Post Sale Update: This Monkey sold for $3,350 after 16 bids on eBay. I was on a big Monkey kick after I got to try the new one, and I’m still always on the lookout for interesting examples. This ’74 model is a JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) example and it’s got just 102 kilometers on the odometer (64 miles).
1959 Victoria Avanti
Mecum calls the Victoria Avanti the little sister to the Tin Banana. Victoria’s advertising called it “the ideal light weight motorcycle”. Whatever you call it, the Avanti is a distinctive 50cc moped with some exquisite details.
1 of 8 – 2005 Vyrus 50 C32T
View PostExport Model – 1967 Honda P50
Post Sale Update: This P50 sold for $2,200 after 47 bids on eBay. Honda has an extensive history with small displacement scooters and mopeds, but the P50 stands out as it was the last time the firm utilized a motor-wheel design (in which the drivetrain is all housed within the hub of the drive wheel). Most motor-wheel designs across the …
125cc Kit – 1982 Montesa Crono 75
Built between 1978 and 1984, the Crono was Montesa’s last road bike. It was offered in 75cc, 125cc, and 350cc displacements. The Crono was created in response to Bultaco’s introduction of the Streaker, and it even led to the creation of a racing series called La Copa Crono (Crono Cup).
1935 Victoria V98L
Post Listing Update: This Victoria did not meet reserve despite 46 bids up to $3,300 on eBay. Founded in 1886 as a bicycle manufacturer, Victoria produced motorcycles from 1901 through 1968. In the beginning, they used third party motors, but they produced engines in-house starting in 1923 – though this 98L uses a 125cc Fichtel & Sachs powerplant.
Rare Italian – 1969 Romeo Sprint Super Sport
Post Listing Update: This Romeo did not meet reserve despite 16 bids up to $1,575 on eBay. Founded by Eduardo Po, Moto Romeo was an italian manufacturer based out of Modena from 1969 to 1975 that utilized Minarelli engines. In 1976, Eduardo’s sons took over and renamed the company Motrom. They initially wanted to call it “Motom” as a blend …
Trendsetter – 1962 Honda C100 Super Cub 50
Post Listing Update: This Super Cub did not get any interest at the BIN of $1,500. If my review of the new Honda Super Cub has you jonesing for the bike that started it all, here’s a 50+ year old survivor that helped make American Honda the force it is today.
1964 DKW Hummel 115
Post Sale Update: This DKW – sold for $8,700 after 22 bids on eBay. In the early 1960s, Zweirad Union was comprised of DKW, Victoria, and Express. The first two companies shared a model that was boringly named either the DKW Type 115 or the Victoria Type 155. Both bikes got a much more interesting nickname from the public: the …
Lighting Kit – 1972 Honda TL125
Post Listing Update: This TL125 was sold on Facebook, final sale price unknown. The TL125 was Honda’s first production trials bike. It was introduced in 1973 and was much more affordable than the competition, but trials never truly caught on in the states and it was out of the market by 1976. This example stands out as it’s one of …
Japanese American Mini Trail – 1977 Hodaka Dirt Squirt 80
Hodaka Motorcycles first started as a producer of engines before later joining forces with another existing outfit and going on to build complete bikes. The Japanese (and American joint) firm capitalized on the influx in popularity of small displacement trail bikes — a phenomenon due largely thanks to Honda’s wares and marketing. Hodaka’s philosophy was that riding should be affordable/accessible, …
1969 Gilera 124 5V
Post Listing Update: This Gilera was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. Also offered under the “Sears” brand, Gilera’s 124 5V was just about the last bike the Italian brand made before they were bought by Piaggio in 1969.
Post-War Unisex Scooter – 1951 Aermacchi Cigno 125
Post Listing Update: This Cigno did not meet reserve despite 31 bids up to $4,250 on eBay. Following the Second World War, Europe was in dire need of cheap, economical transportation. A bevy of companies pivoted to fill the new gap in the market. One of them was Aermacchi, which shifted to making bikes and scooters after producing aviation equipment …
1964 Fuji Go-Devil
Post Sale Update: This Go-Devil sold for $1,600 after 22 bids on eBay. Built between 1964-1967, the Go-Devil was one of the nicest minibikes available at the time thanks to a 50cc 2-stroke Fuji motor, swing-arm suspension, front forks with 30 degrees of rake, and good build quality. It also folded up into a storage bag. One of my biggest …
Rare in the US – Honda Monkey Baja
Post Sale Update: This Monkey Baja sold for the BIN of $5,000 on eBay. In 1991, Honda released a new variant of the Monkey/Z50R. Called the Baja, it featured rally-style dual headlights in addition to the taillight, turn signals, and the classic Honda red tail bag. They were not officially sold in the US, but this modified example is already …