It was heavy, but it was fast. In fact, when Cycle World tested the CB1100F (an evolution of the CB900F) in January of 1983, they called it the fastest stock bike they had ever tested as it was able to hit over 140 miles per hour.
2002 Ducati 998S Ben Bostrom Replica – 15/155
When Ben Bostrom was competing in AMA Superbike with a 998S, he raced with the number 155. So when Ducati decided to sell a limited edition replica, the production quantity was obviously…310. OK, that might not make sense at first glance, but it comes from totaling up 155 bikes in the US and 155 in the UK. Ben signed every …
Japan Domestic Market – 1986 Suzuki GSX-R 750 Limited Edition
OK, I promise after this I’ll take a break from featuring early GSX-Rs – feels like I’m sharing one a day right now. But I have to feature this one because I don’t know if it there’s a more special variant of the early Gixxers in the US. This here is a JDM version of the instant-classic Limited Edition of …
Street Legal – 2000 Aprilia RS250
For many enthusiasts, the Aprilia RS250 is as good as a 250cc sportbike gets. This example is even better because it’s already plated and street legal.
2004 Ducati 998 Matrix Edition
If you are looking at a motorcycle purchase as an investment (not really advised), one of the best things you can look for are top-of-the line models – those “S” or “R” models, or special editions, especially if they are limited runs of a few hundred or so. This Ducati 998 Matrix fits that latter category.
1979 Ducati 900 SD Darmah
Dharma. In Hindu it is the principle of cosmic order. In Buddhism it is the teaching of the Buddha. Also the name given to a mystical man eating tiger in India. The namesake hardly matters, the Ducati Darmah was a concurrent replacement for the failing 860 GTS in 1977. Some fairly simple frame and motor changes coupled with new styling …
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 …
Limited Edition in Canada – 2000 Suzuki GSX-R 600 Alstare
In 1999, Suzuki’s WSBK racers were sponsored by Corona and Alstare – and they featured a very distinctive yellow and purple paint scheme. The year after, Suzuki decided to pay tribute to the paint scheme on their 600cc sportbikes (but only in Europe and Canada). I haven’t been able to find definitive information on exact production numbers, but the changes …
First Ride – 2017 Kawasaki Z900
Ask the average person to draw a motorcycle and you’ll get one of two illustrations – a cruiser or a sport bike. But there’s a lot more to the world of bikes than those two offerings, and the American marketplace is starting to reflect that. In the last 5 years, standard bikes have seen a 255-percent increase in sales, and …
One Owner – 1991 Ducati 851
Introduced in 1987, the 851 made Ducati relevant in motorcycle racing again. It featured fuel injection, liquid cooling, and desmo 4V heads. This example is a one-owner bike from 1991, the last year of production before Ducati bored out the motor and created the 888 SP4 and SPS.
1975 Yamaha RD350
The Yamaha RD350 has a well deserved reputation as fast and nimble. Many consider it the pinnacle of two stroke road warriors. In stock trim you could ride the RD350 to the track and compete. Using readily available Yamaha race bits you could win. Not to mention what you could do to your favorite canyon road. Directly developed from the …
1974 Laverda 750 SF2
Laverda got their start with big bikes in the US through American Eagle, the brainchild of Jack McCormack. Laverda knew that if they wanted to have success in America, they’d need to up their displacement. So they partnered with the McCormack to bring a 744cc twin to the States. Unfortunately for Jack, his company folded fairly quickly, and Laverda soldiered …
1986 Suzuki GSX-R 750 Limited Edition
3-29-17 Update: Ray K notes that this beautiful Suzuki is back up for sale with another 40 miles on the odometer. Find it still in Oklahoma City with an unmet opening bid of $13,500 here on eBay. Post Listing Update: This Limited Edition Zook did not meet reserve with bidding up to $16,900. If you had to pick one motorcycle …
Grey Market Rossi Replica – 2002 Honda CBR600 F4i
Post Listing Update: Despite 27 bids on eBay, this Rossi rep did not sell at $3,100. In 2001, Honda released a limited edition of their CBR600 – it was adorned in a yellow and blue livery that paid tribute to Valentino Rossi for his first year with Honda in the top level of motorcycle racing. I have not been able …
1982 Laverda Jota 120
Roger Slater was Laverda’s importer in Britain – and like all good importers, he asked the manufacturer to make something faster. So Laverda wisely responded by turning the 3C into the Jota, the fastest production motorcycle to date. The Jota was built between 1976 and 1982, and the 1,000cc triple featured 180 degree crankpin phasing that led to a distinctive …