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2013 Cleveland CycleWerks Ace

In America, Less than 5k, Standard by Vipin ShriLeave a Comment

There are two quotes that I always remember when I see small displacement, lightweight bikes. 1. “Simplify, then add lightness” – Colin Chapman 2. “It’s more fun to drive a slow car fast than drive a fast car slow” – Abner Perney These quotes were directed by car people at car people but in reality, apply just as perfectly to …

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1992 Yamaha TDM850

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

The TDM850 was a bit of an oddball that was about 15 years ahead of its time. A pavement-focused dual sport like the Multistrada or the S1000XR, the TDM gave riders the ability to explore any paved road in comfort with the option to explore fire roads to their heart’s content. Unfortunately, not many riders in the US back in …

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Rare Enduro – 1988 Suzuki DR750

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

The DR750 was also known as the DR BIG, meaning it’s got one of the best model names in motorcycling history. It also had the world’s largest single cylinder engine used in a production bike – at least until Suzuki bumped up displacement to 800cc! They were never officially sold in the US, making this Illinois-based example a rare find …

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1987 Honda CBR600F Hurricane

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

The first year of the first generation – this is the bike that started the CBR line. It was quick enough to compete in 600cc racing, but user friendly to still enjoy on the street during the week. When it first came out, it was quite an improvement on the competition – Kawasasaki’s GPZ600 (arguably the class leader at the …

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Swiss Army Bike – 1974 Condor A350

In Less than 5k, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

The engine is this bike should look familiar to you – but everything else may not. It’s a Condor A350, and it utilizes a Ducati 350cc single (valve springs, not desmodromic). 3,000 examples were built between 1973 and 1979, and they starting trickling out into the civilian world around the turn of the decade.

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1996 Ducati 900 SS/CR

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

Ducati offered the 900SS between 1991 and 1998, and during that time they sold a full-fairing version (the SS/SP) and a half-fairing version (the SS/CR). I find the latter more attractive, though the ’96 and newer CRs have non-rebuildable Marzochhi front forks that some riders aren’t happy with – don’t worry, this seller has dealt with that. This example has …

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1995 ATK 605

In America, Less than 5k, Off-Road by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: This ATK was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. In their heyday (during the 90s), ATK was known for creating some of the best handling dirt bikes a rider could get straight off the dealership floor. Their approach was simple – take a proven engine (in this case, a 600cc Rotax unit) and envelope it …

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Nice Price – 2005 BMW R1200RT

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

In 2005, BMW updated the RT with the 1,170cc boxer engine, good for a ~15% increase in horsepower and ~10% bump in torque – all while reducing the weight of the package by over 40 pounds. God bless progress. It immediately won Best Touring Bike awards from Cycle World and Motorcyclist, and the only gripe people really seem to have …

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High Mileage – 1980 Yamaha XS1100 LG

In Japan, Less than 5k, Touring by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

Yamaha released the XS11 in 1978 as the most powerful production motorcycle on the planet. Astoundingly it was Yamaha’s first 4 stroke 4 cylinder motor ever. In 1979 Yamaha issued the XS 11 in two trim levels: ‘Standard’ and ‘Special’. This was to continue throughout the entire production run. The Special had higher bars, a stepped seat, smaller diameter rear …