When the subject of “folding scooters” comes up, most people’s minds will wander to Honda’s Motocompo, but there are a number of other collapsable, small-wheeled scoots that predate the Honda by several decades. The “All American Scooter”, the 1960’s Centaur, or Carnielli Motorcycles’ Motograziella.
“Eris Speedcub” – 1998 Honda C90 Custom
I always enjoy when custom builders utilize cheap, small displacement donors for thoroughly involved projects, and this Honda is a wonderful example of such. This little runner started its life as a very used 1998 Honda Cub C90 that was stripped down to the frame. The headstock off a modern pit bike was sourced, prior to being chopped up and …
First Year in North America – 2003 Honda Ruckus
Post Sale Update: this Ruckus sold for $1,151 after 13 bids on Goodwill. The Honda Ruckus is a very unique modern scooter which combines distinctive styling, a CVT transmission, and excellent fuel economy (114 mpg) to become a popular in-town runabout. Here’s an example with just 660 miles that’s been donated to a Goodwill, so you can feel good about …
1968 Suzuki MoKick M31
Another day, another Honda Cub clone from a Japanese competitor! This is the M31, which was also known as the MoKick (because you started it by kicking, like a motorcycle, as opposed to pedaling, like a moped) or the Suzy 55.
Rare Project – 1986 Cagiva Aletta Oro S2
In 1985, you could have won a few bets with the knowledge that after the big four Japanese firms, the largest producer of motorcycles in the world was Cagiva. That spring they introduced a new model called the Aletta Oro (which roughly translates to “little Gold Wing”), and Cycle World called it “the most eagerly anticipated motorcycle in Italy. A …
1972 Yamaha U7E
This rare step through is a Yamaha U7E, and in the US it was only available for one year. I’ve never seen one before, and I even struggled to find reliable sources of information for basic specs. Do any of you have experience with this little scoot? And do you think it’s cuter than a Honda Cub?
Lucky Strike Livery – 1992 Suzuki RG150 Gamma
I’m not sure how, but this small displacement Suzuki sport bike has been imported to the US, and it’s plated in California! I’m hoping someone knows more about these bikes than I do, though, because I was under the impression that in ’92 Suzuki only offered a RG125 and RG200. Is the seller correct in saying this is a RG150?
Street Legal 2-Stroke in CA – 2000 Cagiva Mito 125
In 1994, Cagiva updated the styling of their little Mito 125 with a redesign by none other than Massimo Tamburini – that’s why it looks like like his iconic 916! These are absurdly rare in the United States (according to Mecum, just 20 were imported in 2000), and this one is extra special for residents of California because it’s plated …
Training Tool – 1990 Honda CB125T
For just one year, Honda made 2,000 examples of a 125cc twin specifically designed for US rider’s education schools. The bike itself isn’t really anything special, but there are some fascinating lights on the front and rear that should be explained.
1988 Yamaha DT50
Post Listing Update: This DT50 was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. This bike always makes me think of Thomas the Tank Engine, with its baby blue paint scheme and the “little engine that could” possibilities.
Rare in the US – 1991 Gilera CX125
Post Listing Update: This CX did not get any interest at the opening ask of $7,995. 5-3-2018 Update: Looks like the original sale did not go through, and this rare Gilera is back up for sale. The unmet opening bid is $7,995 here on eBay. Post-Sale Update: After 2 bids on eBay, this Gilera sold for $5,900. The coolest looking …
JDM Import with No Reserve – 2002/4 Suzuki VanVan
Post Sale Update: This VanVan sold for $1,125 after 34 bids on eBay. Suzuki’s competitor to Yamaha’s TW200, the VanVan seems to be one of those bikes that’s much more fun in the real world than it is on paper. The seller seems a bit confused about this bike (he/she alternates between 2002/2004 as the year of production and also …
No Reserve – 1982 Honda MB5
Post Sale Update: This MB5 sold for $1,600 after 42 bids on eBay. The MB5 was only imported to the United States for one year, and for a while it did not leave a lasting impression. However, the little Honda has had a resurgence in popularity in the last few years – maybe riders that grew up with them are …
Ending Soon – 1972 Motobecane LT 125
Post Listing Update: This Motobecane did not meet reserve despite 11 bids up to $1,957. Rarely found in the US, the Motobecane LT series utilized a two-stroke twin paired with a five-speed transmission. It was introduced in 1972 to compete against bikes like the Yamaha DT125 and Honda CB125. For more information, check out this translated page from Motobecane Passion.
1962 Centaur Folding Scooter
Post Sale Update: sold for $5,219 after 33 bids on eBay. When it was released, the Centaur was claimed to be America’s only “full-size” folding scooter. It was marketed as a portable transportation solution that could be folded up in three steps and carried on a boat, plane, trailer, or car.