When it was first released in 1985, the Yamaha V-Max wan an instant hit that was named Bike of the Year by Cycle Guide. The first generation lasted a whopping 22 years with minimal changes, ending when this example was sold in 2007.
1938 Harley-Davidson EL
Post Sale Update: This EL sold for a cool $100,000 after 75 bids on eBay. Harley introduced the Knucklehead in 1936 as a 1,000cc V-Twin. While H-D had been using overhead valves in race bikes previously, this was their first usage of the technology in a production motor. It’s a beautiful motor that has stood the test of time, even …
2001 BMW R1200C Montana
Post Sale Update: sold for $5,400 after 67 bids on eBay. First shown to the world in the 1997 Bond movie Tomorrow Never Dies, the BMW R1200C was Germany’s attempt to break into the cruiser market. There was a lot to like about it objectively, however American riders never fell in love with the distinct styling and the non-V-Twin motor.
Diesel Conversion – 2006 Honda Rebel
Last month, I shared a Qujos Trailmaster that had been converted to diesel power. Today, we’ve got a bike you’ve heard of. In 2015, the seller swapped out the motor of this Honda Rebel with a 740cc Kubota diesel powerplant.
1972 Harley-Davidson FLH Police Sidecar
Post Sale Update: This sidecar did not meet reserve with 2 bids up to $15,100, but it was relisted and then sold for $19,280 on eBay. 12-12-2018 Update: 6 months later, this bike is now on the East Coast – looks like the current seller made the previous one a good offer. Now, the current seller is moving and he …
1986 Yamaha Fazer FZX700
Also known as the Baby V-Max, the Yamaha Fazer FZX700 was quite a revelation when it was released – the styling was distinctive and it was quicker than riders expected. No one complained about the speed, though not everyone loved the looks, and the bike didn’t sell tremendously well.
2002 Vincent Black Eagle Prototype
11-20-18 Update: It’s been nearly four years, but Tim Huber notes that this bike is back up for sale. Find it with a BIN of $65,000 or best offer (add $2,000 for shipping to the US) here on eBay. In 1994, Bernard Li (founder of Eagle One car care products) started acquiring the trademarks of the Vincent motorcycle company. He …
Italy’s Answer to the Virago – 1987 Ducati Indiana 650
Post Listing Update: This Indiana was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. 11-13-18 Update: Contributor Mat G notes that this bike is back up for sale – now it’s got a $2,000+ discount. Find it in Carnation, Washington for $4,200 here on eBay. In the early ’80s, Yamaha introduced the Virago, prompting the rest of the big four …
Nice Price – 2017 Victory Octane Street Tracker
Post Listing Update: This Octane did not get any interest at the asking price of $5,500. Flat tracking has enjoyed a strong resurgence in California and the rest of the US. Whether or not you have the balls to ride flat out on dirt with little to no brakes (I do not), there is no denying that the unique style …
#198 of 200 – 1978 Kawasaki KZ1000 Spirit of America
Post Sale Update: This “Spirit of America” sold for $8,200 after 23 bids on eBay. In 1978, Kawasaki was the only Japanese manufacturer with a facility in the US. Kawi’s president (Dave Mehney) and Marketing Vice President (Dick Terrell) decided to highlight that with an “All-American Ride-away” – a program where Kawi customized 200 of their KZ1000s with an American …
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
Post Listing Update: This XR did not get any interest at the BIN of $16,000. 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 …
Rare Project – 1942 Harley-Davidson XA
Post Sale Update: This XA sold for $33,544 after 6 bids on eBay. 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, …
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 …