Designed to be the ultimate 996 at the time, the SPS (Sport Production Special) combined performance and beauty. The limited edition SPS was an uprated version that featured a modified engine and chassis. Nearly all the specifications were improved, such as the lighter Marchesini 5-spoke wheels and Ohlins rear shock. In 2000, Ducati upgraded the Showa forks to Ohlins units, …
1986 Kawasaki Ninja 1000R
An evolution of their popular Ninja 900, the Ninja 1000R was the fastest production motorcycle that Cycle World had ever tested at the time. From their January 1986 review: “One hundred fifty-nine miles an hour! We’re talking fast, here, as in the fastest production streetbike ever. Tucked-in and wrist locked, a Ninja 1000 rider with little regard for his driver’s …
2006 Ducati Paul Smart 1000
We get our fair share of Ducati Paul Smarts over at Iconic Motorbikes, but this one stands out due to the history and the modifications – plus it’s already met the reserve so it will sell.
1995 MZ Skorpion Replica
The MZ Skorpion was the result of an international partnership between a British design firm, an East German manufacturer (MZ), and Yamaha. Weighing just 380 pounds and packing 48 horsepower, this is a rare sportbike that has become quite the cult classic.
Zero Miles – 2003 Bimota V-Due
The V-Due is one of the most interesting things that ever came out of Bimota. It came out to tremendous fan-fare as the first two-stroke with fuel injection – yielding a greater power to weight ratio than anything else available on the market.
2002 Yoshimura Tornado S1
In 2001, Suzuki unveiled the all-new GSX-R1000, and journalists felt it was the first bike to compete with Yamaha’s revolutionary R1 of 1998 because Suzuki was able to top the R1 with less weight and more power (374 pound dry weight, 160 hp/81 lb-ft at the crank). Yoshimura then took the already-impressive Suzuki to the next level by creating their …
No Reserve – 1983 Suzuki XN85 Turbo
Of all the Japanese turbo wonder bikes of the 80s, Suzuki’s effort was the rarest. Just 1,153 examples of the XN85 Turbo were built, and it had the distinction of being the first production motorcycle with a 16″ front wheel. When paired with the Full Floater rear suspension, that resulted in a machine that Motorcyclist magazine described as such: “Nothing …
2022 Yamaha R7 World GP 60th Anniversary Edition with Zero Miles
This year, Yamaha brought back the R7 name – though this time around it’s for a tamer, cheaper way to get into the world of supersports. I had an absolute blast with it at the launch at Atlanta Motorsports Park and it’s high on my list to replace my Ninja 400 as my go-to track bike. For 2022, Yamaha’s offering …
1973 Kawasaki H2 Mach IV
A couple of days ago I featured an interesting H2 Mach IV custom and the consensus seemed to be that stock was the way to go. Well, here’s that stock bike for you!
1982 Honda CB900F
In the late 70s, Honda offered both a CB750F and a CB900F, but per their marketing department the US only got the 750 and Europe only got the 900. Both markets were upset about this because humans always think the grass is greener on the other side. It took a few years, but Honda eventually satisfied the US by bringing …
Freddie Spencer Paint – 1985 Honda VF1000R
Over on the auction site, we’ve got an interesting VF1000R that’s been painted in a Freddie Spencer tribute livery – a paint job more commonly found on the two-stroke NS400R. What do you think of the end result?
2002 Ducati Monster S4 Fogarty Edition #126/300
Over on the auction site, we’ve got a rare example of the “Foggy Monster” with just 1,212 miles – and the sale includes all of the stock parts!
1974 Norton Commando John Player Special
One of the most collectible Commandos was the John Player, a distinctive endurance-inspired Norton with unique bodywork surrounding a completely stock Mark 2A Commando. The distinctive front fairing with dual headlights caught they eyes of many fans worldwide who were obsessed with the hottest motorcycle racing competitions of the time – endurance races.
#265 – 1972 Kawasaki Z1
9-6-2022 Update: Four years later, this bike is back up on the auction block. Normally when I share a bike years later and it’s in a different state, it’s because the bike has sold a time or two. But this time it’s in a different country (England) because the owner himself moved! Regardless, this is an incredible example of a …
1983 Moto Guzzi Le Mans III
In 1983, the Moto Guzzi Le Mans III was brought back after MG was able to get the smaller engine certified under US emissions – for a few years the US was stuck with a 949cc engine. With the arrival of the Mark III, Guzzi created approximately 80 technical changes of varying severity from the Mark II model.