View Post

1986 Honda Z50 Christmas Special

In Japan, Off-Road, Small Displacement by Abhi1 Comment

Post-Listing Update: This Z50 did not meet reserve despite 32 bids up to $1,775. The Christmas Special is also known as the “Chrome Edition”, as everything (even the frame) is chromed. It seems that the model name was actually Z50RD, where the D stands for Dealer. Top Honda retailers got 2 of these to sell in 1986 in the month …

View Post

3 Cannondale Motocrossers

In America, Off-Road by AbhiLeave a Comment

I’ve featured Cannondales before – the Cannondale X440 was the swansong of Cannondale motorcycles, a subsidiary of the well-known American bicycling company. In the late 90s, Cannondale tried to move into motorsports, with an off-road bike and an ATV. Long story short, it was a disaster. $80 million later, the company declared bankruptcy, having left behind an interesting story of …

View Post

Consecutive Serials – 2 Bultaco El Tirons

In Off-Road, Spain by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: Despite 24 bids on eBay up to $4,051, these El Tirons did not meet reserve. The Bultaco (El) Tiron is a true rarity – it’s even been hard for me to find decent information on it. Despite that, a seller is offering two examples that have consecutive serial numbers, if that means anything to you.

View Post

Pikes Peak Racer – 2005 Yamaha YZ250

In Japan, Off-Road, Race by AbhiLeave a Comment

This Yamaha YZ250 was converted into a racer that placed 5th in class at the 2011 Pikes Peak Hill Climb. To make this happen, plenty of custom work was done, including Excel rims, Moto Master brakes, Galfer rotors, and a suspension set up for a 160 pound rider. However, this bike will probably need an engine rebuild, and it includes …

View Post

1981 Honda CR450R

In Japan, Off-Road by AbhiLeave a Comment

Sold for just one year, the Honda CR450R was…not very good. In fact, Rick Sieman of SuperHunky called it one of the 10 worst dirt bikes of all time in this article, with excerpts like this: “It shook the steering head like someone removed the bearings, and tracked like a buffalo on steroids. The front number plate looked like a …

View Post

1979 SWM RS 250 GS

In Italy, Off-Road by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post-Sale Update: This SWM RS 250 GS sold for $3,600. One of the greatest names in motorcycling history is Speedy Working Motors – and they’re coming back! But until then, you can get a taste of their old enduros with this SWM RS 250 GS.

View Post

1984 Cagiva WMX 500

In Italy, Off-Road by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post-Sale Update: This Cagiva WMX 500 sold for $4,250. Looking for a classic monster Italian dirt bike? Look no farther than the Cagiva WMX 500, this specific example of which is claimed to possibly be the best one in North America.

View Post

1972 Chaparral Bullet T172

In America, Off-Road by AbhiLeave a Comment

In the 70s, snowmobile manufacturer Chaparral saw how popular dirt bikes were becoming, and wanted to get in on the craze. They did so with a lineup of 3 small (and apparently mediocre) mini-cycles that were deemed “Familyweight”. This was the Bullet T172, a trail bike that was a downgrade of the ST80 (despite the smaller engine, the latter had …

View Post

1977 Bultaco Astro

In Off-Road, Spain by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post-Listing Update: This Astro did not meet reserve with 5 bids up to $3,099. The Bultaco Astro was the Spanish firm’s attempt at building a flat tracker straight from the factory. Based on the Pursang, it was available in 250 and 360 cubic centimeter displacement options.

View Post

1975 CZ Falta 400 Replica

In Off-Road by AbhiLeave a Comment

In 1974, Jaroslav Falta came within 6 points of winning the 250cc World Championship. It all came down to the final round of the Championship, during which Falta had a slim deficit to overcome to go from 2nd place to 1st overall. Many believe that Russian riders kept ganging up on Falta to protect Russian KTM rider Gennady Moiseev, the …