Post Listing Update: This R69S did not meet reserve with 40 bids up to $16,000. Unofficially, the BMW R69S is easily one of the most popular motorcycles among Bike-urious readers – so I suspect this Phil Cheney-restored first-year model is going to attract some attention.
Unexpected Custom – 1971 Harley-Davidson/Aermacchi Sprint 350
Post Listing Update: This Sprint did not meet reserve at $4,008.88 after 24 bids on eBay. Looks like the seller was testing the market as he’s relisted it a few times with a BIN of $5,250. When reader Bill B sent me this bike, he said “it has one of the most dramatic before/after pics you’ll ever see,” and suggested …
Baby Blade – 1983 Suzuki Katana 750
5 years ago, this Katana was put up for sale on eBay. It looks like the bike went to a motorcycle museum, but now it’s back up for sale. Collectors would probably prefer the bigger Katana, however this features fantastic period Lockhart lower fairings which are hard to find. A Katana is a sword utilized by Japanese samurai – so …
American Iron Garage Build – 1979 Harley-Davidson XL Sportster
Post Sale Update: After 18 bids on eBay, this Sportster sold for $3,300. This Sportster was built into a street tracker for American Iron Garage (the DIY tech part of American Iron Magazine). It was put into storage over a year ago so it may need some work, but this has the potential to be a very cool daily rider!
1966 Ducati 350 Sebring
Before the V-Twin, even before the Desmodromic heads, Ducati had a line of Overhead Valve single cylinder, 4 stroke motorcycles. 1965 was the first year for the 350 Sebring, named for a class win by the factory at Sebring Raceway. By 1968 Ducati had introduced their Desmo heads and the rest is history.
4 or 6? 197x Benelli Quattro and Sei
Post Sale Update: The Quattro did not meet reserve at $4,850, but the Sei sold for $15,050! A seller in New York has two beautiful Benellis for sale – but you’ll have to wait a little bit as they’re both on exhibit at The Stony Brook Museum Educational and Cultural Center and they’re tied up until September 5th.
12.3 Miles – 1970 Velocette Thruxton
Over 50 years ago, Velocette set a 24 hour record for 500cc bikes with their Venom. Impressively, the record still stands today – and if you want more information on this, you should head on over to the the Vintagent. This example hasn’t had a chance to set any speed records, however, as it has done just 12.3 miles. The …
1969 Bultaco Metralla
Bultaco was formed out of the failed Montesa Racing Division in 1958. Almost immediately Bultaco became a player in the trials and motocross segment of the sport. By 1969 you could buy a very competitive motocross bike right from your local dealer. The Bultaco dirt squirters are the stuff of legend.
Ending Soon – 1951 Vincent Black Shadow
Post Listing Update: 24 bids got the price up to $81,700 – but this wasn’t enough to meet reserve. For the first time in 35 years, this Black Shadow is up for sale. It’s been in storage since 1981 but the seller says it’s unrestored and runs “quite well.” The seller also says it’s a “wonderful candidate for restoration or …
1 of 100 – 1998 Ducati 749L Neiman Marcus Edition
Post Sale Update: After 36 bids on eBay, this limited edition Ducati sold for $5,200. However it seems that the sale did not go through, as the bike has now been relisted a couple of times. You can find it here on eBay. In 1998, Ducati released a limited edition of the 748 called the 748L. 100 examples were built …
“The Tiddler” – 1978 Honda CB125S1
Built by Reverb Motorcycles out of the United Kingdom, “The Tiddler” was a commissioned bike where the client requested a 125cc or smaller bike as a display piece. Well, the owner couldn’t help himself and he ended up getting his license, riding this bike, and deciding he’d like something bigger – so this little bike is now up for sale.
Rideable Collector – 1985 Honda VF1000R
There never seems to be a shortage of the big VF’s on the market. Trouble is, they often live at one end of the spectrum or the other; low-mileage museum pieces or hi-mile projects. This ’85 “R” model sits in the sweet spot — not too perfect but one you could be proud to own and actually ride.
1967 Matchless Hybrid
1967 was very nearly the end of the line for Matchless and Norton Villers (the parent company) Leftover 1968 models were sold as 1969s but 1967 was really the last year for regular production. In the early and mid 60s Matchless had seen some serious engine problems to the point where the parent company combined the factories and started putting …
Unexpected Custom – 1974 BMW R90S
Post Listing Update: This R90S was relisted a couple of times, but eventually it did not meet reserve with the bids stalling at $8,500. Obviously, BMW airheads have become a popular platform for customization in the last few years. Still, you don’t expect to see someone start with a R90S! What do you think of the end result? Before you …
The Black Racer – 2004 Moto Guzzi V11 LeMans Nero Corsa
Post Listing Update: This Nero Corsa was relisted at an opening bid of $8,200, but it still got no interest. The last of the spine frame Guzzis, the Nero Corsa was a beautiful limited edition of the V11 LeMans. I’ve seen rumors that just 200 were built (50 of which made it to the US), but I have not been …