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1969 Triumph Trident

In England, Sport by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: This Trident sold for $12,000 after 28 bids on eBay. I wrote up a Trident earlier this month, and under ordinary circumstances wouldn’t even consider doing another so soon. The compelling reasons for doing this one are: 1: It is the very rare early 1969 model, one of the first 200. 2: I know the collection this …

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1955 AJS Model 20

In England, Sport by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

When Triumph announced the ‘Speed Twin’ in 1938 AMC (Associated Motor Cycles) knew they needed a twin for their AJS and Matchless lines. Though development started almost immediately, WWII pushed the introduction to 1948 for the AJS Model 20 and the Matchless G9. AMC improved on the Triumph design in several ways, not the least of which was a third …

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320 Miles – 2007 Honda Interceptor 25th Anniversary

In Japan, Sport by JoeLeave a Comment

The trouble with collectable vehicles is that one never knows for certain which vehicles will actually end up being collectable. Some are more obvious candidates simply by nature of low production numbers or astronomical price (or both) but it’s often a crap shoot with more pedestrian cars and bikes. Honda’s Anniversary Edition VFR800 is a perfect example.

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A Rare Bird – 1974 John Player Norton

In England, Sport by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

The 1974 John Player Norton is among the most widely recognized collector bikes since WWII. A one year only (1974) model the fairing and trim are settled on an a stock Norton 850 Commando. Only around 200 were made, and 120 of those came to the US. Understand, the John Player Norton is NOT a race bike. I simply looks …

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“R” Tribute – 2002 Ducati 998 Custom

In Custom, Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

In 2002, Ducati released 700 examples of the 998R – it was their top of the line sportbike at the time and it featured a revised Testastretta motor that would end up being quite similar to the engine in the future 999R. Other goodies included carbon fiber bodywork and Ohlins suspension. This…is not one of those bikes. But thanks to …

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1967 Yamaha YR-1 Grand Prix

In Japan, Less than 5k, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Here’s a first year example of the Yamaha Grand Prix, also known as the YR-1. It was the biggest bike in their line up, and Yamaha’s first 350cc production engine. Despite the relative diminutive size, this bike was highly competitive with British 650s. Thanks to a chassis and engine that was suitable from road racing from the factory, it was …

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RC45 – 1994 Honda RVF750R

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: This Honda was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. Built so Honda could meet WSBK homologation rules, the RC45 was a competitive racer – it won the Daytona 200 in 1996, the WSBK championship in 1997, and the AMA Superbike Championship in 1998. Yet in the history of Honda’s race bikes for the street, it …

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The Worst Bonneville? 1971 Triumph T120R

In England, Sport by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

1971 was not a premium year for the Triumph Bonneville. It started with great promise, with the biggest redesign since the motor and transmission were made into one unit. The really large news was the new frame which carried the motors oil. Problems started almost immediately for the ‘71. A brand new computer system led to parts shortages and very …

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2009 Harley-Davidson XR1200

In America, Cruiser, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: This XR1200 got not interest at the BIN of $6,899. Ask a sport bike rider what their favorite Harley is and there’s a good chance their answer will be “none of them.” But for those in the know, the XR1200 was an unexpected joy from Milwaukee, the land of big twins and relaxed riding styles. Clearly drawing …

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1989 Suzuki GSX-R 750 Slingshot

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: This Gixxer sold for $7,600 after 22 bids on eBay. In 1988, Suzuki released the 2nd generation of their legendary 750 Gixxer. It was dubbed the “Slingshot” due to the slingshot carbs. A year later, Suzuki made some minor revisions, yielding the bike you see here. The seller says it’s a former JDM model but the gauges …

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Restored – 1951 Vincent Black Shadow Series C

In England, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

The Black Shadow might just be the most famous motorcycle ever built, with an iconic history thanks to moments like Rollie Free’s bathing suit speed run on the Bonneville Salt Flats. Black Shadows were handmade, and less than 1,700 were built in total. In the words of Hunter S. Thompson, “If you rode the Black Shadow at top speed for …

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2008 Aprilia RSV1000R Factory

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Aprilia updated their liter bike in 2004 with the RSV1000R, and it was perfect for riders who demanded a rare, street-legal track weapon. A “Factory” version was also available, and it stood out with carbon fiber bodywork, fully adjustable Ohlins suspension, and forged aluminum wheels. Though it was exquisite, fast, and beautiful, it did not sell as well as it …