Built by Iron Cobras Fabrication of Long Beach, California, this SR500 has been chopped and given larger wheels – 21″ in the rear and 23″ in the front. What do you think about it?
High Potential – 1978 Moto Guzzi CX100
Aesthetics are subjective, so I’ll just say I’m not a huge fan of how this bike looks. But the seller has had it for 17 years and done a tremendous amount of work to the mechanical side of things. Unfortunately, he has to let it go because he’s moving overseas. I think that with a little bit of cosmetic attention, …
End of the Line – 1982 Kawasaki GPz750
In 1982, Kawasaki introduced a middleweight to the GPz family, between the 550 and the 1100 (a couple of years later, the 900 would also be released).
Incomplete Restoration – 1973 Benelli SS250 SuperSport
In 1962, Benelli and Motobi merged, and Benelli acquired Motobi’s engine designs in the process. Over time, the Motobi motor evolved into 175, 200, and then 250cc variants. Like General Motors did with Chevy/Oldsmobile/Pontiac etc, Benelli and Motobi practiced a bit of brand engineering: the Motobi motor ended up powering a motorcycle known in the US as the SuperSport and …
2 Miles – 1969 Benelli Dynamo
4-14-17 Update: Two years later, this bike is back up for sale with a whopping 50% more miles! That might be a bit of an overreaction as the total mileage is still just 3. But now you know it runs and the new listing has much better photos. So, find this Dynamo for sale in Stockton, New Jersey with bidding …
102 Miles – 2005 Beta 450RR
In 2005, Beta stated selling enduros to complement their trials bikes. It was called the RR model range, and they used KTM RFS motors between 250cc and 525cc. Here’s a 450cc example with just 102 miles.
Early BMW Hybrid – 1983 BMW R80ST
The R80ST was the street-only version of the R80GS. It had slightly different styling, and the seat was slightly lower. It used the same air-cooled boxer twin engine with a dry clutch that put out 50hp at 6500 rpm. The 5-speed tranny drove the rear through the same Monolever shaft drive. Wheels were 19″ front, 18″ rear, for the street.
1970 Montesa 247 Cota
I don’t know what it is about Trials bikes that make me want to hit the “Buy Now” prompt. I think it is just because they represent the essence of motorcycling. Two wheels, a simple engine, twist and go. This Montesa ticks those boxes…
1977 Penton GS6 250
In 1977, Penton introduced the GS6 (GS = Gelande Sport where Gelande translates to terrain or off-road, 6 = number of speeds in the transmission). It had a similar frame to the MC5 motocross bike but it came with an orange enduro tank, side panels, and a number plate with a headlight.
Be a Hero – 2009 Suzuki SFV650 Gladius
Suzuki introduced the Gladius as a replacement for the very successful SV650. While it was an objectively better bike in most ways, the American market did not take kindly to it and it was recently replaced with…the SV650 again. Apparently Suzuki sold at least one Gladius, because someone is trying to sell his and he’s resorted to trying to convince …
High Miles, Low Price – 1998 Triumph Daytona Super III
The photos are hopeless and it’s lacking a lot of information, but this is by FAR the cheapest asking price I’ve ever seen for a Super III: $1,300.
Sidecar Adventure Rig – 1991 Suzuki DR650
This Suzuki DR650 has grown quite an appendage – a sidecar specifically designed for overland exploration. Now you can take everything AND the kitchen sink with you.
1992 Suzuki Bandit GSF400
When the 400 Bandit was offered to the US for the first time, Cycle World said “as a styling exercise…it may be the most exciting bike of 1991.” A couple of decades later, and it still looks interesting. Suzuki first created the model in 1989, but the US wouldn’t get it for another couple of years – by that point …
Mini Hack – 1982 Suzuki FA50 with Sidecar
The seller of this little scoot built a homemade sidecar for his wife’s dog, who apparently loved to ride in it. It was ridden every summer for the last eight years but now the rig needs a new owner.
1967 Yamaha YR-1 Grand Prix
Here’s a first year example of the Yamaha Grand Prix, also known as the YR-1. It was the biggest bike in their line up, and Yamaha’s first 350cc production engine. Despite the relative diminutive size, this bike was highly competitive with British 650s. Thanks to a chassis and engine that was suitable from road racing from the factory, it was …