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1969 Honda CL90

In Dual-Sport, Japan, Small Displacement by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

In the mid 1960’s America went completely crazy for dirt motorcycles and those that looked like they might be dirt capable. The CL designation from Honda meant Scrambler, and that was a higher rear fender, braced handlebars and a high mounted exhaust. The CL 90 was a full brother to the legendary S 90 and aimed at entry level riders. …

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1969 Indian Boy Racer

In America, Off-Road, Small Displacement by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

In 1968 Floyd Clymer bought the Indian Motorcycle name and some of the tooling with the idea of resurrecting the legendary marquee. Clymer was a legend in the motorcycle world before he bought Indian as a publisher of books and magazines, including Cycle. He was a car dealer, a motorcycle dealer and distributor, and mostly successful at all of them. …

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1971 Aermacchi Harley-Davidson Rapido

In America, Italy, Small Displacement by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: Despite 24 bids on eBay, this Rapido did not meet reserve at $2,325.01. However, it was relisted and the seller must have lowered the reserve because it sold for $3,100. In 1965 Harley Davidson bought a 50% stake in the Italian manufacturer Aermacchi. For over 10 years they sold the small Italian bikes in HD dealerships under …

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1948 Simplex Servi-Cycle

In America, Small Displacement by Tom Wacker1 Comment

In the early 1930’s Baton Rouge, LA Harley Davidson dealer Paul Treen pitched HD with the idea of making an inexpensive motorcycle that would provide cheap transportation and a steady stream of aspiring Harley Davidson riders. The Motor Corp. turned him down and he decided to make them himself. In 1935 the first Servi-Cycle appeared and continued in operation until …

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1968 Hodaka Ace 100 MX Custom

In America, Japan, Race, Small Displacement by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

A company named PABATCO (Pacific Basin Trading Company) based out of Athena, Oregon negotiated with Hodaka Motorcycles of Japan to produce and market a series of dirt specific bikes in the early 1960’s. Wildly successful from the start, for about 10 years they were THE most successful American dealer. I just happen to know that you could go to Athena …