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Bookends – Harley Davidson VLs: 1930 and 1936

In America, Cruiser, Vintage by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

The Great Depression ravaged the entire economy of the United States, and Harley Davidson was no exception. Total production plummeted and dealers and the company struggled to survive. The 1930 model year saw the introduction of a brand new 74 CID V-Twin motor. Sidevalve design it would become known as ‘the Flathead’ in the HD lexicon. It offered a huge …

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1949 Harley-Davidson Hydra Glide

In America, Cruiser by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

1948 was the first year for the PanHead motor which featured alloy heads and hydraulic valve adjustment. In 1949 Harley Davidson introduced hydraulic telescopic fork front suspension to their big twins. The combination put a dagger in Indian’s heart. Harley had become the technology leader by a large margin. Hydra Glide. Doesn’t seem like much today, but the Hydra Glide …

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1911 Harley-Davidson Model 7

In America, Cruiser, Vintage by AbhiLeave a Comment

1911 was a very big year in the history of Harley Davidson. The motor company expanded from 150 employees in 1910 to 550 at the end of 1911. They put out a stunning 5,625 units, more than double the 1910 production. All were model 7, and most were the 30 CID single cylinder but the Model 7 D featured a …

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Rare Trials – 1982 SWM TL320

In Italy, Off-Road by AbhiLeave a Comment

SWM started building the Rotax-powered TL320 in 1977. Incremental upgrades were put into play until the bike was killed off in 1984, but the highlight of the model run was right about when this specific bike was built – in 1981, Gilles Burgat won the FIM World Trials Championship. This example has been restored so you can do your best …

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Rare in the US – 1992 Yamaha SRV250

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: This SRV sold for the BIN of $3,750. Never officially sold in the US, the SRV250 was Yamaha’s baby cafe racer a la the Honda GB500. The seller is not aware of another example in the US, and neither am I. I hope the next owner keeps it as-is and avoids the temptation of turning it into …

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1959 Norton Nomad 600

In Dual-Sport, England by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: Paul has let me know that this bike sold privately and the Nomad has been pulled off of eBay. When I last checked, it had over 220 bids! Editor’s Note: This bike is being sold by none other than Paul d’Orleans – The Vintagent. There can’t be many better people to buy a motorcycle from. One of …

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2005 BMW 1150RT-P Police

In Germany, Less than 5k, Touring by Ted CloughLeave a Comment

Have problems with traffic, but don’t live in California and enjoy the advantages of lane-splitting? Here’s your answer. BMW has provided motorcycles for many state and local police units, and the R1150RT-P was a model purpose-built for Police use. The basic bike was a stock 1150RT, but it had several optional modifications to safety equipment (crash bars), storage(radio topbox), and …