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Fizzy Days – 1973 Yamaha FS1

In Japan, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

The Yamaha FS1 was a tiny motorcycle that had tremendous success in Europe. The 50cc two-stroke produced 4.8 horsepower, enough to get the bike up to about 45 miles per hour. It was a first motorcycle for many. For more on why it’s a “Memorable Motorcycle”, check out this article from Motorcycle USA.

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1953 Simplex Servi-Cycle

In America, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

Originally founded in the late 20s with an initial investment of $25, Simplex Manufacturing Corporation was created by Paul Treen, a former dealer of Harley-Davidson who suggested that they start building a small bike for young riders, presumably to get them hooked on Harleys at a young age. Milwaukee said no, so Treen decided to do it himself. The Simplex …

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2000 Derbi GPR50

In Small Displacement, Spain, Sport by Abhi3 Comments

Post-Sale Update: This GPR50 sold for $1,599. Derbi is a small Spanish company that started as a little bicycle shop near Barcelona, Spain. In fact, the name Derbi itself refers to the company’s beginnings, as it’s an acroynm (in Spanish) for “Derivatives of Bicycles). Derbi ended up being the only major Spanish manufacturer to survive the country’s transition to democracy, …

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1966 Benelli Fireball

In Italy, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post-Sale Update: This Fireball sold for just $760 on eBay. Confusingly also known as the Montgomery Wards 450SS, the Benelli Fireball was a 50cc scoot with rectangular styling. This example has just 1,648 and everything is claimed to work. The bike is entirely original except for a ‘newer’ paint job, throttle grip, and inner tubes. The bike has new crank …

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1970 Minsk M105

In Small Displacement by Abhi3 Comments

Here’s a bike that I basically couldn’t not find any information on – the Minsk M105. If anyone has experience with these bikes, please share your knowledge! Minsk (which is still around) is a motorcycle manufacturer out of Belarus that made a name for itself decades ago by producing durable bikes that were available in Russia, Cambodia, the UK, and …

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2006 Metrakit Pre-GP 125

In Race, Small Displacement, Spain by Abhi1 Comment

Looking for a purpose-built race bike for a young racer-to-be? Look no further than the Metrakit Pre-GP 125. Metrakit, a Spanish company that unfortunately went bankrupt (but still has a large presence in Australia), was well known for creating a series of tiny roadracers that were quite dominant in 50-80cc mini GP races across the world. In the mid 2000s, …

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1969 Honda CL70

In Japan, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

Here’s a very pretty example of the Honda CL70 with 3,345 miles. The seller suggests it’s near museum quality and that it has a new piston and cylinder. Everything works without issues and there’s only minor flaws: a small rip in the seat and a crack in the left side engine cover. Find this CL70 (VIN: CL70108136) for sale in …

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1970 Yamaha HS1

In Japan, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

A tiny ‘sport’ bike that incorporated Yamaha’s Autolube system, the HS1 was a 90cc twin with a 5-speed transmission. It produced 10.3 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and weighed just 196 pounds. This specific Yamaha HS1 was restored in 1997 and was featured in Old Bike magazine in 1998. Documentation of the restoration is available. Find it for sale for $4,000 …