There is a part of me that would like have to been a bit older in the early 80s, and one of the reasons would have to be all the turbochargers that were being bolted onto motorcycles by OEMs. The theory behind turbocharging is simple: making horsepower out of exhaust. For a short period of time in the 80s, the …
1972 Harley-Davidson Sprint SS350
One of the many Italian-built Aermacchis with a Harley-Davidson logo on the tank, the Sprint SS350 was introduced in 1969 with a bigger motor (the previous Sprint had a 250) as Harley tried to fight off competition from the Japanese. The Sprint was available in two forms: the SX had some off-road flavor with knobbies, high fenders, and a scrambler …
$300 Project – Honda Gold Wing GL1100
This isn’t really a bike I think you should put in your own garage. Rather it’s catharsis for those of you that have emotional trauma from trying to sell a bike on Craigslist…
Street Tracker – 1972 Yamaha RT1 360
Yamaha earned themselves a lot of fans with the release of the 360cc RT1 enduro in 1970. The motorcycling public had high expectations after the smaller DT1/AT1 models, so the big brother was going to be just as good, right? Indeed it was. It was available as an enduro and a MXer – this custom street tracker started as the …
Trendsetter – 1962 Honda C100 Super Cub 50
Post Listing Update: This Super Cub did not get any interest at the BIN of $1,500. If my review of the new Honda Super Cub has you jonesing for the bike that started it all, here’s a 50+ year old survivor that helped make American Honda the force it is today.
750cc Kit – 1979 Yamaha XS Street Tracker
This Yamaha street tracker is based on a XS650, though the motor has been bored out to 750cc and it’s got a Shell cam. Other highlights of the work include a Mikuni VM36 carb, Dunlop flat track tires, Yamaha XT500 seat, Galfer stainless steel brake lines, Brembo front brake, Boyer ignition, Hugh’s Handbuilt stator/rotor kit, a new wiring harness, and …
First Ride Review – 2019 Kawasaki Z400
View PostRestored Vintage Enduro – 1980 Yamaha IT175
Immediately after Yamaha unveiled the IT400 in 1976, a trio of Yamaha riders nabbed gold medals at the Austrian International Six Day Trials on the newly debuted IT’s. With the success of the 400, the Tuning Fork Company opted to expand the IT — or “International Trial” — range the following year to include smaller displacement variants, one of which …
Lighting Kit – 1972 Honda TL125
Post Listing Update: This TL125 was sold on Facebook, final sale price unknown. The TL125 was Honda’s first production trials bike. It was introduced in 1973 and was much more affordable than the competition, but trials never truly caught on in the states and it was out of the market by 1976. This example stands out as it’s one of …
Japanese American Mini Trail – 1977 Hodaka Dirt Squirt 80
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!