From early 2011 until late 2019, I crisscrossed the lower 48 in search of weird, wonderful and rare motorcycles that were destined to head overseas. If Abhi abides, maybe Bike-urious will feature a longer story on a grey-exporters experiences in the future. I learned a lot not only about buying bikes during those eight years and 400,000 miles, I also …
Original Owner – 1980 Suzuki PE175
I recently complained about the over use of “1 owner” in bike sale descriptions, which is why I’m glad to say that the seller of this example is the same person who purchased it new in 1980. Even better, his asking price is quite reasonable – just $1,100!
1971 Rokon Trailbreaker
Rokon was founded in the early 60s with the intent of developing a “moto-tractor” that featured two wheel drive. This task was achieved with a combination of shaft, chain, and belt drives, and it enabled riders to go nearly anywhere – as long as they weren’t in a rush!
Rare in the US – 2013 Honda Blade 110
Normally, the words “Honda” and “Blade” would make you think of something like the original 900RR Fireblade (or the new Fireblade RR-R). But in Southeast Asia, the Blade is one of many (and I mean MANY) underbone scooters that dominate their personal transportation industry. This one has somehow made its way to California, and the seller claims that it is …
Land Speed Racer – 1965 Honda S65
Here’s an unexpected platform to go land speed racing with – a Honda S65!
1985 Husqvarna CR500
In 1983, Husqvarna introduced a new 500cc motor for their Open Class bikes, and they promptly won the 1983 Baja 1000 in 14:48:10 with the US team of Dan Smith and Dan Ashcraft. While there were obviously plenty of modifications to the race bike, the production motorcycle was quite formidable in its own right – Husky offered the powerhouse engine …
Honda CR85 Engine Swap – Derbi Senda
In production since 1998, the Derbi Senda is a 50cc 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…though this one’s going to be faster as it comes with the engine out of a Honda CR85. The …
1963 Batavus Bilonet Super Sport
Only officially sold in Europe, the Bilonet was the first moped built by Batavus of Holland. The “Super Sport” variant featured a 49cc JLO two-stroke engine with a 3-speed transmission and kick start.
Vintage Racer – 1973 Honda CB750
Ready for AHRMA racing, this non-street legal CB750 has been well modified and puts down 89 horsepower at the rear wheel.
Diesel Powered – 1972 Honda XL250
The frame is from a ’72 Honda 250, but the motor is totally unexpected – a Yanmar 400cc diesel engine.
CA Plated – 2005 Honda CRF50
Equipped with a Baja Designs lighting kit, this little fifty has somehow got a CA plate so that you can ride it off-road, at camp, in the pits, and even on the street!
Land Speed Racer – 1973 Yamaha RD350
The logo of “Geriatric Racing” on the front fender is worth a chuckle, but this land speed RD350 will hopefully make you smile when you’re riding it, too.
59 Miles – 1974 Harley-Davidson Z90
4/30 Update: Uh…nevermind. While at Mecum Las Vegas, I was surprised to see the exact same photo that the “seller” of this bike used…so it’s clearly a scam and I’ve deleted the link. The asking price below is $3,500, but it sold at Mecum for a shocking (to me) $7,920.
For Charity With No Reserve – 2010 Honda Moto2 Signed Shirts and Hats
Over at Iconic, one of our favorite charities is Ride For Kids in support of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. This week we’ve got a fun lot of hats and signed shirts from Honda’s 2010 Moto2 effort – and all of proceeds go to Ride For Kids!
1966 Motobi Imperiale
After some disagreements with his family, Giuseppe Benelli created Moto ‘B’ Pesaro in 1949. He soon changed the name to Motobi, and the company quickly became known for small bikes with competition pedigree as well as the distinctive “Power Egg” motor.