Honda’s GB500 was an homage to classic British singles but there was a twist – it was reliable! The average American rider shopping for a Japanese bike at the time was more interested in the bigger supersport replicas, but the Tourist Trophy has become a cult classic.
2 Miles – 2010 BMW HP2 Sport
The BMW HP2 Sport is one of the rarest bikes from the last few decades of BMW motorcycles. It certain ways, it was a tough sell. Loosely based on the R1200S, this was a very pricey and exclusive sportbike that put down less power than its competitors due to the limits of the venerable boxer engine. But I think it …
No Reserve – 1979 Honda CBX
Post Sale Update: This CBX sold for $13,800 after 58 bids on eBay in Hillsboro, Oregon. Early CBXs have been steadily increasing in value, so it’s always nice to find one listed with No Reserve to see what the market thinks it’s worth. Here’s a “daily rider” that’s guaranteed to find a new home.
4 Miles – 1984 Montesa H7 360 Enduro
A rare find in the US, Montesa’s H7 generation of Enduros was avaiable in 80, 250, and 360cc variants. Here’s an impressively original example of the big brother that “has been stored in climate controlled storage since new.”
Euro Paint Restomod – 1985 Honda VF1000R
When it was released, the VF1000R was a bit of a revelation: it was Honda’s flagship, designed to showcase what the Japanese firm was capable of. It was also a huge tease to US riders, because it was initially only released in Europe only – America got the VF1000F instead, which was designed to be more of a touring bike. …
CA Plated – 1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma
Suzuki won 7 consecutive manufacturer titles in the 500cc Grand Prix class with their Gamma racer, and it inspired a street bike called the RG500. Classic Motorbikes said the “Suzuki is almost an exact replica of the race machine, its roots can be traced directly to the 1983 factory XR45 and the crankcases, barrels and general engine layout are virtually …
Needs Some Work – 1935 Triumph Model 3
After a “nut and bolt” restoration in 2012, this bike has been sitting – the seller uses my favorite phrase, “ran great when parked” and notes that it will now need the “usual recommissioning and put oil, gas, battery, test the brakes, adjust the primary, adjust the clutch, etc.” But in this case, it should be worth it!
Vintage Racer – 1973 Honda CB750
Ready for AHRMA racing, this non-street legal CB750 has been well modified and puts down 89 horsepower at the rear wheel.
Diesel Powered – 1972 Honda XL250
The frame is from a ’72 Honda 250, but the motor is totally unexpected – a Yanmar 400cc diesel engine.
CA Plated – 2005 Honda CRF50
Equipped with a Baja Designs lighting kit, this little fifty has somehow got a CA plate so that you can ride it off-road, at camp, in the pits, and even on the street!
Ending Soon – 2005 Ducati 999R
In 2005, Ducati started exporting the 999R in earnest to satisfy the AMA homolgation requirements (the year before, just 50 were sold). For $29,995, this motorcycle was just about as close to a WSBK bike you could get.
Land Speed Racer – 1973 Yamaha RD350
The logo of “Geriatric Racing” on the front fender is worth a chuckle, but this land speed RD350 will hopefully make you smile when you’re riding it, too.
Daytona Show Bike – 1993 Moto Guzzi SP III
Considered by some to have the best implementation of the 950cc Guzzi twin, the Moto Guzzi SP III was a solid sport touring bike that comes with a dose of Italian charm. This one stands out as it was a Daytona show bike from Harper’s Moto Guzzi from St. Louis, Missouri.
HRC Shadow Briefcase
In the mid 2000s, HRC created a limited run of 500 carbon fiber briefcases. As they put it, “HRC has produced many outstanding Honda “works” racing machines, including the MotoGP class machines that represent the absolute pinnacle in road racing. The key to this success has been our ultra-lightweight carbon technology, which we have put to full use in creating …
59 Miles – 1974 Harley-Davidson Z90
4/30 Update: Uh…nevermind. While at Mecum Las Vegas, I was surprised to see the exact same photo that the “seller” of this bike used…so it’s clearly a scam and I’ve deleted the link. The asking price below is $3,500, but it sold at Mecum for a shocking (to me) $7,920.