In 1938, DKW released the NZ 350, and it was instantly a popular motorcycle. Almost immediately, the German Wehrmacht asked DKW to start prototyping a military version, which came to be known as the NZ 350-1 when it was released in the early 40s. 12,000 units were built between 1943 and 1945 – here’s one of the few examples that …
Two Owners – 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750
Though the model debuted in 1985, Suzuki’s legendary Gixxer line did not make its way to the US until 1986. The changes were minor – better headlights, a revised belly pan, and 25mm longer swingarm, but Americans were probably too busy drooling over the first true street-legal race replica to notice.
2001 BMW R1150GS
The GS has been a huge money maker for BMW, and it really took off in with the 1150. Many riders were inspired by Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman’s Long Way Round, which ended up being quite an advertisement for BMW (and a decent-sized debacle for KTM).
1991 BMW K75S
Those of you that have read some of my older travel reports probably know that I have a soft spot for the BMW K75. It’s not a particularly exciting motorcycle but I’m biased because a K75C showed naive young me what motorcycle touring was all about after 4 years and 75,000 miles with only one issue (which was my fault). …
First Year in North America – 2003 Honda Ruckus
Post Sale Update: this Ruckus sold for $1,151 after 13 bids on Goodwill. The Honda Ruckus is a very unique modern scooter which combines distinctive styling, a CVT transmission, and excellent fuel economy (114 mpg) to become a popular in-town runabout. Here’s an example with just 660 miles that’s been donated to a Goodwill, so you can feel good about …
KLR650-B – 1990 Kawasaki Tengai
Did you know that Kawasaki actually made three versions of the original KLR? The “A” model is the one everyone is used to, but there were two alternates that occasionally come up for sale. This is the “B” model, better known as the Tengai.
1962 Velocette Venom Endurance
Post Sale Update: This Venom Endurance sold for $9,875 after 27 bids on eBay. The last time I featured a Velocette Venom Endurance, Paul d’Orleans got right to the point:
JDM Springer – 1998 Honda Steed 400 VLS
5-25-18 Update: This Steed was relisted due to a non-paying bidder. Find it with a BIN of $2,875 or best offer here on eBay. Post Sale Update: After 28 bids on eBay, this Honda sold for $1,875. Japan has a large contingent of Harley fans, and Honda reached out to them with the VLX and VLS – or what they …
1968 Suzuki MoKick M31
Another day, another Honda Cub clone from a Japanese competitor! This is the M31, which was also known as the MoKick (because you started it by kicking, like a motorcycle, as opposed to pedaling, like a moped) or the Suzy 55.
2.4 Miles – 2013 Honda VFR1200F
It’s always fun to play with hypothetical money and guess what current models will be future classics. The seller of this bike actually backed up his guess with a not-hypothetical investment. He bought two examples of Honda’s VRF1200F, one to ride and one to collect. In his words, “I recognize the technology investment made by Honda, I fell in love …
Spirit of the Seventies Build – 1997 Ducati 600SS Custom
UK-based customs outfit Spirit of the Seventies has produced some of my all-time favorite retro-themed builds. As the shop’s name suggests, SotS specializes in transforming modern machines into retro-styled customs and while this particular Ducati project is one of the shop’s low-end builds, it’s nonetheless a pretty fascinating one; making just a couple major modifications and leaving the majority of …
1972 Yamaha U7E
This rare step through is a Yamaha U7E, and in the US it was only available for one year. I’ve never seen one before, and I even struggled to find reliable sources of information for basic specs. Do any of you have experience with this little scoot? And do you think it’s cuter than a Honda Cub?
5,000 Miles – 1990 Honda Hawk NT650
Post Sale Update: This Hawk sold for $3,200 after 14 bids on eBay. Apparently it’s a Honda day on Bike-urious. The firm was ahead of its time when it debuted the Hawk GT, which is why it was a commercial failure even though it was one of the world’s first modern naked bikes. As is the often the case with …
1993 Honda CBR900RR
Post Sale Update: This Fireblade sold for $8,800 after 23 bids on eBay. The first generation of the Honda CBR900RR, affectionately known as the Fireblade, was a revolution in the large displacement sport bike market. Despite a 50% larger engine, this bike weighed just 4 pounds more than the CBR600F2. Just as important, this bike was a whopping 76 pounds …
Barry Weiss Build – 1973 Cheney Triumph Custom
In the past, the development of motorcycle engines progressed at a rate that markedly exceeded that of frames and suspension systems, resulting in a demand for trick, high-performance, aftermarket chassis and suspenders. Whether it was an inability to compensate for a powertrain’s oomph, an unnecessarily hefty weight, the stock frame offerings of the ‘60s gave backyard hobbyists, factory race departments, …