Post Listing Updates: The Chrome Edition did not meet reserve despite 32 bids up to $4,900. The other two were pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. While Honda’s Z50 was fairly common, there are a few rare models. A seller in Coventry, Rhode Island has 3 of them, and they all look fantastic. Which would you choose?
Impressive Clone – 1971 Rupp Black Widow
Rupp Industries was based in Mansfield, Ohio, and for nearly 20 years they were able to compete with Honda and other Japanese manufacturers for a share of the lucrative mini bike market. Their top-of-the-line competition bike was the Black Widow, which was based on the Roadster/2. This example is also based on the Roadster, because it’s unfortunately only a replica.
Little French Tracker – 2014 Mash Seventy Five 125cc
Mash Motorcycles is one of those manufacturers you’ve probably never heard of before. First founded in 2014, the low-volume boutique manufacturer offers good looking inexpensive motorcycles powered by small-displacement (50cc, 125cc, 250cc, and 400cc) Chinese crate engines. Think Cleveland CycleWerks, but French. In its handful of years since being established, Mash has released a surprisingly expansive lineup including factory ADV …
1 of 500 – 1982 Puch Magnum MkII Limited
Puch ended their venerable Magnum line of mopeds with a limited production run of 500 – these were called the LTD or Limited. It was basically a Magnum MKII with special cosmetics and a numbered plaque – this example is #152.
Restored – 1971 Kawasaki G3SS
On one hand, I’ve never seen a G3SS this nice. On the other hand, I’ve never seen a G3SS with a $3,000 asking price, either. Is it worth it? You tell me.
Model 73 – 1973 Bultaco Tiron 100
Post Listing Update: This Tiron did not get any interest at the asking price of $2,000. Bultacos are generally hard to find as it is, but the Tiron is truly a rarity. Basically a tiny version of the Sherpa, the Tiron is a trials bike with ergonomics best suited for younger riders and a 100cc engine.
Rare Non-Runner – 1956/7 Triumph Fips
We’ve accumulated quite a collection of bikes for sale over the years, so it’s always a pleasant surprise when I get to share something that I’ve never posted about before. Today’s example of such a feat is brought to you by reader Bob K, who sent me a link to a Triumph Fips. This is from the German Triumph, which …
Restored – 1962 Honda C110 Sport 50
Post Sale Update: This C110 sold for $3,275 after 27 bids on eBay. The second generation of the C110 started in 1962, and it featured a 49cc single paired with a 3-speed transmission. This example was recently restored with over $4,000 in parts, and everything is said to work.
Rare 125 – 2006 Derbi GPR125
Post Sale Update: This time around, it sold. It found a new owner for the BIN of $4,999! 125cc sportbike enthusiasts don’t really get much to play with in the US. You’re more than likely stuck with something imported via the grey market like a Honda RS125 or Aprilia RS125. But if you really want something rare to find in …
1984 Zundapp KS80 Super
Post Listing Update – This Zundapp has been relisted several times – the latest at a cheaper price of $4,200, but it has not been sold. Also known as the Model 537, the KS80 was available in three variants: the Super, the Sport, and a super rare (just 2 produced) Super Sport. The Super was the first version, and approximately …
Modern Board Tracker – Derringer Cycle
Back in 2011, Adrian Van Anz introduced the world to the Derringer Cycle, a hip, 49cc, board-track style scoot capable of reaching 35mph and traversing up to 300 miles on a 1.8 gallon tank. Van Anz says the DC was a product born out of him “trying to come up with something that filled the gap between my Schwinn and …
One Year Only Tiddler – 1970 Yamaha G6S 80
Yamaha’s G6S was a one-year only tiddler produced in 1970. Despite its short production run, it was a relatively popular model in Europe, often referred to as “bellycrawlers” due to the way riders would lay across the tank to ring out every last MPH. Everything about the G6 is pretty basic, but that was by design. By using a collection …
Showroom Clean – 1975 Yamaha DT100
Yamaha first kicked-off its DT lineup in 1968 with the 250cc DT-1 – a model that would help to usher in a new market for dual-sport machines. The DT-1 (also known as the Trail 250 in other markets) would be included as one of the Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan’s 240 Landmarks of the Japanese Automotive Technology. Upon its …
Restored – 1969 Honda Z50A
Post Sale Update: This Z50 sold for $3,700 after 31 bids on eBay. In a wonderful article on Motorcyclist, Mitch Boehm notes “that the Honda Z50 Mini Trail is probably responsible for more two-wheeled addictions than any other motorcycle on earth.” This second-year example is claimed to be “practically new” thanks to a bevy of new and refurbished parts.
Catalog Bike – Sears Puch Sabre
Back in the 60’s and 70’s you could order motorcycles from the major department stores, like Sears and Montgomery Wards. Generally, the bikes were rebadged small-displacement singles sourced from Europe. One such example is this Puch Sabre, a 50cc tiddler sold by Sears Roebuck.