Hodaka Motorcycles first started as a producer of engines before later joining forces with another existing outfit and going on to build complete bikes. The Japanese (and American joint) firm capitalized on the influx in popularity of small displacement trail bikes — a phenomenon due largely thanks to Honda’s wares and marketing. Hodaka’s philosophy was that riding should be affordable/accessible, …
Don Vesco-Bodied – 1982 BMW R65 w/ Rabid Transit Fairing
Don Vesco was a prolific name in the motorcycling world for several decades. On top of being a (US) Grand Prix winner, drag, and dirt-track Racer, he set well over a dozen landspeed records and ran a successful California-based motorcycle dealership. Vesco also famously sold a bevy or moto parts and accessories under the Don Vesco Products banner.
1990 Honda VTR250 Interceptor
Sold in the US for three years, the Honda VTR250 has become a cult classic for riders that love small bikes. The liquid cooled 250cc engine was paired with a six-speed transmission, and interestingly, an inboard front disc – though by 1990 the front brake would change to the industry standard.
Rare in the US – Honda Monkey Baja
Post Sale Update: This Monkey Baja sold for the BIN of $5,000 on eBay. In 1991, Honda released a new variant of the Monkey/Z50R. Called the Baja, it featured rally-style dual headlights in addition to the taillight, turn signals, and the classic Honda red tail bag. They were not officially sold in the US, but this modified example is already …
First Ride Review – 2019 Honda Super Cub C125
View PostIn England – 1988 Yamaha TDR50
I’ve featured several examples of Yamaha’s TDR250 in the past, but until today I had no idea that they made a little 50cc version!
2 KM Project – 1981 Honda Stream
Post Listing Update: This Stream was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. I’ve featured a few Honda Gyros over the years, but this is the first time I’ve had a chance to share the Gyro’s predecessor. The Stream was Honda’s first tilting three wheeler, and it was built on license from G. L. Wallis & Son of Surrey, …
Rare Project – 1960 Peugeot S57
In 1953, Peugeot introduced a new model called the S55, and it stood out from the competition with dramatic styling. The French manufacturer updated the model to the S57 the following year, and by 1957 it had taken its final form with a new gear shifter and a few smaller revisions.
Team Green’s Indian Tribute – 2000 Kawasaki Drifter 1500
Nowadays there are plenty retro-inspired bikes with modern performance and reliability: Triumph Bonnevilles, Ducati Scramblers, BMW R9T’s, etc. But two decades ago, Kawasaki took this now-popular recipe and ran with it in an unusual direction, leading to the birth of the Kawasaki Drifter 1500.
1983 Yamaha Midnight Virago 920
In 1983, Yamaha offered a “Midnight Virago” that featured a black paint scheme with gold accents. They also offered a rare color-matched factory touring package with a fairing, saddlebags, and trunk for even more Midnight goodness – though this example seems to only have the fairing as well as a giant aftermarket backrest for the passenger.
2009 Suzuki DR-Z400
Post Sale Update: This DR-Z sold for $3,000 after 20 bids on eBay. Everyone loves a dual sport, and the Suzuki DR-Z400 has been a dual sport staple since 2000. It hasn’t changed much, but that just means you’ll get plenty for your dollar. The suspension might be more adjustable nowadays, but even in 2018 it still came with carburetors. …
Rare US-Only Scooter – 1955 Zündapp Suburbanette
In a recent feature on a Zündapp Super Sport Combinette for sale, commenter dnaj noted that “the Suburbanette” was the one to have. Even though very few were made, Tim Huber has found one for you:
Mexican MXer in Canada – 197x Carabela Centauro
Carabela is a Mexican motorcycle manufacturer that was best known for small displacement off-roaders. They released Mexico’s first motocross bike, the Caliente, in 1969. That was followed-up by the Marquesa, which was available with a 100, 125, or 175cc motor. The big boy was the Centauro (not to be confused with yesterday’s Moto Guzzi Centauro), which was available with 250, …
2015 KTM RC390
The KTM RC390 graced the world in 2014 as Europe’s entry to a class that was being run by the Kawasaki Ninja 300. It offered a distinctly European approach to a lightweight sportbike and earned praise from many. In addition, it offered several their first look at KTM, who has a much bigger footprint off road. A 372cc single cylinder …
1995 Yamaha FZR1000
1995 was the final year of FZR1000 production before it was replaced by the parts-bin special Thunderace. The new model didn’t help that Honda was eating everyone’s lunch in the 1,000cc sportbike market with their 900RR Fireblade – it would take Yamaha until 1998 to reclaim the crown with the R1. Still, no one’s buying a mid’90s sportbike nowadays to …