The Husqvarna WR 430 is a big, funky enduro that I find visually appealing in a semi “ugly-duckling” sort of way. This specific Husqvarna WR 430 (VIN: W00004656) is offered by the second owner, and it has just received a complete mechanical restoration, while preserving the faded palstics that let you know this bike has been enjoyed. This is the …
Mini Enduro – 1988 Yamaha DT50 MX
This bike always made me think of Thomas the Tank Engine, with its baby blue paint scheme and the “little engine that could” possibilities. I think I was just stunned that it could actually get around in the dirt. Sold unchanged for nearly 15 years, the Yamaha DT50MX is a baby motocrosser that might be one of the best campground …
Video Intermission – Austria to Egypt on KTM 500EXC’s
As if you didn’t feel bad enough that you’re not out on the road right now, feel free to be jealous (or get inspired) by this:
Colossal Failure – 2003 Cannondale X440
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 what happens when you can’t …
1974.5 Maico 440 GP
Simply put, the ’74 1/2 Maico 440 GP is one of the most desirable vintage MX bikes ever produced. Today we’ve got an example that’s gone through the catalog from the marque experts at Maico Only, including a brand new reed valve engine built by Eric Cook. You’ll get Ohlins shocks, Sun rims, and Works Wheelsmith forks, along with a …
Ducati Motocrosser – 1971 Ducati 450 R/T Desmo
Post-Sale Update: After 17 bids on eBay, this Ducati 450 R/T Desmo sold for $4,280. Not many people know it, but Ducati had a one-year, one-time-only foray into the world of motocross. The Ducati 450 R/T Desmo was created and imported after its American importer convinced them to bring a big thumper dirt racer to the states.
1973 Cooper 250 Enduro
At one point in time, Frank Cooper was the US distributor for Maico. He thought he could create a bike that slotted between Japanese and European dirt bikes in price, with the hope that it would handle like a European bike but be reliable like a Japanese bike. Enter the Cooper 250 Enduro, created to give off-roaders the best of …
1986 Yamaha Big Wheel BW80
The Yamaha Big Wheel came in three different displacements – 80, 200, and 350cc. Most often used as a learner bike for little kids, the BW80 is fondly remembered by those who learned how to ride on it in the late 80s.
Unexpected – 2001 Buell Blast Dirt Tracker
Post-Listing Update: Though the seller claimed it’s worth double the opening bid, apparently no one agreed with him. This listing ended with no bidding at an opening ask of $4,700. Well…I didn’t see this coming. Someone’s converted a Buell Blast into a dirt tracker!
On Any Sunday – 1973 Husqvarna WR 250
Post-Sale Update: This Husqvarna WR 250 sold for $2,025 after 12 bids on eBay. Made famous as Malcom Smith’s ride in On Any Sunday, the Husqvarna WR 250 is right up there with the 400 Cross as the most famous bikes Husky ever produced.
1972 Ossa Stiletto
Post-Sale Update: After 25 bids on eBay, this Ossa Stiletto sold for $2,475. The Ossa Stiletto is a simple 175cc enduro that’s notable for the flowy fiberglass bodywork that looks like it could be one piece. This specific example is in great mechanical shape and some scratches as to be expected of a 40 year-old bike. With several vintage stickers, …
1 of 400 – 2012.5 KTM 450SXF Dungey Edition
Post-Sale Update: This KTM 450SXF Dungey Edition was pulled off eBay before the auction ended, final sale price unknown. KTM has been one of the leaders in motocross racing for countless years, particularly in AMA with Ryan Dungey. As part of AMA homologation rules, KTM had to release 400 units of this bike – otherwise Dungey would be disqualified from …
1974 Can-Am TNT 125
Canada’s attempt at the MX world, the Can-Am TNT 125 was one of many dirt-oriented bikes produced during the short but very sweet lifespan of Can-Am. An acronym for Track ‘n’ Trail, the TNT bikes shared the same chassis and engine as the MX bikes, but utilized lower compression for easy riding traits on trails. Lasting only 3 years, the …
1976 Montesa Cappra 125
The Montesa Cappra 125 was the Spanish firm’s attempt at a motocross bike specifically for young riders. To help promote the bike, Montesa even created a “Montesa 125cc Trophy”, a spec series specifically for the small displacement Cappra. It was so popular that they had to change the format of the competition, adding several heats just to handle the number …
1972 Husqvarna 450 WR
Post-Listing Update: Despite 11 bids on eBay, this Husqvarna 450 WR did not meet reserve at $2,600. In the 1960’s, Husqvarna had led the charge in turning British off-road bikes into relics. By the 70’s, Husky had become a dominant force in motocross, winning multiple world championships and Baja 1000s. 1972 was a banner year for the firm – their …