It’s one of the more easy to find Bimotas, but in the world of exotic Italians, that doesn’t mean much. The Bimota SB8R was powered by the wonderful V-Twin from a Suzuki TL(but then pumped up to 133 horsepower by the Italians) and was capable of hitting 170mph.
Peacock Gray – 1970 Kawasaki Mach III
Known as the ‘Widowmaker’, the Kawasaki H1 series were a range of triples famous for being incredibly fast, without the handling to match. This bike ended up setting a standard for how dangerous a motorcycle could be – motorcycle reviewers of future years would often remark about how a certain bike handled like “an early Kawasaki triple” when they wanted …
Ending Soon – 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 …
Reader Ride – 1973 Honda RC166 Replica
One of the greatest Honda 2-wheelers of all time, the RC166 won every race in the ’66 World Championship, won the Isle of Man TT, and was an absolute legend that was piloted by Mike Hailwood. It had a inline-6 250cc engine with a 7 speed transmission, and as you might expect, it’s nearly impossible to get your hands on …
2000 Ducati 996 SPS
Post Listing Update: This SPS was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. I still find the 916/996 to be one of the most beautiful motorcycles ever made, so I feel obligated to feature the limited edition Ducati 996 SPS (Sport Production Special),an uprated version that featured a modified engine and chassis. Nearly all the specifications were improved, with …
1975 Colorado Norton Works Commando
Post Sale Update: This CNW Commando sold for $18,999 after 7 bids on eBay. In the world of Norton Commandos, there’s very few modern legends that owners will trust to hop-up their bikes. Kenny Dreer and his VR880 is high up there, as is the firm of Colorado Norton Works, one of the best restorers out there. Here’s your chance …
2005 MZ 1000S
Once the world’s biggest producer of motorcycles, MZ went bankrupt in May of last year. The last decade of its history was full of financial troubles, but the varying ownership had MZ constantly trying new things. In 1996, a Malaysian group took over and resolved to build MZ’s first superbike. The MV 1000S was born – a 140 mph parallel …
Yamaha RZ350 Kenny Roberts
A sought-after collectors bike in the US, the Yamaha RZ350 Kenny Roberts probably needs no introduction. Only sold in the states from 84-85, these were the first bikes in the US to come equipped with catalytic converters and the first Yamaha street bike in the US to use a perimeter frame.
New York Steak – 1973 Kawasaki Z1 900
8-8 Update: Despite 38 bids on eBay up to $61,100, this Kawasaki Z1 900 did not meet reserve. It’s been relisted with an opening bid of $25,000 (and better photos) here on eBay. Before Honda released the instant classic CB750, Kawasaki was also working on a a four-cylinder, 750cc sportbike – except Kawi thought it was going to be first …
Eleven – 1996 Ducati 900SS Custom by Atom Bomb
Post-Listing Update: 27 bids got the action up to $15,100, but this Ducati 900SS Custom by Atom Bomb did not meet reserve. It has since been relisted with an opening bid of $23,900 here on eBay. Previously featured on BikeEXIF, this Ducati 900SS Custom is the work of Atom Bomb Custom Motorcycles. They call this bike Eleven – I call …
JDM and 17k RPM – 1986 Yamaha FZR250
Originally sold only in Japan, the Yamaha FZR250 was one of the few “learner legal” race replica bikes. A small amount of these bikes eventually made their way to other countries, just like this excellent example in front of you. Yet despite the gray-market importation, this bike has a California title and plate.
2008 Benelli Tornado 1130
In the world of modern Italian sportbikes, most people immediately default to Ducati. But if you’re looking to broaden your horizons, you might want to consider a different offering – the Benelli Tornado 1130.
Modern Homologation – 2014 Honda CBR1000RR SP
I realize that it’s very rare when I feature a bike built in the last couple of years. But after being inspired by yesterday’s RC45, it’s nice to see a modern homologation bike from Big Red – today’s example is the 2014 Honda CBR1000RR SP.
1994 Honda RVF750 RC45
The Honda RVF750, also known as the RC45, was a legendary homologation bike and successor to the popular RC30. Though it was sold between ’94 and ’99, the US only got the ’94 model.
Baby Darmah – 1978 Ducati 350 GTV
Looking like a baby version of the early Darmah, the Ducati 350 GTV was an evolution of the unpopular GTL. Unfortunately, nearly all the Ducati parallel twins suffered from reliability issues, but this one seems to be in good shape…for now.