Developed by Swiss students for the 1986 World EXPO in Vancouver, British Columbia, the TWIKE won an award for best ergonomic design in the “Innovative Vehicle Design Competition”. At the time it was 100% driven by the human power of pedaling. The initial success led to a commercial venture in 1992 (with production starting in 1995) with the third evolution …
1980 Ducati Darmah SSD
After the classic 750 GT of the 70s, Ducati looked to evolve with a simpler engine, and they ended up with the first ‘square case’ bevel twin – the 860 GT. It was a commercial flop, so just a few years later, the Ducati 900 SD Darmah was released, and it was a much better sport tourer. The SD (Sport …
$2,599 – 1978 Yamaha XS500 Cafe
The XS500 didn’t exactly set the world on fire when it was released, especially as it had some reliability issues with valve seats, but here’s an example that’s been modded into a mid-displacement cafe racer.
Rare Airhead – 1991 BMW R100
Though BMW sold a similar bike called the R100R for a few years afterwards, the BMW R100 Classic is quite an oddball. Information is very scarce on this bike, as it seems just 180 were sold in the US and Japan in 1990/1991.
Custom Paint – 2009 Aprilia Tuono Factory
View Post1982 Suzuki GS650GT
Built between ’81-’83, the GS650 was available in several forms – including one with styling inspired by the Katana. The GT was the shaft driven standard which often did commuting duty in the 80s. Here’s an example that’s been recently restored, yielding a UJM in good shape that could be a fun starter bike.
Cheapest I’ve Seen – 1968 Honda S90
Post-Sale Update: This S90 did not last long! The listing was taken down within hours of it being featured. Y’all know how much I love the Honda S90 – and here’s one for just over a grand.
1962 Norton Manx Replica
The Norton Manx was a racing bike built for a whopping 15 years built in long stroke and short stroke variants. The Manx has a long, complicated history, but in recent times there has been a resurgence in its popularity for classic motorcycle racing, leading to aftermarket firms specializing in service and parts supply for these classics. If you know …
Needs Some Work – 1975 Cooper Islo 250
At one point in time, Frank Cooper was the US distributor for Maico. He thought he could create a bike that slotted between Japanese and European dirt bikes in price, with the hope that it would handle like a European bike but be reliable like a Japanese bike. Enter the Cooper 250 Enduro, created to give off-roaders the best of …
1995 Moto Guzzi Sport 1100
Producer of big bikes with lovely, torquey V-Twin engines, Guzzi is best known for cruisers and standard bikes. But the Moto Guzzi Sport 1100 was a beautiful deviation from the norm.
1 of 150 – 2001 Panzer/Paughco Captain America
30 years after the movie Easy Rider was released, Panzer USA built an unauthorized replica of the iconic Captain America (doing a much better job than endorsed-by-Fonda CMC replica, though there are still plenty of discrepancies). 150 were built, and this is number 47.
1974 Yamaha TZ750
Post Sale Update: After 72 bids on eBay, this TZ750 sold for $39,000. A legend in motorcycle racing, a Yamaha TZ750 won the Daytona 200 nine times in a row and was called one of the six greatest motorcycles of all time by Cycle World. Here’s an example that’s spent over 30 years in storage after a brief stint in …
Supercharged – 1974 Norton Commando 850
Based on out of South Windsor, Connecticut, Drouin made belt driven superchargers for a variety of bikes, like the Sportster Super Glide and the CB750 – though they had most of their success with the Norton Commando. Here’s a 850 that’s been given a variety of custom features, but the star of the show is obviously the Drouin, which was …
$1,800 – Cheap Matchless Mongrel – 1960 Matchless G2
Built from ‘a box of parts and a rolling chassis’, this Matchless G2 is not yet complete (needs lights ans switch gear to be street legal) but it “starts easily and is a hoot to ride.”
Bimota Foursome
A collector in Connecticut with over 150 motorcycles is selling off all 18 of his Bimotas in the next couple of weeks. Four are currently available, and they’re generally claimed to be in museum quality. Put that drool guard on your keyboard!