When Honda released the CB750, a lot changed. The entire motorcycling world, and industry had to take a deep breath and adjust. Some manufacturers took longer to do so than others. Some downplayed the tectonic shift that the new Honda was, and those who did either barely, or didn’t survive. Adapt or die.
463 Miles – 1983 Honda XL100S
Post Sale Update: This XL sold for $2,550 after 44 bids on eBay in Woodruff, South Carolina. The XL100 evolved into the XL100S in 1979, and it continued that way until the model was discontinued in 1985. This ’83 model looks to be in good shape and it has just 463 miles.
End of an Era – 1994 Honda CT70
Post Sale Update: This CT70 sold for $3,300 after 36 bids on eBay in Woodruff, South Carolina. Officially, 1994 was the last year of production for the venerable CT70. 4 years later, Honda’s patent would expire and the world was flooded with clones. This example has just 148 miles and the seller claims it’s like new. In his or her …
First Ride Review – 2019 Vanderhall Venice Speedster
If you’re warming up your fingers to comment, “this isn’t a motorcycle”, don’t worry – we all know already. You may not want this today, you may not want this tomorrow, but how are you going to get your open-air fix when you’re too old for two wheels? Maybe you just want a different toy in your garage. Who knows? …
1942 Indian 4 Model 442
Post Sale Update: This Indian sold for $99,494 after 50 bids on eBay in Shelbyville, Michigan. 1942 was the last year for the Indian 4, and this example “underwent a complete and total restoration sometime in the 80’s.”
New Auction Bike – 1984 Yamaha RZ500 Project
Post Sale Update: This RZ500 sold for $11,700 on Iconic Motorbike Auctions in Marina del Rey, California. Today on the auction site we’ve got an interesting project – a Yamaha RZ500 that’s spent the last three years outside in Santa Monica so it almost looks like it was dug up out of Atlantis.
New Auction Bike – 1986 Yamaha YSR80 With Sidecar
I know I’m hitting you with a lot of bikes from the new auction site, so I’ve resolved to tone it down a bit and only show you the most interesting stuff. There’s a minty CBR929RR that’s about to end soon, but I want to focus this post on an adorable YSR80 with a sidecar.
Rare Project – 1984 Tritan A2 Aero Car
Post Listing Update: This Tritan did not meet reserve despite 12 bids up to $7,900 on eBay. No, it’s not really a motorcycle. But that’s how it was classified because of its three-wheeled nature, and we’re going to run with it. The Tritan A2 was notable for having an incredible drag coefficient – just 0.15. Compare that to a period …
Ending Soon – 1975 Triumph Trident T160
Post Sale Update: This Trident sold for $8,000 after 7 bids on eBay in Shingle Springs, California. The Trident T160 is one of motorcycling’s great “what ifs”. Its T150 predecessor debuted as a 1969 model to lots of excitement from Triumph fans who wanted to see how the British firm would fight back against Honda’s CB750. It did not go …
1975 Bultaco Frontera 360
Post Sale Update: This Frontera sold for $2,700 after 8 bids on eBay in Boise, Idaho. When Bultaco wanted to introduce the Frontera to American customers, they said it was “bred from the Pursang and the demands of the American Enduro experts.” The idea was that you’d get the off-road capabilities of the MX Pursang, but with a wide-ratio transmission …
New Auction Bike – 1942 Cushman Model 32 US Navy
Today on the auction site we’ve got a restored Cushman that most likely started life at a Naval base in San Diego, California! This example was discovered in a garage in Point Loma, California, and it’s believed that it was in service at the Naval Air Station San Diego (now known as Naval Air Station North Island on Coronado Island). …
1971 Benelli 175 Cafe Racer
I’m going to need a Benelli expert on this one. In 1971, the only 175 Benelli was making was the Enduro, correct? Either way, this bike has been highly customized into a “cafe racer” and I think the end result looks pretty good.
Turbo Rotary Power – 2002 BMW K100/R1150RT with California Sidecar
At first glance, this looks like a very yellow BMW R1150RT with a sidecar. But those boxer valve covers are fake – they just help hide a 15 gallon fuel tank. Instead, you’ll have to peek underneath the rear of the sidecar to find a 325 horsepower twin turbo motor out of a Mazda Eunos Cosmo! Meet “Rotohak”, presumably named …
1 in 120 Raffle – Gunn Design 2015 Suzuki RM-Z450
I can’t remember where I met Dan Riley of Gunn Design, but I know that I’ve enjoyed every conversation I’ve had with him. He’s currently offering up a customized Suzuki dirt bike via raffle – each of the 120 entries will cost you $50.
Street Legal – 1976 Yamaha TZ250 with 431cc Motor
Post Sale Update: After being relisted, this TZ”250″ sold for $19,500 on eBay in San Juan Capistrano, California. This interesting combination of features a TZ250 chassis and bodywork with a RD400 Daytona motor that’s been bored out. Impressively, it’s also titled in California. It’s lovely, and it weighs around 260 pounds.