Suzuki called the RE5 the future of motorcycling, thanks to its innovative rotary engine and distinctive styling. It was a bit too outrageous, and it didn’t work out. The ’76 (and final model) was a neutered slightly from a stylistic standpoint (like ditching the “tin can” speedoin an attempt to make the bike more conventional.
1965 Suzuki K15 Hillbilly
Introduced in 1965, the Suzuki K15 (also known as the Hillbilly) was a 2-stroker for the trail with features like a skid plate, luggage rack, and swappable sprockets.
1 of 208 – 1987 Bimota YB5
With a combination of 196 bikes and 12 kits, Bimota produced 208 examples of the YB5. #46 is currently in North Carolina at Bimota Spirit.
No Reserve – 1972 Husqvarna 450 Desert Master
Post Sale Update: This Desert Master sold for $5,500 after 25 bids on eBay in Granada Hills, California. Introduced along side the 450 CR and WR, the Desert Master was a rare sales flop from Husqvarna in the early 70s – that makes them hard to find today.
20th Anniversary – 2005 Yamaha VMAX
The name told you all you need to know: when the V-Max debuted in 1985, it was a cruiser dedicated to speed. Reviewers and consumers responded positively – it instantly won Cycle Guide’s “Bike of the Year” award and it barely had any changes for the next 22 years. It was arguably the definitive muscle bike, and Yamaha produced a …
No Reserve – 1984 Honda VF1000F Interceptor
Post Sale Update: This Interceptor sold for $3,250 after 3 bids on eBay in Brookline, New Hampshire. Launched in 1984 in response to America’s desire for a bigger Interceptor, the Honda VF1000F was the flagship of the V4 line…until Honda brought us the VF1000R just a year later.
Nice Price – 2019 Kawasaki Z900RS
MSRP on a brand new 2020 Z900RS is $11,199, plus a $410 destination charge and the usual fees. But someone bought a leftover 2019 model (in the much better root beer/orange paint) just three months ago and is letting it go for $7,800.
1 Owner – 1997 Suzuki RF900R
With an engine derived from the GSX-R1100, the Suzuki RF900R was designed as a entry-level bike in the sport-touring market, undercutting the competition by about $1,500. Despite the pricing, you still got a solid sport-tourer with odd styling that Suzuki claimed was “inspired a stingray.” Sales weren’t great.
New In Box – 1993 BMW K1 Ultima
Following up on yesterday’s look back at the BMW K1, reader Wynkin de W shares a rare example of the K1’s final form that’s “new in box”. That’s usually a phrase you hear with toys, but is seems apt in this case considering how this crate has a viewport!
2016 Ducati Scrambler Custom
Post Sale Update: This custom Scrambler sold for $12,305 on Iconic Motorbike Auctions in Marina del Rey, California. When Nathan and I went to the Quail last year, we got to enjoy a new category – one dedicated to the new Ducati Scrambler.
4 British motorcycles from the 1920-30s
A seller in Conifer, Colorado has 3 classic Rudges with a bonus Sunbeam Lion that he’s selling as a set after forty years of ownership.
1968 Suzuki Cobra
Otherwise known as the T500, the Suzuki Cobra was very short-lived. Sort of. After just one year, Ford told Suzuki that the Cobra name was already accounted for, and that they should figure out another model name for their 500cc two-stroker.
1965 Norton Atlas 750
Named after the ICBM, the Norton Atlas was released in 1962, earning a so-so reputation before being replaced by the classic Commando. Built to appeal to American aesthetic preferences, it was initially only produced for export. The Atlas produced 55 horsepower, with plenty of torque available low in the rev range. Utilizing Norton’s famous Featherbed frame, the bike weighed about …
Never Ridden – 1977 Yamaha XT500
Post Sale Update: This XT sold for $14,500 after 57 bids on eBay in Chicago, Illinois. From the seller of the never ridden YZ80 yesterday comes something just as pristine but a bit bigger. The Yamaha XT500 was the original Yamaha thumper, and an instant sales success. This enduro bike was produced for 15 years, eventually leading to an entire …
1973 Laverda 3C
Post Sale Update: This Laverda sold for $11,200 after 17 bids on eBay in Knoxville, Tennessee. Predecessor to the Jota, the Laverda 3C was the Italian firms’ first three-cylinder engine. Dry weight was just shy of 500 pounds, and it was the bike that introduced the 180 degree cylinder arrangement that gave certain Laverda triples a noise that passionate fans …