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Well Farkled – 2005 Kawasaki ZX-6RR

In Japan, Less than 5k, Race, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

When Kawasaki bumped up displacement of their 600cc class sportbike to 636, street riders rejoice. But spec racers found themselves in a predicament as the new bike was no longer allowed in their classes. Kawi took care of their racing customers by offering an extra “R” with the limited-production ZX-6RR. Though it gave up displacement and a small amount of …

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Racer Project – 1976 BMW R100

In Germany, Less than 5k, Race by AbhiLeave a Comment

This bike started as a BMW R100 “upgraded with RS componentns” before it was torn apart with the plan of rebuilding it as a race bike. There’s a lot to like about this project – it has new Kibblewhite heads, an oil cooler, Race Tech springs, and more. But the coolest modification is a monoshock conversion with a BMW S1000RR …

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Incomplete Restoration – 1973 Benelli SS250 SuperSport

In Italy, Less than 5k, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

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 …

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Early BMW Hybrid – 1983 BMW R80ST

In Germany, Less than 5k, Standard by Ted CloughLeave a Comment

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.

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Be a Hero – 2009 Suzuki SFV650 Gladius

In Japan, Less than 5k, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

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 …