The Aprilia RS50 is pretty much as good as it gets with 50cc “supersports”. The styling has always aped the styling of its liter-bike bigger brother, but the proportions can look a bit off because of that: Still, the 49cc two-stroke engine is powerful enough to get the bike up to about 65 mph once it’s been derestricted, and today …
1958 Simson 425S/AWO Sport
A East German company known for building cars, bikes, and firearms, Simson had a tumultuous history which included being taken over by the Third Reich (Simson’s ownership was Jewish) and later on by the Russians after the second World War. The Russians renamed the company AWO, so this bike is also known as the AWO Sport.
2012 Norley Cafe Racer
You’re probably familiar with the Triton – a Triumph engine in a Norton frame. But have you heard of a Harley Sportster engine in a replica Norton Manx frame? Say hello to the Norley. Or should it be called Sporton? Harlon? Harlton? Whatever.
Motorcycle Classics Feature – 1962 Rickman Metisse Scrambler
It’s not every day that I get to feature a bike that’s had a very detailed write-up done on it before. But thanks to this article from Motorcycle Classics, you can learn all about the story behind John Whitby’s beautifully restored Rickman Metisse Scrambler before you start bidding.
One Year Only – 1934 Harley-Davidson CB 500
The Harley-Davidson CB 500 is an unusual bike – produced for just one year, it was the result of taking the 500cc engine from Harley’s “C” model and sticking it in the frame of their “B” model, which normally utilized a 350cc engine. Consider it a rare factory hotrod? As far as I can tell, just 150 of these were …
1994 Kawasaki KLR650 with Sidecar
Here’s a cool Kawasaki KLR650 with a sidecar that was specifically built to house a Newfoundland, though it apparently will fit a normal sized dog and a person just fine. The bike has just 13k miles and has been modified with hard luggage, a bigger windshield, and a 7 gallon fuel tank. Find this KLR650 rig for sale here on …
One Mile – 1975 Hercules Wankel 2000
When you think of rotary engines nowadays, Mazda is usually the first manufacturer to come to mind. In the early 70s, though, several companies were exploring the engine concept – three of whom were in the motorcycle space. Suzuki, Norton, and DKW all brought rotary-powered bikes to the market, but DKW was the first. Outside of the UK, it was …
The First Ducati – 1949 Ducati Cucciolo
The first motorcycle model ever released by the Italian firm, the Ducati Cucciolo was introduced in March 1946 out of the Borgo Panigale factory. One year later they were winning races with Glauco Zitelli at the helm, and a year after that the Cucciolo was being imported into the US.
Restored – 1997 Ducati 916
The Ducati 916 needs no introduction, but I’ve always considered it to be a bit of a revelation.
Moto2 Racer – 2010 Moriwaki MD600
The Moriwaki MD600 was a race bike built to compete in the brand new (at the time) Moto2 class, designed to replace the two-stroke 250cc class as a feeder to MotoGP.
1972 Chaparral Bullet T172
In the 70s, snowmobile manufacturer Chaparral saw how popular dirt bikes were becoming, and wanted to get in on the craze. They did so with a lineup of 3 small (and apparently mediocre) mini-cycles that were deemed “Familyweight”. This was the Bullet T172, a trail bike that was a downgrade of the ST80 (despite the smaller engine, the latter had …
1958 BSA Super Rocket A10
Post-Listing Update: This Super Rocket did not meet reserve at $5,350 despite 21 bids on eBay. In the 50s, BSA was considered to be a manufacturer of reliable motorcycles, though general consensus was that they were falling behind in performance to Triumph and Norton. Birmingham Small Arms fought responded with the BSA Super Rocket, which has to be fast just …
1967 Norton Featherlastic
12-5 Update: A month later, this bike is now up for sale at Brad’s Bikes for $7,500. Post-Sale Update: After 24 bids on eBay, this Norton Featherlastic sold for $6,801. When most people think of a mongrel Norton, they think of the Triton – a Triumph engine in a Norton Featherbed frame. But there’s also a much rarer take on …
2011 Royal Enfield Bullet with Sidecar
As you probably know, the the Royal Enfield Bullet is a retro styled thumper with post-WWII styling and 27 horsepower. It’s also a great platform for customization, as shown by a previously featured custom cafe racer build and this gorgeous sidecar rig which looks like it’s ready to tackle any thing you could have thrown at it back in the …
2000 Moto Guzzi V11 Sport Custom
Here’s an interesting Moto Guzzi Custom Cafe Racer from the folks at Santiago Chopper. I’ve featured a custom Guzzi from Santiago before, but this one’s based on a V11 Sport.