Rockford Motors was the American importer for the wonderful Bridgestone motorcycles that occasionally dotted US roads. In ’71, Bridgestone stopped selling bikes, leaving Rockford with a gap in their product portfolio. They decided to take over manufacturing rights for the tiniest Bridgestones, specifically the 100cc “Taka” and two 60cc bikes – the “Tora” and the Rockford Chibi which you see …
1968 Norton N15CS Scrambler
Post Sale Update: After 29 bids on eBay, this N15CS sold for $12,000. After Norton moved production to Plumstead in the early 60s, they had a few leftover engines from the Atlas line. They threw those engines into Matchless frames to create a series of hybrids under the Norton, Matchless, and AMC names – possibly the most confusing time in …
1981 BMW R80G/S
In September 1980 at the IFMA bicycle/motorcycle show, BMW introduced the first GS. It was a dramatic change in the market, and while many riders were instantly enthralled, plenty of critics thought that a.) the bike was too big to be considered a true enduro and b.) the shaft drive was ill-suited for the task. The fans won out – …
Restored – 1971 Ossa Pioneer 250
When a Cycle World reviewer got a 250 Pioneer to cover for the magazine, he was so impressed that he bought one for himself. He called it “one of the ruggedest bikes made” and one that was “happiest in the boondocks.” This example has been restored, so it’s ready for another 30+ years of getting dirty on trail rides.
In Spain – 2001 Ducati 750SS Scrambler Custom
Nowadays, “Ducati Scrambler” has a specific connotation, but this is something different. Every time I look at it I’m split between thinking it’s cool or stupid – what do you say?
Well Farkled – 2011 Husaberg FE390
In the seller’s words, this ‘berg has been “upgraded to be a reliable extreme technical offroad bike and comfortable to ride on regular roads.”
25th Anniversary – 2008 Buell Ulysses XB12XT
A couple of years after the XB12X was released, Buell introduced the XB12XT in 2008, during the 25th Anniversary of the marque. The X was a big dual-sport, but the XT is an ‘adventure-tourer’ with a lower seat, hard luggage, taller windscreen, heated grips, and more.
Street Legal – 1965 Rickman Triumph Metisse
Post-Listing Update: This Metisee got no action at the BIN of $8,900. Just like a dog with no discernible breed, this bike was a ‘mongrel’ of sorts – so they used the french translation (Metisse) to name it. This example is going to need a little bit of work, as it’s been on display for a few years, but a.) …
Well Modified – 2015 Kawasaki KLR650
I sometimes don’t give the KLR enough credit as a workhorse dual-sport because I prefer the XR. But if you had your heart set on a modern KLR, this is a pretty damn good one to pick up!
1991 BMW R100GS
I’ve featured plenty R100Gses in the past – for good reason, they’re awesome! But it also means I’ve become pickier about which ones I share. This example stands out thanks to a cool history and a rebuild by a known ADVer.
2008 Aprilia RXV 5.5
View PostNever Ridden – 2003 Cannondale E440
In the late 90s, Cannondale (you probably know them as a bicycle company) attempted to break into the powersports market with an ATV and a dirt bike. The $80 million experiment was a failure, and Cannondale had to declare bankruptcy in 2003 so they could re-focus on bicycles. By the end of the run, the dirt bike was available in …
Desert Sled MX – 1966 Triumph Custom
Post Listing Update: This custom Triumph did not meet reserve with 14 bids up to $6,450. The builder of this bike wanted to create a ‘custom desert racer that held true to its roots and didn’t appear very custom at all.’ How do you think he did?
1 of 75 – 1966 Moto Guzzi Stornello ISD Trial
Post-Sale Update: After being relisted, this Stornello ISD Trial sold for $4,104.54 on eBay. The Moto Guzzi Stornello (Italian for starling) was one of the last four-stroke singles that Guzzi built. For one year only, they produced an “ISD Trial” model, which was a replica of Guzzi’s 1963 ISDT bike. Just 75 examples were produced, and all were sent to …