In the 1990’s, KTM’s MX machines were routinely winning magazine shootouts, and though they weren’t without flaws the Austrian brappers were thought of as solid bikes. The dawn of the ’90’s would see the “Ready To Race” brand release a highly updated version of its quarter-liter MXer. The 1990 KTM 250 MX boasted ample smooth and tractable low-to-mid range power, …
1 of 500 – 1982 Puch Magnum MkII Limited
Puch ended their venerable Magnum line of mopeds with a limited production run of 500 – these were called the LTD or Limited. It was basically a Magnum MKII with special cosmetics and a numbered plaque – this example is #152.
Street Scrambler Elsinore Tribute – 1985 Honda VF500 Custom
What we have here is an ’85 Honda VF500 V30 Magna-based, 500 Interceptor-powered Street Scrambler build. This example – which was built as a 1973 Honda CR250 Elsinore tribute – very much looks the part of your typical scrambler while boasting performance closer to that of a mid-’80’s sport bike. The V4-powered sled has received a lot of work and …
Restored – 1971 Kawasaki G3SS
On one hand, I’ve never seen a G3SS this nice. On the other hand, I’ve never seen a G3SS with a $3,000 asking price, either. Is it worth it? You tell me.
Model 73 – 1973 Bultaco Tiron 100
Post Listing Update: This Tiron did not get any interest at the asking price of $2,000. Bultacos are generally hard to find as it is, but the Tiron is truly a rarity. Basically a tiny version of the Sherpa, the Tiron is a trials bike with ergonomics best suited for younger riders and a 100cc engine.
Rare Non-Runner – 1956/7 Triumph Fips
We’ve accumulated quite a collection of bikes for sale over the years, so it’s always a pleasant surprise when I get to share something that I’ve never posted about before. Today’s example of such a feat is brought to you by reader Bob K, who sent me a link to a Triumph Fips. This is from the German Triumph, which …
Rare 125 – 2006 Derbi GPR125
Post Sale Update: This time around, it sold. It found a new owner for the BIN of $4,999! 125cc sportbike enthusiasts don’t really get much to play with in the US. You’re more than likely stuck with something imported via the grey market like a Honda RS125 or Aprilia RS125. But if you really want something rare to find in …
About To Hit 100K – 1982 Honda Gold Wing GL1100 Interstate
Honda’s about to release the newest version of the Gold Wing (I’m flying to Austin next week to try it out, but more on that later), but today we’re going back a few decades to the GL1100. That was the generation in which Honda introduced the Interstate model, the first full-dress tourer offered by a Japanese manufacturer right from the …
1984 Zundapp KS80 Super
Post Listing Update – This Zundapp has been relisted several times – the latest at a cheaper price of $4,200, but it has not been sold. Also known as the Model 537, the KS80 was available in three variants: the Super, the Sport, and a super rare (just 2 produced) Super Sport. The Super was the first version, and approximately …
One Year Only Tiddler – 1970 Yamaha G6S 80
Yamaha’s G6S was a one-year only tiddler produced in 1970. Despite its short production run, it was a relatively popular model in Europe, often referred to as “bellycrawlers” due to the way riders would lay across the tank to ring out every last MPH. Everything about the G6 is pretty basic, but that was by design. By using a collection …
Mono-Body “Midi-Bike” – 1970 Muskin El Gato
The Muskin El Gato is one funky little scoot. Muskin Corp was aiming to nab a piece of the then-increasingly lucrative small-displacement trail bike market. The company’s strategy was to create a truly unique machine that would stand out from the crowd of other mini offerings and regardless of Muskin’s success, it’s hard to deny the efficacy of said strategy. …
Ping King – 1986 Honda CR500
When first released, Honda’s CR500 was its most powerful MXer ever produced, though that power was wildly difficult to tame. The CR was nonetheless a major success and Honda opted to keep the half-liter thumper in production for more than a decade prior to be being phased out in 2001 upon the rise of the four-stoke machines and the company’s …
Showroom Clean – 1975 Yamaha DT100
Yamaha first kicked-off its DT lineup in 1968 with the 250cc DT-1 – a model that would help to usher in a new market for dual-sport machines. The DT-1 (also known as the Trail 250 in other markets) would be included as one of the Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan’s 240 Landmarks of the Japanese Automotive Technology. Upon its …
Catalog Bike – Sears Puch Sabre
Back in the 60’s and 70’s you could order motorcycles from the major department stores, like Sears and Montgomery Wards. Generally, the bikes were rebadged small-displacement singles sourced from Europe. One such example is this Puch Sabre, a 50cc tiddler sold by Sears Roebuck.
Alternate Laverda Project – 1971 American Eagle Renegade 150
Post Listing Update: The BIN was lowered to $999 but that still wasn’t enough to entice anyone to pick up this rare Laverda project. As you’ll note in the comments, however, afterwards one of John McCormack’s sons bought this American Eagle! I’ve featured a few American Eagle models in the past – the brand was John McCormack’s attempt at importing …