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125cc MX’er – 1972 Carabela Caliente

In Off-Road, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post-Sale Update – This Caliente sold for the BIN of $2,600. File this under ‘bikes I’ve never heard of before.’ According to a period review from Cycle Guide magazine, the Carabela Caliente was Mexico’s first MX bike. They said the engine power was competitive, acceleration was surprising, and the handling was excellent. Cycle World said “Mexico’s first small bore motocross …

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1958 Harley-Davidson Hummer

In America, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: This Hummer was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. Between 1948 and 1966, Harley-Davidson produced a series of two-stroke, three-speed small displacement thumpers that were based on the DKW RT125 (blueprints were obtained as part of reparations for WWII). The Hummer was built between ’55 and ’59, but that name has somehow evolved to encompass …

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Restored Mini Bike – 1970 Ruttman Wild Goose

In America, Less than 5k, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post-Sale Update: After 36 bids on eBay, this Ruttman sold for just $800. Based out of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, Ruttman offered a variety of mini bikes called the “Uglys”, named after “the world’s ugliest little creatures all ready to unleash a whole pack of fun.” You could get a Pak Mule, Horny Toad, Vulture, Spyder, Grasshopper, or the Wild Goose …

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1965 Montgomery Wards Riverside 150-D

In America, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

Montgomery Wards offered two versions of this moped during the mid-60s, both of which were produced by Benelli. Riders had the option of the deluxe 250-D, which came with a steel leg shield, passenger pegs, tool pouch, and other features, while the base 150-D was a bit more frugal. Here’s an example of the latter that’s claimed to be in …

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1948 Sokol Falcon 125

In Small Displacement, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post-Listing Update – This Sokol Falcon was pulled off of eBay due to an “error in the listing.” After WWII, the designs for DKW’s RT125 were given to the Allies as part of reparations. America’s version was the Harley-Davidson line of 125s like the Pacer and Bobcat. Poland had a rare version version made by Sokol, which was built between …

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Rare in the US – 1964 Honda CZ100

In Japan, Small Displacement by Abhi2 Comments

Post-Listing Update: Despite bidding up to $12,600.01, this CZ100 did not meet reserve. Honda’s first monkey bike was the Z100 – this CZ100 was its’ replacement. This is one of the later models, as it’s equipped with a red tank. It’s got such a distinctive look, but the CZ100 was never imported to the US for Americans to enjoy. Here’s …

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1973 Auranthetic Charger

In America, Scooter, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post-Sale Update: This Auranthetic sold for $920 after 14 bids on eBay. When I say ‘electric motorcycle’, you’ll probably think of Zero or Victory, now that the latter has acquired Brammo. If you’re passionate about the dirt, you may even have heard of Alta Motors and the Redshift MX. But what if I asked you for an electric motorcycle from …

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2 Miles – 1958 Capriolo TV 75

In Italy, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

Capriolo started producing motorcycles in 1948 in a small town in Northern Italy. They lasted until 1964, at which point Laverda bought them up. Though the company is not well known anymore, this TV 75cc was a high-quality runabout powered by a four-stroke, overhead cam engine with a high compression ratio with Aprilia electrics to round things up.