Despite its young age, Confederate was probably one of the best representatives of American talent at making impressive and extraordinary bikes. Yes, Harley Davidson and Indian represent American motorcycle history but Confederate really put America’s best technology, industrial, and crafting skills at work. Among the gems created by the brand, the Fighter model is probably one of the most monumental.
2011 Victory Cross Country Police
Growing up, I thought being a police officer was a super cool job. And the coolest of the cool jobs was to be a California Highway Patrolman, AKA a CHiP. Every morning before I trotted off to attempt my luck at penetrating the many social hierarchies of middle school, I took in an episode of CHiPs. Erik Estrada was my …
XR750 Tribute – 1983 Harley-Davidson XR1000
Following the success of the XR750 during the 70’s, notably thanks to Jay Springsteen, Harley-Davidson decided in the beginning of the 80’s to create a tribute bike to please the aficionados. The bike would be a blend between of XR750 character with some XLX Sportster parts to make it road-legal and road-pleasant.
Rare Project – 1942 Harley-Davidson XA
During World War II, the US Government asked HD to build a motorcycle similar to what BMW was making for the Germans – with shaft drive, boxer engine, and other features that made the bikes low maintenance. The Harley-Davidson XA was born. XA stands for eXperimental Army, and 1000 units were built for evaluation purposes. By the time the run …
Great “Body” – 1998 Harley-Davidson Springer Softail Custom
Riding a motorcycle can have multiple purposes. Some use it to feel speed and adrenaline. Some use it to go from one point to the other quicker than a car. Some use it because it is easy to park. But ultimately, some use it for style. Makers like Harley-Davidson have proven their ability to produce bikes full of style, but …
2018 Jack Daniel’s Limited Edition Indian Scout Bobber
Post Listing Update: This Indian did not meet reserve despite 27 bids up to $12,403 on eBay. In 2016, Indian Motorcycle started a partnership with Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, and that has led to an annual tradition of creating a limited edition based on an existing Indian bike. The first year celebrated the 150th anniversary of Jack Daniels with the …
2016 Harley-Davidson V-Rod
Post Listing Update: This V-Rod did not meet reserve despite 3 bids up to $6,200. As some of you may have noticed by now, especially if you read my bio here, my tastes lean towards the performance end of the motorcycling spectrum. I have always loved what Harleys stood for, but every time I rode one I couldn’t help but …
1965 Harley-Davidson FLH Electra Glide
1965 was the last year of the Panhead and the first year of the electric starter – the latter is what led to the name of “Electra Glide”. 6,900 examples of the FLH were built that year.
American Hand Craftmanship – 2008 Confederate Hellcat
Founded by a lawyer named Matthew Chambers, Confederate Motorcycles was created in 1992 in California. By 1994, the firm was relocated to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and on November 11th 1994, the first Confederate prototype was released. Thanks to the gathering of some talented engineers, it took only two years to release the prototype of something that had never been seen …
Italy’s Answer to the Virago – 1987 Ducati Indiana 650
In the early ’80s, Yamaha introduced the Virago, prompting the rest of the big four on the island to follow suit with their own American cruiser-style offerings, (Honda with the Shadow, Kawa with the Vulcan, Suzuki with the Intruder). Cagiva — which acquired Ducati from the Italian government in ’85 — took notice of this and, wanting to nab a …
2000 Triumph Adventurer 900
Post Sale Update: This Adventurer sold for $2,150 after 9 bids on eBay. The Triumph Adventurer combines the smoothness of their 900cc triple with a laid back, standard frame. A larger front wheel and longer forks set it apart from the Thunderbird, giving it a relaxed sense and riding style. It can’t be described as sprightly, but is that really …
Half Harley, Half Vincent – 1984 Sportster Custom
8-24-2018: Three years later, this cool custom is back up for sale. It’s now available on Hemmings for $10,800 or best offer. Post Listing Update: This custom Sportster did not meet reserve with 12 bids up to $6,100. Under the name of Classified Motorcycle Company (and before Classified Moto got big), Dan Wilson built 27 kits for Harley Sportsters to …
1981 Yamaha XV920R
Post Sale Update: This XV was sold off of eBay to Bike-urious commenter czmx! The 80s have become the inspiration for many new factory designs, and the decade has brought us many starting points for the customs we read about today. The Yamaha XV920 is one of those bikes we often read about having been customized with an R6 front …
2,750 Miles – 1968 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide
Post Sale Update: This Electra Glide sold for $27,400 after 68 bids on eBay. In 1965, Harley changed the FL model line name from Duo Glide to Electra Glide as they introduced an electric starter. One year later, the FL got a 10% power bump with the introduction of the Shovelhead motor. Two years later, this beautiful example was bought …
Power Cruiser – 1985 Honda V65 Magna
Post Listing Update: The BIN was lowered to $3,250, but that wasn’t enough to attract a buyer for this Magna. As the 80s rolled around, Japanese manufacturers were looking to find new ways to keep their customers and gain new ones. Honda started that change in 1982 by releasing a brand-new engine, a four-cylinder engine positioned in a 90° V. …