Post-Sale Update: After 46 bids on eBay, this BMW K75S sold for $3,450. I will concede that BMW K75 is not the sexiest motorcycle that’s ever been built – I remember that the editors of Motorcyclist once called it “the two-wheel equivalent of Birkenstocks.” With that said, I have a soft spot in my heart for these bikes, which I …
The Liberator – 1945 Harley-Davidson WLA
Of all the motorcycles Harley produced for the military, the Harley-Davidson WLA was by far the most common – though that doesn’t mean it’s easy to find nowadays. Based on the WL (W – a model line of bikes, L – high compression, A – Army), this bike helped create a dramatic rise in Harley’s popularity as surplus bikes were …
2005 MZ 1000S
Once the world’s biggest producer of motorcycles, MZ went bankrupt in May of last year. The last decade of its history was full of financial troubles, but the varying ownership had MZ constantly trying new things. In 1996, a Malaysian group took over and resolved to build MZ’s first superbike. The MV 1000S was born – a 140 mph parallel …
Yamaha RZ350 Kenny Roberts
A sought-after collectors bike in the US, the Yamaha RZ350 Kenny Roberts probably needs no introduction. Only sold in the states from 84-85, these were the first bikes in the US to come equipped with catalytic converters and the first Yamaha street bike in the US to use a perimeter frame.
New York Steak – 1973 Kawasaki Z1 900
8-8 Update: Despite 38 bids on eBay up to $61,100, this Kawasaki Z1 900 did not meet reserve. It’s been relisted with an opening bid of $25,000 (and better photos) here on eBay. Before Honda released the instant classic CB750, Kawasaki was also working on a a four-cylinder, 750cc sportbike – except Kawi thought it was going to be first …
1958 Royal Enfield Indian Tomahawk
The Royal Enfield Indian Tomahawk was a result of the odd marriage between (surprise) Royal Enfield and Indian. The Indian marque was owned by an English firm called Brockhouse Engineering, and during this time, they imported Royal Enfield bikes under the Indian name.
Eleven – 1996 Ducati 900SS Custom by Atom Bomb
Post-Listing Update: 27 bids got the action up to $15,100, but this Ducati 900SS Custom by Atom Bomb did not meet reserve. It has since been relisted with an opening bid of $23,900 here on eBay. Previously featured on BikeEXIF, this Ducati 900SS Custom is the work of Atom Bomb Custom Motorcycles. They call this bike Eleven – I call …
1964 Norton Atlas Cafe Racer
Named after the ICBM, the Norton Atlas was released in 1962, earning a so-so reputation before being replaced by the classic Commando. Built to appeal to American aesthetic preferences, it was initially only produced for export. Here’s an example that’s been turned into a cafe racer.
JDM and 17k RPM – 1986 Yamaha FZR250
Originally sold only in Japan, the Yamaha FZR250 was one of the few “learner legal” race replica bikes. A small amount of these bikes eventually made their way to other countries, just like this excellent example in front of you. Yet despite the gray-market importation, this bike has a California title and plate.
Butterface – 1990 Moto Guzzi Mille GT 1000 Custom
Post Sale Update: After 15 bids on eBay, this Mille GT sold for $4,161. A rarity even in the world of Guzzis, the Moto Guzzi Mille GT 1000 was a standard bike that could arguably be considered a blend between the California and the T5.
Reader Ride – 1990 Honda NS50F
Alex M is getting married, and he’s looking to sell his Honda NS50F to help pay for the wedding. This is an incredibly rare bike sold only for just one year, with a small, but incredibly passionate following.
1971 Harley-Davidson FX Super Glide
Post-Listing Update: Despite 29 bids on eBay up to $14,100, this Harley-Davidson FX Super Glide did not meet reserve. Considered by some to be the first factory custom bike, the Harley-Davidson FX Super Glide was Willie G’s brainchild and an attempt to satisfy the countless H-D enthusiasts that would customize their brand new Harleys.
2008 Benelli Tornado 1130
In the world of modern Italian sportbikes, most people immediately default to Ducati. But if you’re looking to broaden your horizons, you might want to consider a different offering – the Benelli Tornado 1130.
1975 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport
My favorite Guzzi, the Moto Guzzi V7 Sport is still one of the most famous Guzzis ever made. Produced in small numbers (about 3,500) for only three years, it represented a change in focus for the firm. After years of truck-like bikes such as the Ambassador and the Eldorado, the V7 was specifically created by Tonti to honor Guzzi’s racing …
1957 Ariel Square Four
The Ariel Square Four design goes all the way back to 1931, soon after Edward Turner designed an interesting new four-cylinder motorcycle engine formed from two OHC parallel twins. The design became known as the square four engine, and lent its name to this Ariel motorcycle.