The Aprilia Falco (also known as the SL1000) was a roadster that slotted in between the race-replica Mille and the sport-touring Futura. I thought it was slightly confusing – unlike the Tuono, it wasn’t much more comfortable than Aprilia’s sport bike at the time. To make the Falco stand out a bit more, Aprilia offered a limited edition “Streetfighter” kit …
1956 James Colonel
Like many motorcycle manufacturers, James Cycle Co started with the production of bicycles. Over time they evolved into motorcycles, and their calling card was red/maroon paint. They typically utilized Villiers engines, though AMC bought them out in 1951 and eventually James started using AMC two-stroke motors instead. By ’66, James was out of business.
2016 BMW RnineT Custom
Post Listing Update: This RnineT has been relisted several times but it never meets reserve. The highest bidding has ever been up to is $12,200. BMW has had quite a hit on their hands with the RnineT – which is why they’re expanding the model into a family of 5. It’s also become a popular platform for customizers – here’s …
1967 Ducati Sebring 350
When Ducati introduced the Sebring 350 in 1965 it was the largest bike in the Ducati line up. By 1968 the 450 had been introduced and in 1967 Ducati announced the Desmo bikes for the street (It would be 1969 until they hit the street) and the company changed forever.
Comet Powered – 1951 Vincent Black Shadow
Post Sale Update: This semi-Black Shadow sold for $34,100 after 7 bids on eBay. This is a tough one. We’ve got a Vincent Black Shadow chassis but it’s powered by a Vincent Comet engine. Does that make this half a Black Shadow? What would you do – ride it as is or try to find a more fitting engine for …
1959 Ducati 200 Turismo
Post Sale Update: This Turismo sold for $8,000 after 30 bids on eBay. After the Nazis retreated from Italy the country was left in a hot mess. Not only was there extensive war damage but the Germans took/destroyed most everything that was usable as they left. There was a pressing need for cheap transportation. Enter Ducati and others to make …
Limited Edition in Brazil – 1986 Honda CB450E Nelson Piquet
Post Listing Update: This limited edition 450 did not get any interest at the opening bid of $5,500. In March and April of 1986, Honda Brazil produced 240 examples of a limited edition CB450 – it featured a Nelson Piquet tribute livery and a copy of his signature on the sidecover. According to the seller, just 30 examples remain and …
1967 Triumph Bonneville T120R
Triumph continually modified and tweaked the Edward Turner designed Bonnie through all the years of it’s production. By 1967 the Bonnie was unit construction (motor and transmission in a single case) had a significant frame improvement and 12v electrics. New for ‘67 were better rods and pistons, exhaust bracing, and a steering head lock. The ‘67s still suffered from horrible …
Rare Repli Racer – 1988 Suzuki GSX-R400 SP
Post Listing Update: This little Gixxer did not meet reserve with 10 bids up to $6,450. Suzuki introduced the GSX-R400 in Japan in 1984, and it was a bit of a revelation as it was about 30-70 pounds lighter than the 400cc offerings from Yamaha and Honda. In 1988, Suzuki redesigned the bike with a new frame and they introduced …
A Classic Approach – 1963/67 Triton
While not as rare as a unicorn, the Triton concept isn’t exactly a plow horse either. In the 60s the idea was to combine a best in the business Norton ‘Featherbed’ frame with a reliable and powerful Triumph parallel twin. There were a lot of these made in the day, and the combo certainly contributed to the ‘Cafe Racer’ craze. …
First Ride – 2017 BMW G310R
View PostSitting in Sweden – 1980 Bimota SB3
Post Sale Update: This Bimota SB3 sold for $16,000. The SB3 was quick, but it sure was uncomfortable. In their review of the bike, Motorcyclist magazine said, “No one on our staff has ridden anything short of a hardtail that was as harsh as the SB3.” If you can put up with a rough ride (and you can deal with …
19K Redline – 1990 Honda CBR250RR MC22
Post Listing Update: This buzz-saw of a Honda did not meet reserve despite 26 bids up to $6,650. The MC22 generation of the CBR was sold between 1990 and 1996. It originally was only sold in Japan and produced 45 horsepower. In 1994, Japanese laws changed and Honda detuned the motor down to 40 ponies. Also known as the Babyblade, …
Star of Stage and Screen – 1966 Triumph Tiger T100
Post Listing Update: This Tiger did not get any action at the BIN of $5,200. Is it the most famous motorcycle in the world? Maybe. The T100 Tiger was the bike that Ted Simon rode on his first trip around the world which was the basis for the book “Jupiter’s Travels”. It is also the bike Bob Dylan dumped near …
1948 Vincent Rapide Series B
Post Listing Update: This Rapide got no interest at the asking price of $75,000. Sold between 1936 and 1955, the Vincent Rapide was a legendary motorcycle. The Series B Rapide was introduced in 1946 and it was instantly the world’s fastest production motorcycle with a top speed over 110 miles per hour.