In the 60s, Bultaco was known primarily for its off-roaders, especially in the US. Their streetbikes were normally relegated to stay in Bultaco Cemoto’s home country of Spain, which imposed regulations allowing Bultaco to only use one engine in a small variety of sizes. You would think this put the Spanish company at a serious disadvantage when it came to …
1988 Ducati 750 F1B
The Ducati 750 F1B was a factory racer with lights and signals for street legality. One of the last bikes from Ducati before they were sold to Cagiva, the 750 F1B (and the limited editions based on this bike) is a minimalists’ bike and one of the most sought after Ducatis in the company’s history.
2006 Ducati SportClassic Paul Smart 1000LE
I’ve never had the pleasure of riding one a Ducati Paul Smart (yet), but everyone I know that has one or has ridden one says they’re incredibly uncomfortable to ride. Then they say they look at the thing and decide it doesn’t matter.
Cover Girl – 1975 Norton Commando 850 Mk. 3
Everyone knows (and pretty much loves) the Norton Commando 850 Mk. 3 – but here’s one that has a.) my favorite paint scheme and b.) a little bit of fame, thanks to the fact that it was the featured bike on the cover of the Clymer Commando repair guide:
1973 Triumph Hurricane
The Triumph Hurricane X-75 represented a paradigm shift in motorcycling manufacturing, as it was the world’s first factory custom motorcycle. The brainchild of Craig Vetter (well known as a motorcycle designer and manufacturer of custom motorcycle fairings) and Don Brown (General Manager of BSA), the Hurricane was created when Brown called Vetter up on a secret project to create a …
Owned by Buell – 1983 Harley-Davidson XR1000
Post Sale Update: This XR sold for $12,700 after 20 bids on eBay. The Harley-Davidson XR1000 was a street-oriented evolution of the legendary XR750. Here’s a nice example of the sportiest street bike H-D made at the time with some special provenance – it was formerly owned by none other than Erik Buell.
1,723 Miles – 1971 BSA Lightning A65
Personally, I prefer the looks of the older Lightning, but it’s hard to argue with the condition of this oil-in-frame BSA Lightning A65.
Built by Randakk – Supercharged Honda GL1000
Post-Listing Update: Bidding somehow only got up to $7,300, where it did not meet reserve. According to Randakk’s site, it sold to a German collector for an unknown amount. Back in May, I noted that Randakk, Goldwing fanatic and supercharger expert, was about to release an absolutely fantastic supercharged Honda GL1000. I frankly figured it would have sold quickly, but …
1948 BSA YB34
I’ve never heard of this bike before, but the seller claims it’s a rare competition version of BSA’s 500cc single. This bike exposes my lack of BSA knowledge – I’m familiar with the ’48 YB32 Gold Star, and the ZB34 Gold Star which came about a year later – but a YB34 is not something I know anything about. Quick …
1962 BMW R69S
Post Listing Update: This BMW was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. The BMW R69S, produced from 1960 to 1969, was BMW’s sportbike of its day. With 42 horsepower, it was by far the most powerful bike BMW made at the time. You had to pay to play ($1,564 in 1966), but that extra money bought you one …
1975 Kawasaki 750 H2C
Known as the “Widowmaker”, the H2 is an iconic motorcycle in Kawi’s history. In fact, they’re bringing the name back for the new, absolutely insane Ninja H2. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The ’75 model, also known as the Kawasaki 750 H2C, was the final version of this legendary bike. This specific example, adorned in the distinctive Candy …
20th Anniversary – 2013 Ducati Monster 1100EVO
The iconic monster was released in ’93, so Ducati decided to capitalize on the 20th anniversary with a special model. It’s the last of the air-cooled Monsters, but the reason I’m featuring this exact model is because it comes with the “Imola” bodywork, my favorite of the optional paint schemes. This specific example is #130 of the 200 produced, and …
Ronin Motorworks – The 47
The story of the 47 Ronin is an impressive (and true) tale which exemplifies the Japanese samurai code of honor, which includes ritual suicide, revenge…and more ritual suicide. Ronin Motorworks has now taken elements of that story in their own version of the 47, a limited run of motorcycles based around the Buell 1125CR.
1989 Buell RR 1200 Battletwin
Post Listing Update: This Battletwin did not meet reserve despite 43 bids up to $15,000. When Buell started with the Road Warrior chassis for racing, he surely wasn’t expecting the abrupt end of the Formula One class in AMA racing. Luckily for the public, he adapted the chassis, threw in some Harley-Davidson XR1000 engines, and created Buell’s first streetbike, the …
1964 Velocette Venom Clubman Veeline
Post Sale Update: This Veeline sold for $11,100 after 25 bids on eBay. The Venom is already a cool bike. But when you get the full Velocette Venom Clubman Veeline spec, with the beautiful fairing, it’s just a whole ‘nother level of fascinating.