There’s some great names in motorcycling history – Combat Wombat, Interceptor, and, to name a few. But damn if “Horny Toad” ain’t high up on the list as well!
2007 Yamaha Morphous
Here’s a vehicle only true scooter fans know about – the Yamaha Morphous. Ignoring the oddball name, it was by all accounts a well designed scooter that did not achieve commercial success. It was introduced in 2005 in the US and was pulled in 2009. If you’re looking for a scooter that stands out, it’s hard to imagine a better …
Rare in the US – 2013 Honda Blade 110
Normally, the words “Honda” and “Blade” would make you think of something like the original 900RR Fireblade (or the new Fireblade RR-R). But in Southeast Asia, the Blade is one of many (and I mean MANY) underbone scooters that dominate their personal transportation industry. This one has somehow made its way to California, and the seller claims that it is …
1981 Suzuki FS50X
Sold in some markets as the Shuttle, the Suzuki FS50 was a family of scooters related to the FZ50 and FA50. The FS was built between 1980 and 1991 and was powered by a 49cc 3.2 hp engine paired with a two-speed transmission.
1960 Cezeta 501
Cezetas were built between ’57 and ’64 in the former Czechoslovakia, though the parent company (CZ) existed from 1935 to 1997. The Cezeta stands out thanks to its distinctive design, with the odd nose and the long seat that doubles as the opening to an impressively-sized storage compartment.
$500 – 1987 Honda Aero 50
The Aero was Honda’s first modern scooter in North America, where it was introduced in 1983. A second generation was introduced in 1985, and these have served as reliable in-town runabouts ever since.
1957 Zundapp Bella
Zundapp was able to sell about 130,000 examples of the Bella scooter between 1953 and 1964. Engine options were a 150 (146) or 200 (198) – here’s an original example of the latter.
1969 Italjet Kit Kat
The Kit Kat was Italjet’s solution for people who enjoyed flying and boating but then found themselves at a destination without wheels for land. It weighed just 73 pounds, so you could even throw it in the trunk of your car if necessary.
1958 Cushman Highlander Model 721
Post Listing Update: This Highlander did not meet reserve with 9 bids up to $2,550.11 on eBay in Ormond Beach, Florida. In 1958, Cushman created the Model 721 variant of the Highlander with an open frame in the rear. They made it for just three months before covering the back half in fiberglass bodywork. Here’s one of those rare open …
Restored With No Reserve – 1948 Cushman Road King
Post Sale Update: This Road King sold for $4,950 after 34 bids on eBay in Mentor, Ohio. Introduced in 1946, the Road King was internally known as the Model 54 in Cushman’s lineup. It was very similar to the Pacemaker, though it earned its “King” title with an upgraded 2-speed transmission.
1959 Cezeta 501 with Trailer
The Cezeta 50x series of scooters are some of the most interestingly-styled vehicles that have ever been built. This is an example of the 501, the first of the series made by the Czechoslovakian company.
1962 Harley-Davidson Topper with Sidecar
In its long history, Harley-Davidson has only created one scooter. As you might guess, it was not a commercial success. Harley offered to rare factory options that could be mounted on the side – either a utility box or an adorable sidecar – here’s one with the latter.
1958 Bobcat Golf Scooter
Post Sale Update: sold for $12,200 after 38 bids on eBay in Chicago, Illinois. The overlap of people who are passionate about golf and motorcycles isn’t particularly large, but this beautiful scooter could unite the two fronts! Built by the Bobcat company of Wheeling, Illinois, this was designed to let people “play more golf, better golf, more relaxing golf.” Amusingly, …
Rare Project – Pranafa Playboy Mini-Scooter
Post Listing Update: This Pranafa was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. Originally imported to the US by Hap Alzina, the west coast BSA dealer, the Pranafa Playboy was a mini-scooter built by Dr. Seiffert in Frankfurt, Germany. The intent was something to have something you could take to work but be so small you could park it …
1942 Excelsior Villiers Welbike
Post Sale Update: This Welbike sold for $12,433 after 33 bids on eBay in Seattle, Washington. At the request of the British government, Excelsior developed the Welbike, a tiny single seater that was designed to be dropped into combat situations via parachute-equipped containers. The goal was that it could be unpacked and ready to ride within 11 seconds.