in the US, but it was much more popular in Europe. This is claimed to be an Italian “Polizia Stradale” V7 that’s been restored to concourse level.

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Original Police Paint – 1953 Harley-Davidson FL

In America, Cruiser by AbhiLeave a Comment

The seller of this bike is seriously lacking details in the listing, but this Panhead is claimed to be a California Highway Patrol bike that’s still got the original paint. This example (VIN: 53FL3547) shows 51,000 miles on the odometer and the seller makes no claim as to if it runs, simply asking you to contact him if he’s interested …

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855 Miles – 2002 Yamaha V-Max

In Cruiser, Japan by AbhiLeave a Comment

The name told you all you need to know: when the V-Max debuted in 1985, it was a cruiser dedicated to speed. Reviewers and consumers responded positively – it instantly won Cycle Guide’s “Bike of the Year” award and it barely had any changes for the next 22 years. It was arguably the definitive muscle bike.