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1947 Indian Chief

In America, Cruiser, Vintage by Chris CopeLeave a Comment

The Indian Chief doesn’t need much introduction. It’s one of the all-time icons of motorcycling. The model was first introduced in 1921, amid one of Indian’s many rough patches. With sales down 30 percent, the brand decided that luxury was the path to success. On Labor Day (kind of late in the season to be rolling out a new model, …

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1999 Kawasaki Drifter VN1500

In Cruiser, Japan, Less than 5k by Chris CopeLeave a Comment

There’s something strangely appealing to me about metric cruisers from the 1980s to 2000s. On one hand, you might argue that they were lazy attempts to cut into Harley’s dominance of the US market. On the other hand, they may have helped push the game along when Harley didn’t have much competition.

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1977 Harley-Davidson FLH Electra Glide

In America, Cruiser by Chris CopeLeave a Comment

Harley-Davidson motorcycles aren’t particularly unique, of course. But finding one that isn’t a victim of a previous owner’s questionable taste can be challenging. Perhaps only Suzuki’s Hayabusa falls victim to the bling stick more quickly than a Harley. So, that’s what makes this 48-year-old Electra Glide special: the machine you see here is pretty much the same one that AMF …

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2018 Yamaha Star Venture Transcontinental

In Cruiser, Japan by Chris CopeLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: This Yamaha did not meet reserve despite 8 bids up to $3,150. I’ve mentioned before that I am a sucker for a stupidly big touring bike. So, it goes without saying that the Yamaha XV1900 Star Venture ─ with an overall length of just under 9 feet and a wet weight of 963 lbs. ─ would be …

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1984 Moto Guzzi California II

In Cruiser, Italy by Chris CopeLeave a Comment

The California is easily one of Moto Guzzi’s best-known and best-loved models. It was born of a collaboration with the Los Angeles Police Department back in 1969, and built around Moto Guzzi’s equally iconic V7 roadster. The bike was a hit and found itself added to the fleets of a number of other police departments. But it wasn’t too long …

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1983 Yamaha Virago 750 Midnight Special

In Cruiser, Japan by Chris CopeLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: This Virago did not meet reserve with 16 bids up to $2,425 on eBay. On the surface, there’s not much that’s special about a Yamaha Virago. But perhaps that’s part of what makes it special. The Virago was an everyman metric cruiser that was offered in pretty much every engine size imaginable over the course of its …

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Tracker-Style Custom – 2016 Indian Scout

In America, Cruiser, Custom, Travel by Chris CopeLeave a Comment

Almost as soon as Indian Motorcycle revealed its modern Scout cruiser back in 2014, riders were lamenting the fact the brand had chosen to put an enthusiastic, revvy V-twin in a platform that had the cornering ability of a refrigerator. (And, quite possibly some of the worst OEM tires imaginable). This feeling was exacerbated when Indian drafted in Roland Sands …

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1992 Harley-Davidson FXRT Sport Glide

In America, Cruiser, Custom by Chris CopeLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: This Harley sold for a BIN of $12,500 on eBay. I can’t decide whether I love or hate the paint job on this FXRT. It’s the blessing and curse of Harleys that the vast majority of them carry the decisions of their owners, meaning any potential buyer of a secondhand model has to come to terms with …

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2000 Excelsior-Henderson Super X

In America, Cruiser by Chris CopeLeave a Comment

The world of motorcycling has always been heavily populated by dreamers and charlatans. I suppose such a statement could be applied to most business sectors, but in motorcycling it can be particularly hard to tell who is who. Is a person naive or nefarious; sometimes even the person themself doesn’t know.

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1966 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide FLH

In America, Cruiser by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: this Harley-Davidson did not meet reserve with 61 bids up to $19,900 on eBay. 1966 was the first year of the Shovelhead motor, a powerplant that would last until 1984 when Harley introduced the Evolution. The “Electra Glide” name signified that this bike had an electric starter which was introduced only a year prior. Cycle World was …