In 1977, Penton introduced the GS6 (GS = Gelande Sport where Gelande translates to terrain or off-road, 6 = number of speeds in the transmission). It had a similar frame to the MC5 motocross bike but it came with an orange enduro tank, side panels, and a number plate with a headlight.
1986 Suzuki GSX-R 750 Limited Edition
3-29-17 Update: Ray K notes that this beautiful Suzuki is back up for sale with another 40 miles on the odometer. Find it still in Oklahoma City with an unmet opening bid of $13,500 here on eBay. Post Listing Update: This Limited Edition Zook did not meet reserve with bidding up to $16,900. If you had to pick one motorcycle …
1975 Honda MR175
Honda had a pretty checkered run with dirt bikes in the early 70s. It seemed their offerings were either very, very good or ‘not so much’. They introduced a legend in 1973 with the CR125M and CR250M Elsinore. The Elsinore changed dirt riding and racing forever.
Collection of 20 – Harley/Aermacchi 2-Strokes in Canada
Twice in a week, we’ve got a collection of 20 Italian bikes in Canada. This time it’s a little less glamorous, but it’s still an interesting option for the small percentage of you that are into the Aermacchi/Harley bikes.
1961 Rockford Silver Pigeon
In the 1950s and 60s, Rockford Scooter Company of Rockford, Illinois imported several Japanese lines for sale in the US. Bike-urious chronicles the importation of Bridgestone Motorcycles in 1963 right here. As it turns out, Rockford also signed a deal with Mitsubishi to import the ‘Silver Pigeon’ line. Rockford was aggressive in their marketing signing up a large dealer network …
Grey Market Rossi Replica – 2002 Honda CBR600 F4i
Post Listing Update: Despite 27 bids on eBay, this Rossi rep did not sell at $3,100. In 2001, Honda released a limited edition of their CBR600 – it was adorned in a yellow and blue livery that paid tribute to Valentino Rossi for his first year with Honda in the top level of motorcycle racing. I have not been able …
1982 Laverda Jota 120
Roger Slater was Laverda’s importer in Britain – and like all good importers, he asked the manufacturer to make something faster. So Laverda wisely responded by turning the 3C into the Jota, the fastest production motorcycle to date. The Jota was built between 1976 and 1982, and the 1,000cc triple featured 180 degree crankpin phasing that led to a distinctive …
Pacific Coast – 1989 Honda PC800
It has been close to 30 years since the PC 800 was released, it is still a distinctive look. Though completely plastic wrapped bikes are more common now, this was really the first. It didn’t sell particularly well, but there was a definite subset of riders that was attracted to the bike. Under all that plastic was a really straight …
1969 Bultaco Matador
About the ’69 Matador, Cycle World said it has the “uncanny ability to change its character from that of gentle trail plodder, to hard-charging racer, to graceful trails mount, to occasional ride-to-work tool.” This example is almost completely restored – just missing some “correct fasteners.”
Be a Hero – 2009 Suzuki SFV650 Gladius
Suzuki introduced the Gladius as a replacement for the very successful SV650. While it was an objectively better bike in most ways, the American market did not take kindly to it and it was recently replaced with…the SV650 again. Apparently Suzuki sold at least one Gladius, because someone is trying to sell his and he’s resorted to trying to convince …
1972 Yamaha DT1
Like most earthshaking ideas, the idea behind the 1968 DT1 was simple. Build a sturdy dirt bike with good suspension travel. Give it good power and handling. Add lights to make it street legal and make it half the price of the Husqvarna 250. Everybody loved it. From the press to first time riders and everybody in between. The initial …
1995 BMW R1100RS with ARMEC Sidewinder
One of the drawbacks of sidecars is how it changes the bike’s cornering dynamics. But a Swiss company called ARMEC offers a solution – a sidecar designed to allow for the motorcycle to lean as normal. They call it the Sidewinder, and it’s a rare sight in the US.
Wide Case Racer – 1968 Ducati 450 Non-Desmo
Though it could be plated for street duty because it’s got lights, a horn, and all that other good stuff, this 450 is currently setup for racing. Note that despite the “Desmo” on the tank, the original head was replaced with a conventional head for “reliability reasons” and the Desmo head is no longer available.
1974 Kawasaki Z1
There are some really legendary models in motorcycling history that are able to be identified without regard to make or even year. Bonneville. CB750. H2. There are many others, but there is no doubt that the Z1 fits in that group.
Building the Gromster
Editor’s Note: About a year ago, David N (you’ll remember him from experiences like going to a Mecum auction or his recent visit to the AMCA Sunshine Chapter National Meet) told me that he was looking for a Grom to customize. When he explained what his plan was, I asked if he’d be willing to share the bike and his …