If you turn back the clock on classic male escalation you’ll find that the 900cc class used to reign supreme over sportbikes. The ZX-9R was Kawasaki’s entrant to the top dog realm. While it was intended to carve canyons, the first generation was introduced with a bit of extra heft. One could argue that the first generation of anything could …
In Austria – 1992 Moto Guzzi 1000S
View PostTurbo Bike – 1979 Kawasaki Z1R-TC
Post Listing Update: This Z1R-TC did not meet reserve despite 4 bids up to $15,099 on eBay. When we talk about turbos on bikes, we usually think about Japanese attempts in the ’80s like the GPZ750 turbo from Kawa or the CX 500/650 turbo from Honda. Most riders forget that Kawasaki had their first try in 1978 with the Z1R-TC. …
Restored Model 8 – 1962 Bultaco Metralla 200
Post Listing Update: This Metralla did not meet the reserve despite 25 bids up to $4,600. 9-20-2018 Update: Though the VIN has been changed by one digit (to 802208), this bike is back up for sale 3 months later with bidding up to $4,200 with the reserve not yet met here on eBay. Post Listing Update: This Metralla did not …
Modified Collectible – 1999 Ducati Monster Cromo
Post Listing Update: This Monster did not get any interest at the asking price of $5,500. In 1999, Ducati released a special edition of the Monster. Called the “Cromo”, it was obviously named due to the distinctive tank. Typically, limited-production Ducatis are left alone by owners, but the same can’t be said for this example.
Street Legal – 2018 Husqvarna FS 450
Post Listing Update: Unfortunately, this bike was pulled off of eBay as the bike was stolen from the owner. 9-19-18 Update: The seller let me know that the winning bidder “could not come up with financing” so the sale was cancelled. This Husky is back up on eBay with a lowered opening bid of $11,760 or a BIN of $14,260 …
5,296 Miles – 1981 Honda CB900F Super Sport
As the CBX shifted from a large naked sportbike to a faired gentleman’s express, Honda decided to bolster their large-displacement sportbike lineup by finally bringing exporting the CB900F that Europeans had already been enjoying. Initially, Honda’s marketing team had decided that America would only get the 750F and Europe would only get the 900F, but that eventually changed as both …
Rare Electrical Project – 1974 MV Agusta 350S Elettronica
Post Listing Update: This MV did not meet reserve despite 19 bids up to $7,100 on eBay. Built between 1970 and 1974, the MV Agusta 350S was offered in a variety of models including a fully-faired sport bike and an exquisite scrambler. 1972 brought electronic ignition into the fold, which was announced with “ELETTRONICA” on the sidecovers and as part …
1999 Laverda 750S Sport Formula
9-16-18 Update: A few months later, Mazlow Petosa notes that this bike is currently available at Iconic Motorbikes with a better listing, more information, and a higher asking price. Find it for $7,445 in Marina del Rey, California here at Iconic Motorbikes. This Laverda was acquired as a poorly-modified custom by a well-known collector in Los Angeles who then took …
2009 BMW HP2 Sport
Post Listing Update: This HP2 Sport did not get any interest at the BIN of $16,500. This is exactly the kind of bike I would add to my own collection. It is weird, it is exclusive, and it is incredibly capable. The BMW HP2 Sport is the ultimate expression of the boxer engine; the final design exercise before BMW graced …
Six Cylinders – 1983 Benelli 900 Sei
Post Listing Update: This Benelli did not get any interest at the asking price of $20,000 on eBay. Alejandro De Tomaso is an Argentinian racer and businessman who may be best known for creating his own automobile brand, De Tomaso in 1959. When Ford tried (and failed) to buy Ferrari, De Tomaso (the Man) proposed a win-win opportunity to Ford, …
1965 Honda CB77 Super Hawk
Post Sale Update: This Super Hawk sold for $4,860 on eBay after being relisted. The Honda CB77 has a special place in motorcycling history. They marked the beginning of Soichiro Honda developing his own designs, and we can all thank him for that. It was the beginning of the end of British motorcycling supremacy, despite their engines being significantly larger. …
Ending Soon – 1959 Moto Morini Tresette Sprint
Post Listing Update: This Morini did not meet reserve despite 14 bids up to $5,500. 9-13-18 Update: Two months later, reader David S notes that this bike is back up for sale – but this time it’s got a BIN option. Find it with bidding up to $5,000 and the reserve not yet met or a BIN of $7,500 here …
No Reserve – 1974 BMW R90S
Post Sale Update: This R90S sold for $7,567 after 34 bids on eBay. When it was released in 1974, the R90S was a game-changer for BMW. With oversight from Hans Muth, this bike was built to show the world that the German firm could make more than just touring bikes for old guys. Reg Pridmore helped soldify that claim with …
Black Shadow Spec – 1953 Vincent Rapide
Post Listing Update: This Rapide did not get any interest at the opening bid of $65,000. In 1917, while serving as a prisoner during WWI, the British Royal Flying Corp pilot Howard Raymond Davies imagined a motorcycle design that he wanted to create at the end of the war. In 1924, with his partner EJ Massey, he launched the brand …