The Suzuki T series bikes were all two stroke parallel twins that had some serious impact on the way Americans looked at motorcycles. Two stroke twins were not unknown in the motorcycle universe in the late ‘60s, but Suzuki brought power, speed and flair to the market with their Ts. Most famous is probably the T20 (known in America as …
1980 Italjet Pack 2
Post Sale Update: After 4 bids on eBay, this Italjet sold for $1,125. In the 60s, Italjet produced a folding scooter called the Kit Kat. It was designed for pilots and sailors who found themselves at a destination without wheels. A couple of decades later, the Italian company modernized the idea with a scooter they called the Pack 2. It’s …
Street Legal – Honda NSR50 with CRF150R Motor
3-30-17 Update: Frank S. notes that this bike is back up for sale here on Craigslist at the same asking price of $6,000 or best offer. This has to be the greatest “street legal” mini bike I’ve seen in years. The bike is insured, titled, and has a plate, though the motor swap is technically not street legal. In the …
Building the Gromster
Editor’s Note: About a year ago, David N (you’ll remember him from experiences like going to a Mecum auction or his recent visit to the AMCA Sunshine Chapter National Meet) told me that he was looking for a Grom to customize. When he explained what his plan was, I asked if he’d be willing to share the bike and his …
In Canada – A Collection of 20 Classic Italians
A seller in Canada is letting go of his entire collection of Italian motorcycles. There’s big bikes, scooters, and even a brand I’ve never heard of before (Sertum). They’re current on display at his home and all of them were runners before they were put in show mode. With that said, the seller has ridden several within the last 2 …
1961 Honda CB92 Benly Super Sport
In the early 60s, Honda’s CB92 (also known as the Benly Super Sport) was one of the best small sport bikes available. The bike was sold between 1959 and 1962, and just 599 examples made it across the Pacific Ocean to the US.
Mini Hack – 1982 Suzuki FA50 with Sidecar
The seller of this little scoot built a homemade sidecar for his wife’s dog, who apparently loved to ride in it. It was ridden every summer for the last eight years but now the rig needs a new owner.
Ending Soon – 197x Chaparral T95
In the 70s, snowmobile manufacturer Chaparral saw how popular dirt bikes were becoming, and wanted to get in on the craze. Among other models, they made a pull-start mini called the T95. The 96cc 2-stroke Fuji motor was good for 6 horsepower, and wet weight was just 130 pounds. Don’t get too excited, though – the infinitely variable torque converter …
Brought Back to Life – 1957 Husqvarna Model 32 Sport
Post Listing Update: This Model 32 did not get any interest at the asking price of $6,000. It was later relisted for $5,900 with the same result. Founded as a weapons factory by order of the King of Sweden in 1689 in Huskvarna, Sweden the company began making motorcycles in 1903 following a successful line of bicycles. Husky won their …
Finish a Restoration – 1966 Yamaha YL1 Twin Jet
Post Sale Update: After 9 bids on eBay, this YL1 sold for $1,026. Yamaha was certainly a player in the two stroke motorcycle market of the 1960s. Their two stroke twins began with the YD1, a 250CC parallel twin manufactured in 1957. By 1966 the Yamaha twins were ‘tried and true’. The little two stroke twins were quick, handled well …
3 Rare Mopeds
I originally started featuring the seller’s NSU Quickly, which was built between 1953 and 1963. But it turns out he’s got two other interesting mopeds, so let’s take a look at all 3!
1965 BSA Bantam
It’s a well known story. The BSA Bantam, the Harley Davidson Hummer, the Russian Moskva and the Yamaha YA 1 were all copies of the German DKW given out as war reparations. I would really like to know how Japan (Yamaha) qualified for reparation from Germany, but that is a question for another time.
1978 AMF Roadmaster Moped 3-fer
American Machine and Foundry was founded in 1900 by Rufus L. Patterson, inventor of the first automated cigarette rolling machine. In the course of time AMF bought many companies and manufactured many items, including Harley Davidson, Roadmaster Bikes, Alcort Sailboats, and AMF Atomics. Yes. AMF made small atomic reactors for the US Military. Fast forward to 1976. The gas crisis …
1976 Suzuki RV90
Known in other markets as the Van Van, the RV90 Rover is an adorable dual sport (this is plated and street legal in California) that featured 10″ wide tires and (according to Suzuki) “the ability to go anywhere you point it.”
Ending Soon – 1917 Colson Bicycle with Smith Motor Wheel
The Colson Corporation sold bicycles between 1917 and 1953, typically through retailers like Goodyear and Firestone. So why are you seeing one on a page about motorcycles? Because this first year Colson bicycle is equipped with a Smith Motor Wheel! Around 1910, Arthur William Wall developed a direct drive motor wheel to power a bicycle – it was the first …