In 2016, Indian took the touring chassis that they built for the Chieftain and Roadmaster and stripped it down to create the Springfield – Cycle World called it “the best handling Indian bagger yet.” Just by dumping the frame-mounted fairing with electric-adjust windscreen, Indian was able to shave 24 pounds.
1951 Norton ES2
Post Sale Update: This ES2 sold for $10,200 after 24 bids on eBay in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The ES2 was introduced in 1927 and was originally sold as a sports bike, though by the time production stopped in 1964, it wasn’t particularly competitive in the world of fast motorcycles. Still, an almost 40 year long production run is damned impressive, and …
2009 Aprilia RS125 with 6 Miles
Finding a plated modern RS125 is hard enough in the United States, but this example stands out even further thanks to the fact that it has just 6 miles and is offered by the original owner.
1957 Zundapp Bella
Zundapp was able to sell about 130,000 examples of the Bella scooter between 1953 and 1964. Engine options were a 150 (146) or 200 (198) – here’s an original example of the latter.
1969 Italjet Kit Kat
The Kit Kat was Italjet’s solution for people who enjoyed flying and boating but then found themselves at a destination without wheels for land. It weighed just 73 pounds, so you could even throw it in the trunk of your car if necessary.
1 of 148 – 1996 Bimota BB1 Supermono Biposto
Bimota’s first BMW-powered motorcycle, the BB1 Supermono was also the first Bimota to be powered by a single-cylinder motor. In total, 524 were sold – 376 as a red/grey Supermono and another 148 Supermono Bipostos in dark blue…as found here.
Guest First Ride Review – 2021 Moto Guzzi V7
View Post1978 Suzuki GS1000
Considered by some to be the best 1000cc four-cylinder of its time, the GS1000 was based on the 750 but had many improvements – Cycle magazine called this bike the “best handling multi of all.”
No Reserve – 2002 Buell M2 Cyclone Custom
The Cyclone was introduced in 1997 and Buell ended production of the model in 2002. It split the difference between teh S3 Thunderbolt semi-tourer and the S1 Lightning sportbike. It was equipped with a 94 horsepower/1,203cc Harley engine, 5-speed transmission, Thunderstorm heads, lightened flywheel, steel braided brake lines, and Showa suspension. Motorcycle.com called it their ‘preferred’ Buell of the time, …
Pepsi Livery – 1989 Suzuki RGV250
When Suzuki introduced the RGV250, it was a revelation. MCN put it thusly: “back in the day 250cc race replicas were the sharpest handling, most frenzied, maddest things you could buy on two wheels. Nowadays the RGV250 is a modern classic and is probably a bit slower and softer than you’d remember. It still looks good, sounds amazing and the …
1990 Suzuki VX800
The Suzuki VX800 is an interesting cult bike that was discontinued in the US after 3 years after disappointing sales, though the European market saw production run from 1990-1997. A classic looking naked bike, it had comfortable steering geometry and a torquey engine that helped make this bike a fantastic all-arounder, despite its 500+ pound curb weight.
Final Year – 1999 Yamaha FZR600
1999 was the final year of FZR600 production, capping a decade-long run that transitioned into the YZF-R6 sportbike. The R6 is obviously more capable on a track, but this bike represents the tail end of sportbikes which could be comfortable, too.
2004 BMW R1150R Rockster Edition 80
The BMW Rockster was an interesting variant on their naked bike of the time, the R1150R. The Rockster was BMW’s take on a streetfighter of sorts, made by pulling together the headlight from a R1150GS, gauges from the R1100S, and throwing them onto the R1150R with a distinctive paint job. In 2004, BMW introduced the dual-spark version of the oilhead …
1995 Suzuki RF900R
With an engine derived from the GSX-R1100, the Suzuki RF900R was designed as a entry-level bike in the sport-touring market, undercutting the competition by about $1,500. Despite the pricing, you still got a solid sport-tourer with odd styling that Suzuki claimed was “inspired a stingray.” Sales weren’t great.