When it was first released, the Honda GL500 basically sat in a class by itself – a full dress, middleweight tourer. In general, press and riders liked the bike but thought it was underpowered. So Honda responded by throwing in the engine from the CX650, making the GL650 you see here in front of you.
Well-Loved – 2007 BMW R1200S
4-6-20 Update: Two and a half years later, this bike is back up for sale. It’s now on the third owner, it’s moved to Los Angeles, and the mileage is up to 97,000 and change. It’s recently had the 96k mile service and it’s got nearly new Pirelli Angel tires. The price has also dropped significantly – you can find …
1994 Yamaha FZR1000
Here’s a slice of the 90s in one paint job, found on the Yamaha FZR1000 – predecessor to the now-ubiquitous Yamaha R1. The Fizzer was an instant classic when it was introduced in 1987. Just two years later, Cycle World named it the “Bike of the Decade”, thanks in part to a 0-60 time of 2.9 seconds and a top …
Rare in the US – 1988 Cagiva Tamanaco
Never officially imported to the US, the Cagiva Tamanaco was a diminutive dual-sport that looks like an absolute blast. Look at the stickers on this thing! “Fun & Function”, “Soft Damp”, “Twin Cooler”. In this case, the seller’s even added a couple of stickers of his own, such as a “BRAAAAP” on the inside of the right side hand guard.
Rare in the US – 1985 Honda XL600 LMF Paris Dakar
Built to compete against the Yamaha Tenere 600, Honda’s 600 XLM is nearly impossible to find in the US – it may not look like much but this is one of the rarest bikes I’ve featured in a long time.
1956 Indian Arrow
Jeff Pamer: Just my personal opinion here: Indian has taken a huge swing with the FTR and (other than the price) it’s a fantastic motorcycle. They beat Harley-Davidson to the punch in terms of moving away from a cruiser-style bike and offering what is essentially a naked sport bike, with a hint of retro style. This back and forth between …
2004 BMW Rockster R1150R
The BMW Rockster was an interesting variant on their naked bike of the time, the R1150R. The Rockster was BMW’s take on a streetfighter of sorts, made by pulling together the headlight from a R1150GS, gauges from the R1100S, and throwing them onto the R1150R with a distinctive paint job.
SuperHawk – 2002 Honda VTR1000F
I think the SuperHawk is one of the most underappreciated motorcycles in recent memory. Honda reliability, streetable ergonomics, and a lovely V-Twin motor. Think RC51, but easier to live with.
1964 Moto Beta XTR 100
Yes, this is the same Beta that you can get an impressive off-roader from nowadays, but 50 years ago they offered a complete range of small dual-sports and street bikes. The seller calls this a MC 100, but I really think it’s a XTR – any Moto Beta experts out there know for sure?
Restored – 1982 Honda Motocompo
Post Listing Update: This ‘compo did not meet reserve despite 30 bids up to $3,950 on eBay in Long Beach, California. One of the true cult classics of scooters, the Motocompo was designed to fit into the trunks of Honda’s subcompact cars of the time. To minimize dimensions of the scoot when it needs to be stored, the handlebars and …
Austrian Army – 1985 KTM 250 Krad
Another day, another bike I had never heard of before! I’ve seen this referred to as the 250 Krad or the 250 GL Krad – whatever you call it, it’s cool! A translated German Wikipedia page suggests that it was used by the Austrian and Norwegian armed forces and had optional skis for snow/ice riding. The air-cooled 245cc 2-stroke single …
1986 Cagiva Aletta Oro S2
Post Sale Update: This Cagiva sold for the opening bid of $2,000 on eBay in Brooklyn, New York. 12-19-19 Update: Kudos to the seller, who has converted this from what I previously called a “Rare Project” into a runner! These are very rare, which is why I’m impressed that he or she was able to make this Cagiva (VIN: zcgccxax6gv005021) …
1976 Honda CB400F
Jeff Pamer: Sometimes the design of a bike, or an aspect of it leaves a mark on history. The Suzuki Katana’s angular faring, Indian’s swooping fenders, and Kawasaki green – just to name a few. Honda has certainly left a few marks along the way, but nothing quite like the exhaust design on the CB400F. The exhaust lookss like water …
1974 Tyran 125 MX
Post Sale Update: Initially, this Tyran did not meet reserve with 14 bids up to $1,801. However, it was relisted with a BIN of $2,950, and sold at that number! Marketed as a British bike, the Tyran was actually built by Mitsubishi with designs from Ted Wassell, a name that may ring a bell if you were a MX nut …
1972 Yankee Boss
Based out of Schenectady, New York, the Yankee motorcycle company was the brainchild of John Taylor. Yankee was best known for the impressive Z500, but John also wanted a minibike in the lineup so he partnered with Bonvicini Marino out of Bologna, Italy to distribute the 50cc “Boss”.