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1961 Parilla Olimpia

In Italy, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: This Olimpia did not get any action at the BIN of $4,900. After World War II, Giovanni Parrilla built his first motorcycle (it was based on a Norton). This evolved into the company of Moto Parilla, which was best known for their “high-cam” engines in the US. Here’s one of their lesser known models, the Olimpia (which …

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1968 Honda Z50

In Japan, Off-Road, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: This Z50 did not meet reserve with 20 bids up to $4,000 on eBay in Cedar Park, Texas. 1968 was the first year of US exports for the Mini Trail, and today we’ve got a pleasant survivor. In a wonderful article on Motorcyclist, Mitch Boehm notes “that the Honda Z50 Mini Trail is probably responsible for more …

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Salvage Title w/ 1 Mile – 2006 Ducati 999S

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: this 999S sold for $11,100 after 37 bids on eBay in Independence, Oregon. This is an oddball – it was at a Ducati dealership that had a fire on the other end of the building. Due to “smoke damage”, this bike was totaled. But the insurance company says in a letter that it only need a cleaning …

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2015 KTM 1290 Super Duke R

In Austria, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

It’s big, it’s fast, and it ain’t a beauty. KTM called it “The Beast”, and for good reason – the Super Duke R had some terrifying specifications: 1,301cc V-Twin with 180 horsepower, 106 lb-ft of torque, and 417 pounds of dry weight. As Loz Blain mentions in his review, “if you turn off the traction control, this bike will wheelie …

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1 Mile – 2000 Bimota SB8RS

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

The SB8R was Bimota’s usual level of fancy – a trick frame and top-notch components wrapped around a Suzuki TL-R motor. But the SB8RS (the extra S was for “Special”) took it to another level with a full carbon fiber fairing, black wheels, carbon fiber shift rod, Ergal engine screws, and gold-anodized rearsets/rear sprocket.

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1990 Honda CBR250RR

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Nowadays you can get all kinds of 250-400cc entry level sportbikes in the US, but back in 1990 the entire market was basically the Kawasaki Ninja 250 and the Honda VTR250. In Honda’s home market of Japan, things were a bit more exciting. That’s where they offered the CBR250RR, affectionately known as the Babyblade. The 250cc inline four engine produced …

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Spec II Bodywork – 1985 Yamaha RZ350

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

US-market RZ350s were sold as Kenny Roberts replicas, but some riders were willing to ditch the KR signature decals for different bodywork. That’s what happened here, as a previous owner swapped out the original chin fairing for a Spec II bodywork kit with full front fairing and solo seat tail.

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Ex-MotoGP – 2008 Ducati GP8

In Italy, Race by AbhiLeave a Comment

It’s typically very hard to find an ex-MotoGP bike for sale from one of the factory teams, yet today I’ve got the second one for you in as many months. Four weeks ago we saw the 2003 Ducati entry piloted by Troy Bayliss, and today we’ve got the 2008 steed of Casey Stoner.