Post-Listing Update: After being relisted, this HP2 Sport did not meet reserve at $14,097. The BMW HP2 Sport is one of the rarest bikes from the last few decades of BMW motorcycles. It certain ways, it was a tough sell. Loosely based on the R1200S, this was a very pricey and exclusive sportbike that put down less power than its …
1 of 136 – 1971 Rickman Enfield Interceptor
In the early 70s, an aspiring Floyd Clymer (who owned the name of Indian Motorcycles at the time) thought that the 736cc engine from the Mark II Royal Enfield Interceptor was an absolute jewel, and he ordered 200 to use in an hybrid sport-tourer to be created as Indians. Unfortunately, Clymer passed away after only approximately 15 were created, leaving …
None Faster – 2008 MV Agusta F4 R 312
A special edition of the MV Agusta F4, the R 312 was named after its’ immense top speed – 312 km/h, or 194 miles per hour. This was due to a 9 horsepower bump in output up to 183 (plus 85 pound feet of torque). In reality, the bike hit 193.24 mph. According to Wikipedia (which is always correct, right?), …
1972 Norton 750 Commando Combat
Norton Commando fans know that 1972 was a bad year for the motorcycle. The British firm introduced an upgraded engine, designated Combat. Unfortunately, the bearings would often self-destruct, rendering the engine useless.
1958 Ariel Cyclone
A 650cc high-compression variant of the Huntmaster, the Ariel Cyclone was a very rare bike. It seems that the list of documented Cyclones is 174 over two years of production. Ariel called it their “Super Sports Twin”, thanks to a 40 horsepower engine that was an option on the Huntmaster.
Well Upgraded – 1978 Suzuki GS1000E
Post-Listing Update: This GS1000E did not meet reserve with bidding up to $3,350 on eBay. Considered by some to be the best 1000cc four-cylinder of its time, the GS1000 was based on the 750 but had many improvements – Cycle magazine called this bike the “best handling multi of all.” This example takes it even further with plenty of suspension …
Smoke Silver – 1974 BMW R90S
Post Sale Update: This R90S sold for $11,500 after 15 bids on eBay. I adore the BMW R90S, which was a game-changer when it was released to the world. With oversight from Hans Muth, this bike was built to show the world that BMW could make more than just touring bikes for old guys. Reg Pridmore helped soldify that claim …
1981 Hesketh V1000
Post Listing Update: This Hesketh was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. By 1981, England was almost irrelevant in the international game of motorcycle production. So Thomas Alexander Fermor-Hesketh (how’s that for a name?), an actual Lord and Baron who had already started a racing team, decided to start his own motorcycle company. You can guess where he …
1972 Kawasaki H2 750
Here’s an original example of the Kawasaki H2 that’s being offered with no reserve! This bike (VIN: H2F-12383) has 3,848 miles and everything works. The only non-original part is apparently a new set of reproduction pipes. The bodywork has been repainted, but the engine and frame do not match. Find this H2 for sale in San Marcos, California with bidding …
1954 BSA Road Rocket
In 1956, BSA called their Road Rocket “undoubtedly the world’s greatest motor cycle”:
2014 Ducati 1199 Superleggera
The ultra-exclusive (500 produced), even-better version of the Panigale R, the Ducati 1199 Superleggera was claimed by the Italian company to have the best power-to-weight ratio of any production motorcycle ever. With the fuel tank full, this bike weighs just 393 pounds, and you’re looking at about 186 horsepower. Unfortunately, I only found out about this auction with 6 hours …
1955 Gilera 150 Sport
1-10-2015 Update: This beauty is back up for sale with bidding up to $1,750 and the reserve not yet met here on eBay. Post-Listing Update: This Gilera 150 Sport got up to $3,650 but did not meet reserve. One of the prettiest bikes I’ve ever seen, the Gilera 150 Sport was a tiny Italian from back in the days when …
2006 Ducati Paul Smart
Post-Sale Update: This Ducati Paul Smart sold for a best offer under $25,800, exact price unknown. I simply cannot help myself whenever I see a Paul Smart. Here’s another example of the instant classic which was built as a tribute to the Green Frame 750SS – I think it’s one of the most beautiful motorcycles made in the last 25 …
1987 Cagiva 650 Alazzurra
Produced for just three years, the Cagiva 650 Alazzurra was a rebadged Ducati street bike. Cagiva purchased Ducati in 1985, and was looking to grow their market share in larger-displacement bikes. Instead of building one from scratch, they used a 650cc version of the Pantah engine for both the Alazzurra and the Elefant. MSRP was $3,893, putting it slightly above …
“Il Castrolo” – Ducati Monster M750 Custom
Built by Foundry Motorcycle, this Ducati Monster M750 has been turned into an interesting street tracker.