View Post

A pair of Moto Guzzi 1100 Sports

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

One of my favorite Guzzis, the 1100 Sport was a beautiful deviation from what people expect from the Italian firm. This is one of the earlier models, which comes with gigantic 40mm Dell’Orto’s instead of electronic injection (denoted as the 1100i). The engine produced 90 horsepower and the 5-speed transmission was geared very tall, so you could hit nearly 140. …

View Post

1974 Honda CB350 Four

In Japan, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

When introduced, the Honda CB350 was the smallest four cylinder to be mass produced. It produced 34 horsepower and was capable of just under 100 miles per hour, and it featured some of the coolest exhausts in the business – unfortunately it an effort to save weight the pipes were thin, and most have either rotten out or been replaced …

View Post

NC30 – Honda VFR400 Racer

In Japan, Race by AbhiLeave a Comment

This Honda VFR400 is a dedicated track bike that was rebuilt several years ago after being torn down to the frame. A recent engine refresh means it has just 2 track days and 15 dyno pulls on the odometer. That refreshed engine pushes out a dyno-verified 65 horsepower at the rear wheel, thanks to ported and skimmed cylinder heads, lightweight …

View Post

1969 Norton Commando Fastback 750cc

In America, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Some people are confused about how the Fastback name came about for the Commando. It’s just the base model bike, however Norton decided to differentiate with the Fastback name once they started offering other Commando models like the Interstate. This specific Fastback (VIN: 126797) is in a wonderful shade of original Forest Green, a color that did not sell well …

View Post

2000 Kawasaki W650

In Japan, Standard by Abhi4 Comments

The Kawasaki W650 is a retro standard that was imported to the US for only 2 years. A reference to the Kawasaki W1, itself a copy of the BSA A7, the newer bike is also inspired by the Triumph Bonneville. The W650 actually preceded the rebirth of the Bonnie and for a brief moment in time in the early 2000s, …

View Post

1 of 3 – 1957 Moto Islo Grand Sport

In Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Isodoro Lopez was founder of Moto Islo, a Mexican motorcycle company that started by building economical forms of transport, but also ended up partnering with Frank Cooper of Maico fame to create enduros to be imported to the US. But ignore all that for a moment. Lopez was passionate about racing, so he worked to create four racers to compete …

View Post

The First Ducati – 1951 Ducati 60

In Italy, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

I’m sure I’ll get someone who wants to say that the Cucciolo was actually Ducati’s first motorcycle – but that was really just a bicycle with a mounted engine. The evolution of the Cucciolo (which translated to “little puppy”) was the Ducati 60, what the firm considered to be a “light motorcycle”. The next development of the Cucciolo was the …

View Post

1947 Vincent Rapide Series B

In England, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

The baby brother to the legendary Black Shadow, the Vincent Rapide was sold from 1936-55 in 3 distinct ‘Series’. The middle run was the Series B, which ended in 1948. The Rapide’s 998cc V-twin was good for 45 horsepower. By the standards of the 50’s, this motorcycle was absolutely incredible. Top speed was about 120 miles per hour, and you …

View Post

Tiny Trellis – 1986 Yamaha SDR 200

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: This SDR was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. Here’s a bike I’ve never heard of before – the Yamaha SDR 200. Originally built solely for as a JDM bike, a small amount of SDRs turned into grey-market motorcycles and were imported into Europe and the United States.

View Post

1986 Ducati 750 F1

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: This F1 did not meet reserve despite 5 bids up to $10,655. Ducati’s last stand before being sold to the Castiglioni brothers, the 750F1A featured hand made aluminum tanks, floating rotors, and other features designed to make it a race bike for the street. Raw and uncompromising, it was slightly down on power but an excellent handler …