In 2005, Ducati started exporting the 999R in earnest to satisfy the AMA homolgation requirements (the year before, just 50 were sold). For $29,995, this motorcycle was just about as close to a WSBK bike you could get.
Designed by Budweiser – 2001 Buell Lightning X1
According to the seller, this Lightning was “designed by Budweiser” as a gift for Dale Earnhardt Jr. at the 2000 Daytona 500.
1986 Suzuki RG50 Gamma
In 1977, Suzuki introduced the RG50, a small two-stroke standard. Five years later, the model evolved into the RG50 Gamma, a baby sportbike and the smallest of the Gamma lineup.
1991 BMW K1
BMW keeps one-upping themselves when it comes to sportbikes as of late – they’ve just announced the M1000RR – but their history of inline-4 sporting machines starts with the famous K1.
1991 Suzuki Bandit GSF400
Post Sale Update: This Bandit sold for $2,600 after 25 bids on eBay in Whittier, California. In the US, the Suzuki Bandit was most commonly sold in 1,200 or 600cc variants. But Suzuki also brought a 400cc model to America for a couple of years!
In Norway – 2003 Vertemati SM570e
Brothers Guideo and Alvaro Vertemati founded a motorcycle company after winning several European and International titles with Husqvarna Italy and Husaberg Italy. They were the first company to go with four-strokes in off-roading (Dirt Bike magazine says they “changed the world” in this story) and went on to evolve their enduros and MX bikes into supermotos that were race bikes …
2009 Aprilia RS125 with 6 Miles
Finding a plated modern RS125 is hard enough in the United States, but this example stands out even further thanks to the fact that it has just 6 miles and is offered by the original owner.
1 of 148 – 1996 Bimota BB1 Supermono Biposto
Bimota’s first BMW-powered motorcycle, the BB1 Supermono was also the first Bimota to be powered by a single-cylinder motor. In total, 524 were sold – 376 as a red/grey Supermono and another 148 Supermono Bipostos in dark blue…as found here.
Pepsi Livery – 1989 Suzuki RGV250
When Suzuki introduced the RGV250, it was a revelation. MCN put it thusly: “back in the day 250cc race replicas were the sharpest handling, most frenzied, maddest things you could buy on two wheels. Nowadays the RGV250 is a modern classic and is probably a bit slower and softer than you’d remember. It still looks good, sounds amazing and the …
Final Year – 1999 Yamaha FZR600
1999 was the final year of FZR600 production, capping a decade-long run that transitioned into the YZF-R6 sportbike. The R6 is obviously more capable on a track, but this bike represents the tail end of sportbikes which could be comfortable, too.
No Reserve – 1983 Suzuki GS1100E
In the early 80s, Suzuki knocked off the CBX as the superbike du jour. The Suzuki GS1100E came into the market and instantly became the bike of choice for the power hungry. American press mags constantly raved about not just the power, but also the surprising handling abilities for such a large bike.
In South Africa – 1985 Kawasaki KR250
Starting in 1978, Kawasaki won 4 consecutive 250cc World Championships with their KR250 racer – its most notable feature was the “tandem twin” engine which had one cylinder behind the other and two cranks!
1982 Honda CX500EC Sports
Americans were given the CX500 in a few flavors – the base model, the Deluxe, and of course, the Turbo. But in other markets, Honda also offered up the “Sports”, which had some European flair.
1994 Ducati 888 SPO Limited
The Ducati 888 SPO was a limited edition of the 888 – only 390 were produced over two years. Featuring the trademark desmo valve V-Twin, this 888 produced 94 horsepower and were very much suited to track time. Though road legal, the riding position is what one would call “committed”, and they weren’t friendly in traffic.
Still New – 2004 Ducati 998S Final Edition
4-2-2021 Update: 2+ years later, it looks like this Final Edition found a new home as it’s now in Texas. It’s also back up for sale with the same mileage, so find it in Frisco, Texas with bidding up to $12,899 and the reserve not yet met or a BIN of $24,999 here on eBay. Post Listing Update: This Ducati …