The Bimota DB1 is a critical bike in Bimota’s history – in fact, it’s credited with saving the company from near-certain bankruptcy. Two pieces of curved fiberglass came together to create the distinctive pearl white bodywork surrounding a Ducati 748cc engine.
2015 MV Agusta Brutale 800 Dragster RR
This might be heresy, but I’ve always thought MV Agusta’s Dragster was kind of ugly. Most people disagree with me, though, so here’s a modded one with plenty of carbon fiber.
2003 MZ Baghira Black Panther
Post Listing Update: This Black Panther did not get any interest at the asking price of $3,400, so the seller relisted it at…$3,600. Unsurprisingly, it did not get any takers at the higher price, either. In 2001, MZ introduced the Baghira an enduro powered by the thumper from a Yamaha XT660. Based on that, they also released a Street Moto, …
Minty – Low Mile 2001 Honda VFR800
Post-Listing Update: This VFR800 did not meet reserve with bidding up to $4,050, then it was relisted and pulled off of eBay. The fifth-gen Honda VFR800 brought the model into the modern era with a bump in displacement (if not power), Y2K styling, the addition of fuel injection and, sadly, the end of the iconic gear-driven cams. This 2001 model …
Ending Soon – 1951 Vincent Black Shadow
Post-Listing Update: Despite bidding up to $65,100, this Black Shadow did not meet reserve. The seller of this Black Shadow has owned it since 1967, and he believes that it’s now “time to let someone else appreciate it.”
Ending Soon – 1984 Moto Guzzi Le Mans Mark III
Post-Listing Update: Despite 23 bids on eBay up to $5,000, this Le Mans Mk III did not meet reserve. I’m a sucker for the styling of the Le Mans II, especially when it’s a color that’s not red. This example is particularly special thanks to a seller who has owned it since 1990 and made some choice modifications.
Museum Quality – 1976 Honda CB400F Super Sport
Post-Sale Update: This CB400F sold for $6,400 with 21 bids on eBay. Honda’s CB400F is not a rare bike, but seeing one in this condition isn’t a common experience any more. That’s probably why the bidding is already up to $5,600 with two days left on the auction…
Ketchup and Mustard – 1990 BMW K1
Post-Sale Update: This K1 sold for $3,548 after 27 bids on eBay. This bike gives me pause – I really enjoy the 80s looks, but I’m pretty sure the paint job just gave me a headache as I looked through the photos.
Oxymoron – 2010 KTM 990 SMT
The idea of touring on a supermoto bike doesn’t make much sense to me, but KTM somehow made it work with their SMT model – a motorcycle that Visordown called “the most sensible KTM in ages.” Here’s a pretty example of an uncommon bike that gets bonus points in my book because the seller has created an excellent example of …
1997 MZ Skorpion Sport Cup
The MZ Skorpion was the result of an international partnership between a British design firm (Seymourpowell), an East German manufacturer (MZ), and a Japanese engine (Yamaha). Weighing just 380 pounds and packing 48 horsepower, this is a great option if you’re looking for a rare ~600cc sportbike – and this example is even better as it is one of the …
In Moscow – 2005 MV Agusta F4 1000 Mamba
Because I live in LA, the nickname of Mamba annoyingly makes me think of Kobe Bryant (go Celtics!) Similarly low on my personal list is the Mamba edition of the MV Agusta F4. I think it looks a bit tacky, but a.) it’s rare and I wanted to show it to you and b.) looks are subjective, so i hope …
216 Miles, Grey Market – 1996 Honda CBR400RR
It’s not common to see the “Babyblade” for sale in the states, but this makes the second one we’ve got in a week, and the low mileage is impressive. The nickname was obviously given as it’s a smaller (400cc) version of the Fireblade, but it was a JDM-only motorcycle for the ~15 years it was produced.
Rare Project – 1962 Aermacchi Ala Azzurra
Aermacchi’s Ala Azzurra was offered in two generations – this is one of the 2nd gen’s, which were produced between 1960-1967. It was imported from the United Kingdom (where it was street legal) several years ago but the two owners since have not yet brought it back to life.
2000 Cagiva Raptor 1000
Introduced in 2000, the Cagiva Raptor was designed as alternative to the Ducati Monster – they were even styled by the same man. Though there are plenty of similarities, the Raptor comes with the V-Twin heart from a Suzuki TL.
1982 Ducati Pantah 600SL Desmo
Post Sale Update: After being relisted, this 600SL sold for $8,600 after 13 bids on eBay. Take the distinctive 500SL Pantah, then bore it out to get the 600SL, yielding an 11% boost in power.