Honda engineers started down the path to produce a V4 motorcycle engine in 1978 to compete against two stoke race bikes of the time. Soichiro Honda didn’t like two stroke engines and didn’t want to race them. He was passionate about maximizing 4-stroke technology. He wanted a 4 stroke that could compete. The engineers eventually produced the NR500 race bike. …
R6 Bodywork – 1984 Yamaha RZ500 Custom
View PostMcCandless Swingarm Conversion – 1931 Norton International
1931 was the first year for the Norton International, a motorcycle that would be produced for an impressive 26 years. This specific example (VIN: 3049256) is extra special as it’s got two significant modifications. The first is a McCandless swingarm conversion. Before the debut of the legendary Featherbed frame in 1950, the McCandless brothers offered swingarm conversions for all types …
Not Stock – 1983 Honda CB1100F by Randakk
I’ve shared a couple of Randakk’s custom Honda builds in the past, such as this supercharged CBX and this supercharged GL1000. But today’s feature is a highly customized CB1100F, which pairs nicely with the stock example just shared a few minutes ago. Current bidding is within a few hundred bucks and the listings end within a few hours of each …
Stock – 1983 Honda CB1100F
Built for just one year, the Honda CB1100F was a sleek looking standard that was mighty quick – in January of ’83, Cycle World said it was the fastest stock bike they’ve ever tested.
2007 Yamaha FJR1300
Why do we like some brands more than others? I feel like I’m an equal opportunity gearhead: I’d happily ride a Ducati, or a Triumph for example. They’re both great manufacturers that do different things extremely well. But if you made me choose, I think I’d pick a Triumph. Why? I couldn’t really put my finger on it. I’ve owned …
Land Speed Record Holder – 1955 BMW R50
Owned by Kevin Brooks, this R50 held the P-PV (Production – Production Vintage) class record at the Bonneville Salt Flats for several years, and it’s said to be the “first 500cc motorcycle of any make to break 100mph while running in the production class.”
Rolling Art – 1993 Honda CBR900RR by Zephyr
The Honda CBR900RR is an excellent motorcycle that completely changed the definition of a sportbike in the early 90s. But this example isn’t notable for its performance on the road – it’s value comes from the bodywork that’s been painted by Andrew Witten, a NYC graffiti artist known as Zephyr. The seller states that this bike is the third in …
Down & Out’s “Misfit” – 2001 Kawasaki W650 Custom
Down & Out Motorcycles is a UK-based customs outfit that’s received write-ups on well-over-a-dozen of its builds on sites like TheBikeShed, BikeBrewers, and BikeExif. While the shop undeniably has a lot of range when it comes to the flavor of its various builds, much of D&O’s work has a vintage feel to it, with this café’d W650 — that reportedly …
1.3 Miles – 1991 Bimota YB10 Dieci
Post Listing Update: This Dieci did not get any interest at the BIN of $21,000. Bimota’s 10th model with a Yamaha engine, the appropriately-named Dieci was built between 1991 and 1994 with just 224 examples leaving the factory. An even smaller portion were equipped with a passenger seat and pegs. Bimota scooped up the engine from a FZR1000 and then …
Plated – 1999 ATK 600DT
In a 1998 advertisement, ATK called the 600DT the only “factory-built dirt tracker”. They said it was race-ready thanks to a Rotax motor, their in-house frame, Brembo brakes, WP suspension, Talon hubs, SuperTrapp exhaust, and plenty more quality components.
Power-Dyne Vehicles – 1975 PDV Gringo 250
Post Listing Update: This custom RT did not get any interest at the opening bid of $3,500 on eBay. 4-9-2019 Update: 7 months later, the seller has ditched the $11k BIN and is now trying to see what he or she can get with an opening bid set at $3,500 (and the reserve not yet met). Is that low enough …
Lithuanian Custom – 2007 BMW R1200RT
Post Listing Update: This custom RT did not get any interest at the BIN of $6,499. I share this not because I’m in love with the end result, but because I’m stunned someone decided to start with the RT as a platform to customize with. Called the “White Swan”, this bike was created by Mantas Simanauskas, who goes by Si …
Restored – 1941 Harley Davidson FL Knucklehead
Post Listing Update: This HD did not get any interest at the BIN of $75,000 on eBay. Harley-Davidson is the most successful American motorcycle manufacturer in the history of motorcycling, but there’s so much more to the story than just that statement. They have been close to shutting their doors on numerous occasions since selling their first bike in 1903. …
1977 Benelli Phantom 2C Elettronica
Post Sale Update: This Phantom sold for $2,750 after 1 bid on eBay. A twin of Moto Guzzi’s 250TS, the Benelli Phantom 2C couldn’t compete with bikes like the Yamaha RD in outright feats of speed, but it countered with Italian style and quality components: Borrani rims, Marzocchi forks, Veglia instrumentation, and twin Dell’orto carbs. They’re rare finds, and this …