In 1967, Ducati rejoined the single-cylinder roadbike market with the Mark 3 (or MK3) 250 and 350 models, as well as a 450 version by the end of the ’60’s. Ducati would spend almost two-and-a-half decades utilizing single-cylinder engines that used Fabio Taglioni’s non-spring-actuated valve-system. Ducati also offered a factory race kit for the MK3, though I haven’t been able …
1 of 150 and Brand New – 2005 Petronas FP1
As Erik Buell will tell you, starting a motorcycle company is no easy task. Even if you’re offering a solid product, getting marketing, a dealer network, and infrastructure set up can often make or break a company’s shot at success. The latter is essentially what happened to the short-lived motorcycles division of Petronas. Only 150 units (50 for racing, 100 …
1 of 1 – 1996 Ducati “649R” SuperTwin Racer
This Ducati 649 SuperTwin is the only example like it in the world, and it was created specially to compete in Mini/Super-Twin 650 class competition. This super short stroke engine has a 90mm bore that makes 85hp and red lines at 13,000 rpm. This machine is built around a 1996 Ducati model, so I assume a 748SP or SPS. This …
Needs Some Work – 1974 Harley-Davidson RR250
Harley isn’t exactly known for its race machines, but as far as word association goes. Nonetheless, here we have a 250cc Harley-Davidson purpose-built racer: the 1974 RR250. Developed during Harley’s time in AMF competition, this bike is supposedly one of 180, though the RR250 was made for a number of years. While this example needs its restoration to be completed, …
Super Single Racer – 2009 Honda CRF450R
I’ve featured super single racers before, but it continues to mesmerize me how what once was a purpose built off-road machine can be converted into such a highly competent track weapon. Not only are these bikes solid racers, but they’re remarkably fun to pilot. With a weight around 250 lbs and the grunt of a single cylinder power plant, they …
Keystone Framed Factory Hillclimber – 1923 Harley-Davidson Twin-Cam
Hillclimbers are some of the most interesting historically significant motorcycles out there. As high-dollar auctions like Bonham’s and Mecum have demonstrated, the right hillclimber in good condition can be worth a literal fortune. One of my favorites is the 1928 Excelsior Big Bertha Hillclimber that sold at a Vegas Mecum auction earlier this year for $117,500. This 1923 H-D Twin-Cam …
SFC750 Spec Race Replica – 1974 Laverda SF2
Post Listing Update: This SF2/SFC did not meet reserve with 13 bids up to $13,100. I love this bike, and the seller tells a great tale as he details his history with his SF2-turned-SFC750 replica. I highly recommend that you click on through to the listing just to see how obviously passionate he is about his Laverda.
Pikes Peak Competitor – 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 650R
Part of the charm and appeal of Pikes Peak IHC is the wide array of different classes of vehicles that are permitted to take part in the competition. Just about anything you can imagine on two or four wheels races up the iconic Colorado mountain with everything from factory sponsored racers with dozens of support staff and crew, to individuals …
In Belgium – 1913 Indian Board Track Racer
Board Track racers are fascinating machines for a myriad of reasons. For starters they’re pretty much uniquely American – which is an increasingly rare feat in the two-wheeled racing world – they possess an undeniable historical significance and they flat out exude an old-school cool and simplicity to them. This beautiful four-valve (two for each of its two cylinders) Factory …
Vintage Converted Racer – 1979 Kawasaki KH125
The seller refers to this example as a “time capsule” and it’s a genuinely adequate term to describe this all original unrestored machine. These old Kawi’s are just booming with character with their unique bodywork and this ’79 125 example is certainly no exception. Despite the KH125 obviously being designed as a commuter bike, it nonetheless made for one hell …
Production Racer – 1977 Honda MT125R
In the 1960’s and 1970’s, Honda created a multitude of beloved Grand Prix bikes (not to say that its recent RC machines haven’t been pretty legendary too). But two-and-a-half decades before two strokes would be phased off of the main racing stages, Honda introduced the MT125R which was a production track-only machine that Honda made available to the public directly …
60 Miles – 2004 Moto Guzzi MGS-01
I actually featured another MGS-01 from this seller in Italy last month, so at first I thought this was simply a relist. Nope, turns out they just have another one in inventory. This is #34, and it has just 60 miles.
Ultra Rare Italian Classic in Belgium – 1975 Bimota SB1
Original Bimota models from the first few years after the company’s inception in 1975 are some of the most highly sought after sportbikes and racers in the world. The three founders who had originally met while in the ductwork industry quickly proved themselves and their ability to take a proven existing power plant from a large (initially Japanese) manufacturer and …
Production Racer – 1962 Honda CR110
Despite Honda’s RC110’s lack of success during competition, it nonetheless went on to become a highly prized machine. Honda also released a slightly lesser-known toned-down production version of the little racer – the CR110 – that was available to the public. Different sources make different claims but ultimately I’m confident saying around 210-230 CR’s were sold globally. Though I imagine …
Ex-AMA Racer – 2010 BMW S1000RR
The BMW S1000RR was an instant hit from the time it first debuted in 2009. The machine boasts a myriad of trick electronic assists and is an all around fantastic superbike. The fact Keith Code opts to use a fleet of S1KRR’s, year after year at his prestigious California Superbike School is a testament to the German motorcycle’s quality and …