The Moto Guzzi LeMans Tenni was a limited production model produced only in ’02 and ’03. Just 170 examples were produced, and the most obvious difference is the custom paint scheme and large quasi-dustbin fairing. It was named after Omobono Tenni, who was also know as the Black Devil or Red Bullet. Tenni was the first non-Brit to win the …
1991 Yamaha FZR1000
The Fizzer was an instant classic when it was introduced in 1987. Just two years later, Cycle World named it the “Bike of the Decade”, thanks in part to a 0-60 time of 2.9 seconds and a top speed of nearly 170 mph! It got a little long in the tooth, but the first generation was beloved by the press …
In France – 1979 Yamaha 350 With Corki Frame
Based in France, Moto Corki was the brainchild of Lucienne Cordonnier. He built his own frames – as noted by Satanic Mechanic it was a backbone design ‘probably inspired by Egli but unlike the Egli and its successors, the backbone extended down to the swingarm pivot in a 110 degree angle.’ Another website suggests that the Corki name came from …
BikeEXIF Feature – 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750 Custom
Built by Victor Wilkens of Seattle, Washington, this custom GSX-R750 has a delightfully 80s vibe but it features a 90s Bandit 1200 motor (similar power, but 20 more lb-ft of torque).
2005 BMW R1100S Boxer Cup Replika
The base model R11S was a wonderful all-around streetbike similar to the Honda VFR800. BMW went above and beyond with a couple of limited editions, including the Boxer Cup Replika as featured today. BMW created a spec series to race these bikes, and 300 examples were released as a homage.
5 Miles – 1986 Bimota DB1
8-14-23 Update: Four years later, this bike is back up for sale from the same owner. Turns out it actually has 5 kilometers, not 5 miles, but I think the general idea is the same! Find this DB1 for sale in Willoughby, Ohio with bidding up to $14,600 and the reserve not yet met here on Iconic Motorbike Auctions. Disclosure: …
1993 Kawasaki ZX-7
In 1988, Kawasaki debuted a 750cc racebike called the ZXR-7. The following year, they released a production version – we knew it in the US as the Ninja ZX-7. The 748cc inline four engine produced 105 horsepower inside of an aluminum perimeter frame. Performance Bikes magazine saw 91 hp at the rear wheel with a 152 mph top speed in …
1991 Honda VFR750 RC36
“For many, bike journalists included, the Honda VFR 750 is the best road bike ever built.” That’s how MCN starts their review of the RC36 generation of Honda’s iconic VFR. It’s legendarily reliable, is a great bike for the money, and gives you a little taste of what it’s like to ride a RC30 in the process. Here’s one that’s …
2001 Aprilia Falco SL1000
Take a Rotax V-Twin and envelope it in beautiful Italian bodywork…and say hi to the Aprilia Falco, a 996cc road bike that was split between the sport touring Futura and the supersport Mille. Unfortunately for Aprilia, buyers didn’t seem to care as much for this tweener model, and it only lasted between ’99 and ’03 before Aprilia pulled the plug.
1986 Yamaha SRX600
The Yamaha SRX600 is a cult classic, but it started as a commercial flop. In the US, it sold for just one year, and it was during a time when American riders valued power above everything else. A relatively light weight bike with a 41 horsepower motor just didn’t cut it – but for riders who can appreciate the styling, …
2005 MV Agusta F4 1000
The F4 is special because of the performance (which other bikes have surpassed) and the beauty (which I’d say other bikes have not). In 2005, MV Agusta updated the F4 series with a 998cc engine, which bumped power up to 166 horses and top speed up to 184 miles per hour. The upgraded engine was surrounded by quality components such …
457 Miles – 1995 Bimota SB6
Post Sale Update: This SB6 sold for $14,980 (including the 7% buyer’s fee) on Iconic Motorbike Auctions. In the early years, Bimota’s formula was to take a powerful and reliable Japanese engine and then replace the adequate frame and suspension with a bespoke Italian chassis and quality components. Some reviewers argue that the SB6 is the last of the old-school …
1985 BMW K100RS
BMW’s K100RS is a tried-and-true sport-tourer, though even when it was new no one was overwhelmed by the power. A previous owner of this example has rectified that with one of the 200 turbo kits that were produced by RB Racing on behalf of Luftmeister!
1991 Bimota Tesi 1D 904
Bimota’s Tesi 1D was the first generation of their wild hub-center steering platform. The D in 1D stands for Ducati as the powerplant was the 93 horsepower twin from the 851, but a model refresh in 1991 came with a displacement bump to 904. Just 20 example of the 904 were built between 1991 and 1992 – a small portion …
1971 Ducati Silver Shotgun 250
Thanks to its distinctive silver metal flake fiberglass bodywork, Two Wheels called this the Desmo Mark 3 the Ducati Silver Shotgun. It’s one of the rarest desmo singles and it’s quite visually stunning.