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1973 Honda CB750 K3

In Japan, Sport by Chris CopeLeave a Comment

Given the number of CB750s to be found on the internets, you’d be inclined to believe that every single one of the bikes made in the the 1970s survives to the modern day. Unfortunately, quite a lot of them have been tinkered beyond recognition. Finding one that hasn’t been permanently scarred by previous owners’ questionable choices is a challenge. Step …

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1962 WFM M06

In Small Displacement, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

The Warsaw Motorcycle Factory (Warszawska Fabryka Motocykli in Polish) was one of very few motorcycle manufacturers made in Poland. They started production in 1947 under a different name – they were originally focused on automotive repair but they built a small number of 125cc motorcycles for SHL for the Polish government as part of the rebuild from World War II. …

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Salvage Title – 2008 Bimota Tesi 3D

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

The name Tesi comes about because this motorcycle was actually the designer’s (Pierlugi Marconi) Mechanical Engineering thesis – on paper, at least, there are technical advantages to hub-centric steering. The simplified story here is that hub-centric steering completely isolates braking forces from suspension travel, which should improve mechanical performance of both aspects. This is one of the Limited Edition “Concept” …

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1999 Kawasaki Drifter VN1500

In Cruiser, Japan, Less than 5k by Chris CopeLeave a Comment

There’s something strangely appealing to me about metric cruisers from the 1980s to 2000s. On one hand, you might argue that they were lazy attempts to cut into Harley’s dominance of the US market. On the other hand, they may have helped push the game along when Harley didn’t have much competition.

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80 Year-Old Racer – 1946 Harley-Davidson WR

In America, Race, Vintage by AbhiLeave a Comment

The WR is an interesting bike in Harley’s storied history. Designed specifically for Class C competition, it featured a 738cc V-twin with several upgrades. Sold as a stripper-spec racing machine, it did not have lights or brakes, and was sold to assist privateer efforts to avoid putting money into a factory team. It was incredibly successful – by 1948, it …

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1982 Sachs-Nauder 125 MX

In France, Off-Road by AbhiLeave a Comment

Here’s a bike I hadn’t heard of before – the “Sachs-Nauder.” Per Sheldon’s EMU, these were built by Nauder (the French importer for Sachs) between 1981 and 1986. They made an enduro and a MX bike with Sachs 125cc and 250cc engines – according to a period advertisment the 125 made 30 hp while the 250 made 39 horsepower in …

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McGrath Replica – 1991 Honda CR125

In Japan, Off-Road by AbhiLeave a Comment

1991 was the first year for Pro Circuit’s race team in what would become one of the most successful independent efforts in Supercross history. They won both the 125 West and 125 East championships that year thanks to riders like Jeromy Buehl, Steve Lamson, Brian Swink, and of course: Jeremy McGrath. Here’s a cool replica that you can put on …

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9 Kilometers – 1985 Honda Elite CH150

In Japan, Scooter by Abhi1 Comment

The Honda Elite is one of the most common scooters of the 80s. It was introduced in 1984 as a 125cc model, though the next year it became a 150. It was sold in the US for another three years. – this one’s in Canada and it stands out as it’s only covered 9 kilometers!

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1976 Triumph Bonneville T140

In England, Less than 5k, Standard by Chris CopeLeave a Comment

The ship was very much on fire when this bike was made. Triumph had gone through decades of bad finances and bad management. Labor disputes were affecting production. Quality was famously poor. And the machinery being produced was far from cutting edge. After all, 1976 was the year Kawasaki introduced the KZ1000. The Bonneville T140 was using an engine with …

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2016 Victory Cross Country Tour

In America, Touring by Chris CopeLeave a Comment

One might argue that Victory Motorcycles only ever had one good idea. Actually, no, that’s not true. It had a lot of good ideas, but most were either abandoned or – toward the end – gifted to Indian. The Cross Country offered a revvy engine, ridiculous levels of comfort, and a chassis that’s about as nimble as is possible for …