The Honda CB-1 was a wonderful mid-sized standard in a time of replica racers. Originally built for the Japanese market, it was a beautifully balanced motorcycle that lost out in an American market that was obsessed with having as much horsepower as possible.
Restored – 1984 Yamaha IT490
Post Sale Update: sold for the BIN of $4,500 after 39 bids on eBay in Greenville, Rhode Island. In 1983, Yamaha introduced the IT490, an evolution of the 465 and the biggest of the “International Trial” line. It was a heavy, powerful bike that was ideal for enduro or cross-country riding, though they had a nasty habit of pinging when …
1995 Kawasaki KLX650
Post Sale Update: The seller lowered the asking price to $3,000 – it ended up selling but the sale price is unknown. Everyone knows the KLR650, but in the mid-’90s Kawasaki also offered both a Tengai variant (same basic bike extra plastics) as well as the KLX, a faster and beefier version dual-sport. There was even a KLX650R, which was …
Rare Project – Pranafa Playboy Mini-Scooter
Post Listing Update: This Pranafa was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. Originally imported to the US by Hap Alzina, the west coast BSA dealer, the Pranafa Playboy was a mini-scooter built by Dr. Seiffert in Frankfurt, Germany. The intent was something to have something you could take to work but be so small you could park it …
1978 Yamaha RD400
In 1976, Yamaha made the RD350 a little bigger with a displacement bump up to 399cc. Thanks to 44 horsepower, the hooligan motorcycle du jour was capable of hitting the ton with a top speed of 105 miles per hour. Most people know the 400 simply for being an easier to ride upgrade over the 350, but it was also …
Start a Collection – 22 Motorcycles in Ventura, CA
Someone in southern California is undergoing a self-proclaimed “fall clearing garage sale”, and he/she has 22 bikes – some of which are very interesting.
Earl’s Court Show Bike in England – 1968 BSA Barracuda
In the world of British motorcycles, the highlight of debuts was the Earl’s Court show. That’s what makes this specific Barracuda special, as the seller claims that it was the bike that BSA brought out to show the world at the ’67 Earl’s Court motorcycle show. It’s had a “full ground-up restoration and is in amazing condition having been the …
Leon Haslam Pit Bike Replica – 2004 Italjet Dragster 50
In 2004, Leon Haslam earned Rookie of the Year honors while competing in World Superbike with the Renegade team with Noriyuki Haga. Leon’s best finish was 3rd, and he finished the season in 8th place. Italjet released a limited edition replica of his pit bike with a special cosmetic package that replicated what Leon would occasionally putt around on.
One Owner – 1988 Yamaha DT50
Introduced in 1981, the Yamaha DT50 (also known as the DT50MX) was barely updated throughout its 15-year production run.
No Reserve Project – 1977 VéloSoleX 4600
Post Sale Update: sold for $102.50 after 21 bids on eBay. After Motobecane took over the company in 1974, VéloSoleX made several changes to their front-wheel drive motorized bicycle to comply with US DOT regulations. Updates to the 4600 in 1977 resulted in the V3 model, including CEV switchgear, ULO taillight, and UNION pedals.
1970s Honda “Test Track”
Post Listing Update: This “Test Track” did not get any action at the BIN of $2,750 on eBay. Back in the 70s, Honda had a tool called the Test Track available in some dealers – per Colin Miller, Honda’s On-Road Media Coordinator, it was “intended to safely teach non-riders how use the clutch, throttle and brakes. If you already know …
Never Ridden – 196x Wards Riverside (Benelli) 125
Back in the 60’s some of the major US department stores sold European small-displacement motorcycles in the American market. Montgomery Wards rebadged Benellis and sold them under the Wards-Riverside name. You could buy them in the store, or from their long-gone catalogs. Here’s one that was ordered straight from the catalog, and while it has been started, it’s never been …
200 Mile Minor Project – 1966 Suzuki K15 Hillbilly
Introduced in 1965, the Suzuki K15 (also known as the Hillbilly) was a 2-stroker for the trail with features like a skid plate, luggage rack, and swappable sprockets. Basic specs were a dry weight of 155 pounds, and 7.3 horsepower from the 80cc single. Top speed with the trail sprocket was 38 miles per hour, and 60 mph with the …
Two Stroke Transplant – Kawasaki Ninja 250 with S2 Engine
Your eyes do not deceive you – this is a EX250-J (the generation between 2008–2012) that now has the 350cc two-stroke motor from a 1972 Kawasaki S2!
1978 Suzuki GS1000
Considered by some to be the best 1000cc four-cylinder of its time, the GS1000 was based on the 750 but had many improvements – Cycle magazine called this bike the “best handling multi of all.”