In American motorcycling 3 manufacturers dominate any discussion. Harley Davidson, Indian and Henderson. From 1912 to 1931 they were generally considered as the cream of the American market. They led the market with a flair. In 1925 Henderson introduced a 45 CID V-Twin that HD and Indian BOTH copied, and which lives on today in the 883 Sportster.
1978 Honda CB550 Cafe Racer
In all honesty, I’m not a big fan of this sort of ‘custom’. The checkbook sort. Where all you have to do to be cool is have a deep enough cushion in your bank account to be one of the in crowd. Part of the problem for me is that the ‘trend’ will last just until reality TV tires of …
Stuck Motor – 1913 Harley-Davidson Model 9E
Post Listing Update: This 9E project did not meet reserve despite 77 bids up to $33,900. Featuring a “7-8 horsepower” engine, the Model 9E was a twin that had a roller chain transmission. 1913 got a few refinements over the previous year, including larger inlet and exhaust chambers, more clearance between the tires and mudguards, wider forks, and more. MSRP …
2003 Bourget Low Blow
Choppers bring out all kinds of passions in people. It could be “The freedom of the open road”, or “motorcycle art”, or “Outlaw” that springs to mind when you see a chopper. They can also be polarizing. Sport bike guys wonder why you would ride a bike that takes a block to turn around. Touring guys wonder where to put …
1991 Harley-Davidson FXRT Sport Glide
In 1982, Harley-Davidson introduced the FXR Super Glide II, and they promised handling on par with what other countries considered ‘sporty.’ It had larger lean angles and less vibration, and it’s remembered fondly by many HD riders. One year later, Harley introduced the FXRT – a touring variant that got a fairing and bags.
1991 Harley-Davidson FXDB Sturgis
Sturgis is about to end, which means the time is right to look at a special edition Harley dedicated to the event. In 1991, HD released a customized FXDB to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Sturgis rally. Here’s one of the 1,600 examples.
A Star is Born – 1973 Moto Guzzi Eldorado
The year was 1973 and Clint Eastwood’s “Magnum Force” is the #1 box office hit all over America. Probably the best supporting actor award should have gone to the Moto Guzzi Eldorados that all the rogue cops rode. It was great advertising for the new Eldorado line from Guzzi.
Military Cutaway – 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA
Post Listing Update: Insanely, this non-functional WLA did not meet reserve $37,100 despite 30 bids on eBay. Affectionately known as “The Liberator”, Harley-Davidson’s WLA is one of the most famous military motorcycles of all time. Unfortunately, this example isn’t in running shape, but hopefully you won’t mind because it’s a cutaway that was used to educate military mechanics on how …
Born Free Best Chopper – 1963 Harley-Davidson FL Panhead
Post Sale Update: This FL chopper sold for $19,600 after 27 bids on eBay. The seller calls this “part survivor/part custom” – whatever you call it, it won Best Chopper at last year’s Born Free 7. It’s been featured in Easyriders Magazine (NSFW) and will be featured in the August issue of Hot Bike/Street Chopper.
1952 Indian Chief Roadmaster
Post Listing Update: This Roadmaster did not meet reserve with bidding stalling at $22,200. It’s almost the end of the line. The original Indian Motorcycle Company built their last motorcycle in 1953 and all of those were built from parts left over from the ‘52s.
Coming Soon – 2017 Moto Guzzi MGX-21 Flying Fortress
Just when you think you might have seen everything comes this. Now available to pre order is a unique Guzzi bagger. It’s interesting, to say the very least. Details, and even photographs are a little hard to come by. We know that it is powered by the 1400cc twin that is currently lodged in the ‘California’. It is listed as …
1954 Harley Davidson Panhead Board Tracker
7-23-16 Update: 3 months later and this beautiful Panhead is back up for sale – this time with a BIN of $25,000 or best offer. Find it for sale here on eBay. Post-Listing Update: This board tracker did not meet reserve with 21 bids up to $15,100. Built by Rick Krost of U.S. Choppers, this custom Harley is inspired by …
9 Miles – 1994 Harley-Davidson FXRP
Post Sale Update: After being relisted, this FXRP sold for $10,600. For the last 22 years, this Police Glide has been stored in a temperature controlled warehouse in a crate. It’s in beautiful condition with just nine miles on the odometer.
2007 Walz Hardcore Chopper Pro Street
When I first saw this bike, I assumed it was built by someone in the US (probably Arizona). Turns out it’s actually the work of Marcus Walz, the man behind Walz Hardcore Cycles…based out of Hockenheim, Germany. Custom bike fans should be familiar with Marcus as he supposedly invented the “drag style” of motorcycle in the late 90s.
2001 Moto Guzzi California EV 1100 Touring
Here’s a touring version of Guzzi’s incredibly long-lasting California line. Adorned in a distinctive red and white paint scheme that is somewhat reminiscent of a candy cane, this bike is ready for a rider who wants to tour the country in something more unique than the typical American cruisers.