Founded by brothers Adriano and Bruno Cavalieri as well as Marcello Ducati, what we now call “Ducati” first started out as “Societa Scientifica Radio Brevetti Ducati” back in 1926. The Bologna-based company got its start by manufacturing radio components, mostly for the Italian military. Unfortunately this made the company’s factory a target for being bombed in WW2 – something that …
Restored – 1979 Fantic Chopper 125
Post Listing Update: Despite 9 bids on eBay up to $4,600, this Fantic did not meet reserve. In 1971, the Conservative Party in England introduced legislation known as the “Sixteeners Laws” – it banned 16 year olds from riding bikes that were 250cc and up. European and Japanese manufacturers responded with a wave of 50-125cc mopeds that were informally called …
Two-Stroke Tiddler – 1972 Suzuki AC50 Maverick
The 1960’s and ’70’s were a golden era for small-displacement bikes. One of the noteworthy little “tiddlers” from this era was the Suzuki AC50 Maverick, a 50cc scrambler produced from ’70 to ’74. The Maverick never had the same level of popularity as Honda’s Cub C110, but the AC50 supposedly held the title of world’s fastest 50cc production bike at …
Ending Soon – 1971 Kawasaki G4TR Trail Boss
Post Sale Update: This Trail Boss sold for $2,225 after 37 bids on eBay. Kawasaki’s challenger to Yamaha’s DT100, the G4TR was also known as the Trail Boss in certain markets. It was was a light-weight, go-anywhere enduro with a 5×2 speed transmission. You could climb a 40 degree angle in first gear or keep up with traffic doing 65 …
1939 DKW Diamant
Post Listing Update: This vintage DKW did not get any interest at the asking price of $2,950. In Sweden, the most popular early motorcycle was the DKW-powered Diamant. This example was originally built and sold in 1939 but due to World War II it wasn’t registered until 1946. Over 70 years later, it’s still running and rocking the original paint …
His and Hers – Pair of Yamaha Jog Scooters
When it comes to Yamaha 50cc scooters, most of you are probably more familiar with the Yamaha Riva. But for nearly a decade, Yamaha offered a “fancy” version called the Jog – complete with upgrades like a CVT and a second mirror! Ooooh. While the Jog was originally sold in 1983, it didn’t make it to the US until 1986. …
Little, Rare, and Italian – 1991 Gilera CX125
The Gilera CX125 is a really unique little avant-garde motorcycle. Obviously its unorthodox front wheel setup is its most predominant feature, but its space-age full bodywork definitely furthers the adventurousness of the design. The small-bore scoot was built by Gilera, an Italian motorcycle manufacturer founded more than a century ago that was eventually bought by the Piaggio Group. The Arcore-based …
Restored – 1972 Honda CT70H
Post Listing Update: This CT70H did not meet reserve despite 39 bids up to $3,950. For many CT70 enthusiasts, the “H” models were desirable as they came with 4-speed transmissions and a manual clutch. So this should be an interesting auction to follow as this specific example was recently restored and it’s just about like new.
1986 Honda Z50RD “Christmas Special”
Post Sale Update: After 22 bids on eBay, this little Honda sold for $4,850. Considered by some as the ultimate Honda Z50, the “Christmas Special” was a limited edition that officially had the model name of “Z50RD” – the D was for “Dealer”. Honda gave two examples to each of their top dealers, though some called it the “Chrome Edition” …
124cc Motor – BBR Honda CRF50 Racer
Unless you participate in one of the relatively niche small displacement race events or leagues, you’ll seldom come across sub-250cc bikes in full pro-grade race-trim. That’s exactly what we have here, a 124cc Honda CRF50 decked out with just about every upgrade imaginable and built by one of the most renowned MX race shops on the west coast: BBR Motorsports. …
Cafe, Scrambler, or Chopper? – Trio of One-Off Puch Mopeds
Mopeds are a fantastic choice when looking for an affordable motorized two-wheeler to customize. Aftermarket mechanical and cosmetic parts are cheap and abundant, plus the small engines that power these scoots are incredibly simple and easy to maintain. As these three one-off Puch examples so thoroughly demonstrate, the range of possibilities when it comes to modifying a moped can be …
Rare in the US – 2017 Bultaco Brinco RE
Bultaco stopped producing bikes in 1983, though they had a brief revival in 1998 when Sherco (a combination of Sherpa and Bultaco) used the name for a couple of years. The firm was best known for their two-stroke off-roaders and even the occasional road bike like the Metralla. So when the company was revived in 2015, it was a bit …
17 Miles In Hungary – 1984 Fantic Sprinter
Formed in 1968 by Dr. Mario Agrati and Henry Keppel Hesselink, Fantic Motor is best known for off-roaders and mini bikes. One of their many quirky motos was the Sprinter Multispeed, which might be the most “80s” looking two-wheeler I’ve ever seen. This one stands out as it has just 17 miles on the odometer.
Rare High-Mile Mini – 1983 Honda Motra
The Honda Motra – also known as the CT50 – is a particularly funky little mini. Honda marketed the Motra as a rugged mini-scoot capable of schlepping a surprisingly heavy payload. The unique 50cc Honda was only sold in the Japanese market, but a handful of models have made their way to US shores thanks to what I can only …
Rare Z – 1988 Honda ZB50
Honda’s Z series is responsible for a myriad of mini-models that were the first forays into motorcycling for many a rider. As a result, many of these Honda minis hold a special place in legions of riders’ hearts. Though it lacks the older vintage flavor of the original Z50, the ZB50 still has its own unique late-’80’s character that’s hard …