Post Sale Update: This R2 sold for $12,099 after 39 bids on eBay in Corona, California. Built between 1931 and 1936, the R2 was the smallest displacement motorcycle ever built by BMW. Powered by a 198cc OHV single, the R2 could hit 59 miles per hour thanks to 6 horsepower – later on (1934) an Amal carb helped bump power …
1983 Honda ATC70
After the success of the Z50 and the CT70, Honda wanted a bike that they could sell in the winters in the US market. They launched a small trike called the US90 in 1969. The success was immediate, and US beaches became Honda’s trike highways. In 1971, Honda acquired the trademark ATC, “all-terrain cycle”, and gave it to their three-wheelers. …
2000 Triumph Adventurer 900
Post Sale Update: This Adventurer sold for $2,150 after 9 bids on eBay. The Triumph Adventurer combines the smoothness of their 900cc triple with a laid back, standard frame. A larger front wheel and longer forks set it apart from the Thunderbird, giving it a relaxed sense and riding style. It can’t be described as sprightly, but is that really …
Six Cylinders – 1983 Benelli 900 Sei
Post Listing Update: This Benelli did not get any interest at the asking price of $20,000 on eBay. Alejandro De Tomaso is an Argentinian racer and businessman who may be best known for creating his own automobile brand, De Tomaso in 1959. When Ford tried (and failed) to buy Ferrari, De Tomaso (the Man) proposed a win-win opportunity to Ford, …
1965 Honda CB77 Super Hawk
Post Sale Update: This Super Hawk sold for $4,860 on eBay after being relisted. The Honda CB77 has a special place in motorcycling history. They marked the beginning of Soichiro Honda developing his own designs, and we can all thank him for that. It was the beginning of the end of British motorcycling supremacy, despite their engines being significantly larger. …
Ending Soon – 1959 Moto Morini Tresette Sprint
Post Listing Update: This Morini did not meet reserve despite 14 bids up to $5,500. 9-13-18 Update: Two months later, reader David S notes that this bike is back up for sale – but this time it’s got a BIN option. Find it with bidding up to $5,000 and the reserve not yet met or a BIN of $7,500 here …
No Reserve – 1974 BMW R90S
Post Sale Update: This R90S sold for $7,567 after 34 bids on eBay. When it was released in 1974, the R90S was a game-changer for BMW. With oversight from Hans Muth, this bike was built to show the world that the German firm could make more than just touring bikes for old guys. Reg Pridmore helped soldify that claim with …
Black Shadow Spec – 1953 Vincent Rapide
Post Listing Update: This Rapide did not get any interest at the opening bid of $65,000. In 1917, while serving as a prisoner during WWI, the British Royal Flying Corp pilot Howard Raymond Davies imagined a motorcycle design that he wanted to create at the end of the war. In 1924, with his partner EJ Massey, he launched the brand …
Nice Price – 2000 Aprilia RSV Mille
Post Listing Update: This Mille somehow did not get any action at the BIN of $2,268 on eBay. The Aprilia RSV Mille was part of a wonderful time in history when 1000cc V-Twins were the pinnacle of performance. They behave like warhammers compared to today’s more svelte 4 cylinders, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t special. The twin circular taillights …
First Year, First Model Project – 1955 Yamaha YA-1
Post Listing Update: This YA-1 was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. The company we all know today as Yamaha began as Nippon Gakki Co. Ltd in 1887 (incorporated in 1897), producing musical instruments. Founded by Torakusu Yamaha, the company would remain in operation for nearly seven decades before it produced its first motorized two-wheeler. Following the Second …
M1030M1 – 2009 Kawasaki KLR650
Post Sale Update: This diesel KLR sold for $5,736 after 19 bids on eBay. KLR fans, take a close look at that motor. If it looks different than what you’re used to, it’s because this is a diesel-powered Kawasaki built by Hayes Diversified Technologies for the US Marine Corps. Hayes actually built 3 military Kawis – a gas-powered bike based …
Tetsu Mitsuhashi-Built – 2001 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200 Custom
Post Listing Update: This custom Harley did not get any action at the BIN of $8,000. Tetsu Mitsuhashi honed his skills working under Aki Sakamoto of Hog Killers Inc. Interestingly, Aki himself sharpened his teeth working under Jesse James at West Coast Choppers. While Mitsuhashi has worked on countless bespoke two-wheelers while at Hog Killers, this Sportster-based build is the …
1973 Triumph X75 Hurricane
Post Listing Update: This Hurricane did not get any interest at the asking price of $26,900. At the end of the 60’s, British motorcycle makers like BSA/Triumph were facing the end of their supremacy. Japanese makers were growing and while the Brits were doing their best with 650cc twin cylinder that leaked oil, the Japanese were preparing 750cc inline fours …
2015 Royal Enfield Continental GT
Post Listing Update: This Enfield was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. Royal Enfield is a brand steeped in British history that has been given new life thanks to Indian investment. The Continental GT was once Britain’s fastest 250; a title to be proud of. The current model has deviated as little as possible from the formula, remaining …
1986 Yamaha FZ600
Post Listing Update: This FZ did not get any interest at the asking price of $3,500. Sport bikes and other technologies derived from racing employ the most cutting edge hardware available. In 1986, the Yamaha FZ600 was the best Yamaha had to offer in the exploding supersport class. The motor had been developed over the 80s, the suspension was adjustable, …