In production since 1998, the Derbi Senda is a 50cc or 80cc (this one’s the latter) motorcycle that was barely brought into the US. This is basically a tiny supermoto with excellent components – 6 speed transmission, liquid cooling, and a top speed over 50 miles per hour. This example has 1,250 miles and…that’s pretty much all the info provided. …
Cheap Cafe – 1980 Suzuki GS450ST
View PostBaby Interceptor – 1985 Honda VF500
The smallest of the Interceptors, the VF500 is claimed by some to be the best, thanks to absolutely incredible handling.
$2,000 – 2001 MZ Skorpion Sport
The MZ Skorpion was the result of an international partnership between a British design firm, an East German manufacturer (MZ), and Yamaha. Weighing just 380 pounds and packing 48 horsepower, this is a rare sportbike that has become quite the cult classic.
$1,500 – 1992 Suzuki VX800
The Suzuki VX800 is an interesting cult bike that was discontinued in the US after 3 years after disappointing sales, though the European market saw production run from 1990-1997. A classic looking naked bike, it had comfortable steering geometry and a torquey engine that helped make this bike a fantastic all-arounder, despite its 500+ pound curb weight.
$2,500 – 1989 Kawasaki EX500
You asked for more affordable bikes, so here’s another one for you. Between 1987 and 1990, the Kawasaki EX500 won Cycle World’s “Best Under 500cc Streetbike”, because they considered it ‘unusually capable and versatile’.
100 Miles and Plated – 1998 Honda XR400R
Here’s an XR400R in impressive condition considering it somehow has only about 100 miles. With the exception of a period correct FMF exhaust that was installed by the dealer when the bike is new, this bike is stock – though it is missing the tool kit and original handguards. The seller notes that the only flaw is a few bubbles …
Ending Soon – Gilera 175 Turismo
This Gilera has been with the current owner for 6 years, who bought it with the intention of running it in the California Moto Giro. Unfortunately, that’s never happened, though the bike is claimed to run well and have new tires, wheels, spokes, and rubber pegs. The paint is original and the bike has 6,252 miles – here’s your chance …
Rotary Project – 1975 Suzuki RE5
Nowadays, mention of a rotary engine usually makes gearheads think of the Mazda RX-7 and RX-8, but in the 70’s all four major Japanese motorcycle companies were at least in the prototype stage. Suzuki was the only Japanese company to bring a rotary into production, though it was for just two years. Between the two years of production, the ’75 …
$2.5k – 1996 Triumph Daytona 900
This very yellow Triumph Daytona has been owned by the current seller twice, but now he’s selling it so maybe he can buy it back from you to own it a 3rd time.
The Big One – 1994 Honda CB1000
Affectionately known as the Big One, the Honda CB1000 was produced for just two years as a bike that stood out in a world of superbike replicas with acres of plastic bodywork. The slightly detuned engine didn’t help sales, and Americans weren’t ready for standards – the CB1000 ended up as a poorly-known cult classic.
1962 Gilera Giubileo
View Post1998 Laverda Ghost Strike 668
Talk about a fantastic name for a motorcycle. The Laverda Ghost Strike is one of the many variants the Italian firm pushed out in the late 90s that were powered by either the 650 or 668cc parallel twins. Laverda actually offered a Ghost and a Strike as separate models, the former a trellis-framed naked bike, the latter a perimeter-framed naked. …
1966 Moto Guzzi Stornello
One of the last four-stroke singles that Guzzi ever built, the Stornello (which translates to Starling) was produced in many varying models, all of which were powered by a 124cc engine. The Scrambler was specifically designed for the US market, and came with off-road styling, chunky tires, upswept exhaust, and lower gearing.
1968 BSA A50 Royal Star
A semi-popular export, the BSA A50 Royal Star was an evolution of the A50 Star, which was an example of BSA’s transition to full unit construction engines. The Royal Star had a 498cc twin that pushed 33 horsepower through a 4-speed transmission. For more on the Royal Star, check out this article from Motorcycle Classics.