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1989 Ducati 851 SP3

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: This SP3 did not get any action at the BIN of $18,000 on eBay. The 851 was a quantum leap for Ducati, with a new trellis frame, 4-valve heads, liquid cooling, fuel injection, and a dry clutch – it formed the blueprint for decades of Ducati Superbikes. As Steve Rose put it in his 851 Buyer’s Guide …

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1996 Honda Pacific Coast

In Japan, Touring by AbhiLeave a Comment

The Honda Pacific Coast was considered a radical bike when it debuted, designed specifically for the US market (and named after the PCH). With its integrated trunk, unique bodywork, and automotive-like instrumentation, the Pacific Coast was marketed towards white-collar professionals as an easy daily rider. These really were some of the easiest motorcycles in the world to own and maintain, …

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1987 Honda NS125R Adriatico

In Italy, Small Displacement, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

One would assume that a Honda sold in their home market of Japan would also have been built there, but this oddball was actually built by Honda Italy and then exported to Japan. In the early 80s, the 125cc market was fiercely competitive in Italy due to licensing regulations. The local government placed high taxes on imported motorcycles, so Honda …

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1981 Honda CT70

In Japan, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: This CT70 sold for $3,200 after 53 bids on eBay in South Jordan, Utah. For 1981, Honda offered up the venerable CT70 in one color – Tahitian Red. Here’s a highly original example that still features the style that was specific for ’81, like a red front fender, black/blue/white stripe, and black heat shield.

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1975 OSSA Plonker

In Off-Road, Spain by AbhiLeave a Comment

The OSSA Plonker (“plonking” used to be a different term for trials riding, as you’d “plonk” around rugged terrain at low speeds) was built in conjunction with trials expert Mick Andrews. It was their first attempt at a true observed trials bike, and it was succeeded by the Mick Andrews Replica. In the US, the Plonker was only available via …

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1982 Honda CX500 Turbo

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: This CX500 Turbo sold for $10,141 after 22 bids on eBay in Beaverton, Oregon…however the sale appears to have fallen through as the bike was later relisted and then did not meet reserve with 24 bids up to $8,600. Depending on how you define “production”, Kawasaki was the first motorcycle manufacturer to roll out a turbocharged motorcycle. …

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1939 Terrot BMA 100

In France, Vintage by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: This Terrot sold for $3,500 after 44 bids on eBay in Clinton, Ohio. In 1926, the French manufacturer Terrot introduced the “Bicyclette Moteur Auxiliaire”, or BMA. The model name was directly stolen from French regulations which defined a category of motorized bicycle that had to be less than 100cc, under 30kgs (~66 pounds), have pedals, and top …

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1965 Harley-Davidson Scat

In America, Dual-Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: This Scat sold for $5,100 after 14 bids on eBay in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. An evolution of the Harley-Davidson Pacer, the Scat was a dual-sport variant differentiated with some bolt on parts and some truly distinctive style. Look at that rear fender!

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Race History – 2001 Harley-Davidson XR750

In America, Race by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: This XR750 did not meet reserve with 38 bids up to $20,000 on eBay in Miami, Florida. Things aren’t going so well for Harley-Davidson nowadays, so let’s take a trip back in time to when Harley was a dominant force in racing – specifically in flat track. The model celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, and every …