Though the model debuted in 1985, Suzuki’s legendary Gixxer line did not make its way to the US until 1986. The changes were minor – better headlights, a revised belly pan, and 25mm longer swingarm, but Americans were probably too busy drooling over the first true street-legal race replica sold in this market to notice.
Yamaha XS650 Race Bike
With TZ700 bodywork and a custom gas tank, this fascinating AHRMA racer checks plenty of boxes for Yamaha fans.
1-Owner, No Reserve – 1972 Honda CL175
Post Sale Update: This CL175 sold for $3,250 after 94 bids on eBay in Mentor, Ohio. Honda’s successor to their popular 160cc twin was the 175, which was offered in CB, SL, and CL variants. This one-owner example of the CL comes with a level of paperwork that I almost never see!
1989 Ducati 851 SP3
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 …
1996 Honda Pacific Coast
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, …
1987 Honda NS125R Adriatico
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 …
1981 Honda CT70
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.
1975 OSSA Plonker
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 …
AHRMA Scrambler -1958 BSA Golden Flash A10
Post Listing Update: This Golden Flash did not meet reserve with 8 bids up to $3,850 on eBay in Hillsboro, Oregon. Starting with a A10 Golden Flash engine and frame, this BSA was converted into a classic scrambles racer in England.
1982 Honda CX500 Turbo
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. …
2002 Moto Guzzi V11 Scura
A few days ago I featured a Scura with just four miles on the odometer in Germany. That’s all well and good, unless you a.) don’t live in Germany or b.) want to ride. Here’s one in Las Vegas that’s ready to go.
1939 Terrot BMA 100
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 …
4 Miles in Germany – 2002 Moto Guzzi V11 Scura
Take the Moto Guzzi V11, add some higher spec components, black paint scheme, and limited production numbers, and you get the Scura. Approximately 700 examples of the Scura were built, and this one stands out because it has just 6 kilometers!
1965 Harley-Davidson Scat
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!
1963 Moto Morini Corsaro
In 1959, Moto Morini introduced the Corsaro (Italian for Pirate), a 125cc sportster that produced 7.5 horsepower.