Post Listing Update: This CBR got no attention at the opening ask of $5,000. The first generation of the Honda CBR900RR, affectionately known as the Fireblade, was a revolution in the large displacement sport bike market. Despite a 50% larger engine, this bike weighed just 4 pounds more than the CBR600F2. Just as important, this bike was a whopping 76 …
1985 Suzuki Madura GV1200GLF
A direct response to the ‘mega-cruiser’ Honda Magna, the Suzuki Madura was all about one-upmanship. Honda called their Magna an 1100, so the Madura was called a 1200, even if the engine was actually 1165cc. Honda rated the Magna at 116hp, Suzuki rated the Madura at…117 horsepower. You get the idea. Either way, it was a rare (5,099 produced over …
1966 Suzuki X6 Hustler
The Suzuki X6 Hustler, also called the T20 Super Six, was an instant hit with riders who loved high performance engines in lightweight bikes. The 247cc engine was capable of hitting over 100hp/liter (about 29 horsepower), and the bike was packed with plenty of technology, including the first 6-speed transmission used in a production motorcycle!
Ending Soon – 1965 Honda CM91 Roadster Kit
The base model of this bike is something most people are familiar with – the step through Honda Cub, what James May once called the greatest machine ever. But in the late 60s, Honda was worried that scooters were losing popularity. Their solution was the Roadster Kit, which would completely change the CM91.
A couple of Honda Z50s
To complement the oddball “Monkey Davidson” from a week back, here’s two other rare examples of Honda’s Z50, both offered for sale by the same seller.
2003 IZH Jupiter 5
IZH, also known as Izhevsk Machinebuilding Plant, has been making motorcycles since 1928. But that’s not why you know them. You know them as the manufacturer of the ubiquitous Kalashnikov AK-47 assault rifle. But seeing as this website isn’t called “gun-curious”, let’s talk about one of their more recent models, the IZH Jupiter 5.
Rally Raid – 2002 Aprilia Caponord
Did you know (I sure as hell didn’t) that in 2003, Aprilia released a limited edition of its Caponord dual-sport called the Rally Raid, which was a surprisingly different bike. Between 350-380 were sold – none in the US, so the seller of this bike took it upon himself to acquire Rally Raid specific parts and modify his US model …
1969 Suzuki AS50 Maverick
Post Sale Update: This Maverick sold for $3,265 after 31 bids on eBay. The Suzuki AS50 Maverick was a tiddler with an interesting flat-bottom headlight. When reviewed by Motorcycle Mechanics, the tester got an impressive 114 miles per gallon!
1987 Honda TR200 Fat Cat
Sold for just two years, the Honda TR200 (better known as the Fat Cat) was similar to the more popular Yamaha TW200. With a 199cc four-stroke engine putting power through a five speed transmission and an automatic clutch, this bike was unique due to its use of two ATV-style tires.
1973 Penton Hare Scrambler 250
John Penton and KTM are well tied into each other – going back to 1968 when Penton funded KTM’s research to build some prototype bikes. Thous prototypes eventually became 100cc Berkshires which started KTM’s success in the US. In 1973, the Penton Hare Scrambler was introduced as a bigger, better variant.
1 of 122 – 1970 Indian Velo 500
After Indian went out of business in 1953, it lay dormant for quite a while. But in 1967, former West Coast distributor Floyd Clymer bought the rights to the Indian name and tried to bring the company back. He initially tried to partner with a couple of German companies to create the ‘new Indian’, but that never got past the …
$1000 – 1971 Bridgestone 100 TMX
Yes, Bridgestone is known as a tire company, but for a couple of decades they made some class-leading motorcycles. One of their very rare models is the Bridgestone 100 TMX, a tiny trail bike that featured some quality tech.
1971 Honda SL350
For reasons unknown, I’ve been on a little bit of a small Honda off-road kick recently. It continues with this beautifully restored Honda SL350.
1980 Yamaha SR500
The Yamaha SR500 has been a popular bike for decades, due to clean styling and a reliable single-cylinder engine. These traits have also led this bike to be the base for thousands of custom works, including choppers, dirt-trackers, and cafe racers. Here’s one in “truly outstanding condition”, which is one of the nicer ones I’ve seen in a while.
1967 Honda CB160
Post Listing Update: Despite 14 bids on eBay up to $2,125, this little CB did not meet reserve. One of the truly iconic small-displacement Japanese bikes, the Honda CB160 is a small but well-built street bike. This specific example has undergone a frame-off restoration and looks absolutely lovely.