Building a high-caliber race bike starts with the addition of race-grade, bespoke and aftermarket components, though it’s the countless hours of expertly dialing each element in that really separates pro-level racers from the rest. And that’s exactly what we’ve got here, a professionally-built competition machine from Mike Hill of Survivor Customs.
Wayne Ransom Build – Kawasaki KX500AF
Post Sale Update: This custom KX sold for $16,750 after 63 bids on eBay. On the cover of their February 2019 issue, Dirt Bike magazine featured a “high-tech KX500 for the 21st century.” Built by Wayne Ransom, this aluminum-framed KX500 features extensive use of titanium, as it was used to build the fuel tank, exhaust, subframe, front headmount, engine mount …
Lighting Kit – 1972 Honda TL125
Post Listing Update: This TL125 was sold on Facebook, final sale price unknown. The TL125 was Honda’s first production trials bike. It was introduced in 1973 and was much more affordable than the competition, but trials never truly caught on in the states and it was out of the market by 1976. This example stands out as it’s one of …
Japanese American Mini Trail – 1977 Hodaka Dirt Squirt 80
Hodaka Motorcycles first started as a producer of engines before later joining forces with another existing outfit and going on to build complete bikes. The Japanese (and American joint) firm capitalized on the influx in popularity of small displacement trail bikes — a phenomenon due largely thanks to Honda’s wares and marketing. Hodaka’s philosophy was that riding should be affordable/accessible, …
1974 Kawasaki MT-1B
Post Sale Update: This MT-1B sold for $2,381 after 65 bids on eBay. If you want a tiny off-road playbike but you want something less common than the Honda Monkey/Mini Trail, then meet the Kawasaki MT-1. Introduced in 1971, it stayed in production until 1974 and was then renamed the KV75 in 1975. Unlike the Honda, the Kawasaki features a …
1977 Penton/KTM MC5 250
KTM’s early success in the US was due to John Penton, which is why Penton’s name could be found on US-sold KTMs through 1977. Here’s one of the last bikes with John’s name on the tank, and it’s just gone through a restoration.
Monoshocked Mini Motocrosser – 1974 DG Framed Honda XR75
First introduced in ‘73, Honda’s XR75 was a pint-sized version of its then all-new off-roader lineup. Despite being sized for youngsters, the XR was a venerable beast of a machine. Even though its stock form was nothing to scoff at, the aftermarket sector quickly stepped in to offer an increasingly vast array of upgraded bits for the little 75.
1975 Yamaha MX400B
Post Listing Update: This MX400B was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. 1975 was a crazy time. People were trying new things, and luckily for us, engineers were thinking outside the box as well. Long travel rear suspension made its way into motocross and changed the game. The monoshock-equipped Yamaha MX400 was Yamahas entry, part of their cheaper …
1979 C&J Framed “Horsepower Factory” Honda XR500
There are an elite few in the motorcycle world whose influence will be felt for generations to come. In the same way the vast majority of modern sportbikes were influenced by the designs of Massimo Tamburini, most of today’s racing frames bare some noticeable resemblance to Jeff Cole’s C&J frames.
Mexican MXer in Canada – 197x Carabela Centauro
Carabela is a Mexican motorcycle manufacturer that was best known for small displacement off-roaders. They released Mexico’s first motocross bike, the Caliente, in 1969. That was followed-up by the Marquesa, which was available with a 100, 125, or 175cc motor. The big boy was the Centauro (not to be confused with yesterday’s Moto Guzzi Centauro), which was available with 250, …
Desert Sled – 1956 Triumph Trophy TR6
Post Listing Update: This desert sled Triumph did not meet reserve despite 26 bids up to $8,600. Nowadays, “Desert Sled” is just a model name that’s been commercialized by Ducati, but back in the day the term was commonly associated with big British twins that had a few basic modifications – skid plate, knobbies, handlebars – to go through, rather …
For Charity – Ronnie Mac’s 1998 Honda CR250 Screaming Eagle
Post Sale Update: This Honda raised $4,550 for charity after 27 bids on eBay. If you don’t know who Ronnie Mac is, I’m not even sure I can describe “him” to you. I’ll defer to this profile (if you can call it that) on Motosport.com, and simply note that you’ll either love him or hate him. Either way, you should …
Rare Project – 1970 Kawasaki Coyote
The 60s and 70s were full of minibikes that were just motors, frames, and two tires. Who needs lights or a suspension? Here’s a rare example from the Japanese Big 4, the Kawasaki Coyote.
Set of 5 – Classic Yamaha Dirt Bike Collection
We all have a dream bike, but what we really want is a dream garage. I am back in the midwest for the holidays and thought I would check out some local listings to see what was out there. I found this collection of Yamaha dirt bikes for sale, and they all seemed to be in solid running condition. The …
No Reserve – 1976 Honda MR175
Post Sale Update: This MR175 sold for $1,488 after 64 bids on eBay. Honda released the MR175 in 1975 with an atypical “Glare Green” paint job. The next year, they went back to the red that we’ve all come to expect from the company. The motor was a 171cc 2-stroke single and it was paired with a 5-speed transmission. Dry …