Though the model debuted in 1985, Suzuki’s legendary Gixxer line did not make its way to the US until 1986. The changes were minor – better headlights, a revised belly pan, and 25mm longer swingarm, but Americans were probably too busy drooling over the first true street-legal race replica to notice.
2.4 Miles – 2013 Honda VFR1200F
It’s always fun to play with hypothetical money and guess what current models will be future classics. The seller of this bike actually backed up his guess with a not-hypothetical investment. He bought two examples of Honda’s VRF1200F, one to ride and one to collect. In his words, “I recognize the technology investment made by Honda, I fell in love …
Spirit of the Seventies Build – 1997 Ducati 600SS Custom
UK-based customs outfit Spirit of the Seventies has produced some of my all-time favorite retro-themed builds. As the shop’s name suggests, SotS specializes in transforming modern machines into retro-styled customs and while this particular Ducati project is one of the shop’s low-end builds, it’s nonetheless a pretty fascinating one; making just a couple major modifications and leaving the majority of …
5,000 Miles – 1990 Honda Hawk NT650
Post Sale Update: This Hawk sold for $3,200 after 14 bids on eBay. Apparently it’s a Honda day on Bike-urious. The firm was ahead of its time when it debuted the Hawk GT, which is why it was a commercial failure even though it was one of the world’s first modern naked bikes. As is the often the case with …
1993 Honda CBR900RR
Post Sale Update: This Fireblade sold for $8,800 after 23 bids on eBay. The first generation of the Honda CBR900RR, affectionately known as the Fireblade, was a revolution in the large displacement sport bike market. Despite a 50% larger engine, this bike weighed just 4 pounds more than the CBR600F2. Just as important, this bike was a whopping 76 pounds …
Barry Weiss Build – 1973 Cheney Triumph Custom
In the past, the development of motorcycle engines progressed at a rate that markedly exceeded that of frames and suspension systems, resulting in a demand for trick, high-performance, aftermarket chassis and suspenders. Whether it was an inability to compensate for a powertrain’s oomph, an unnecessarily hefty weight, the stock frame offerings of the ‘60s gave backyard hobbyists, factory race departments, …
Well-Modified – 2005 Ducati Monster S2R 800
2018 marks 25 years for the Ducati Monster, and it’s had quite a run during that quarter-decade. In 2005, the model line was updated with a new king – the S4RS Testastretta (999 Superbike motor/Ohlins suspension) and the S2R desmodue (2V Desmo motor). The latter borrowed the styling from the former but it offered similar amounts of joy for a …
1982 Ducati Pantah 600SL
The Ducati Pantah 600SL (actually a 583cc) was the first Ducati to use a hydraulic clutch. Other upgrades included Bosch ignition, Paoli forks, and a tougher gearbox. The engine was good for 57 horsepower at 8,500rpm and it was paired with a 5 speed transmission and Dell’orto carbs. A year later, the Pantah got an even bigger engine and became …
Lucky Strike Livery – 1992 Suzuki RG150 Gamma
I’m not sure how, but this small displacement Suzuki sport bike has been imported to the US, and it’s plated in California! I’m hoping someone knows more about these bikes than I do, though, because I was under the impression that in ’92 Suzuki only offered a RG125 and RG200. Is the seller correct in saying this is a RG150?
Period Fairing – 1983 Honda CB1100F
Post Sale Update: this CB1100F sold for $2,607 after 39 bids on eBay. The Honda CB1100F is cool enough by itself thanks to the fact that Cycle World called it the fastest stock bike they had ever tested (over 140 miles per hour) in January of 1983, but I think this one is even more interesting due to the period …
1989 Honda VTR250 Interceptor
Sold in the US for three years, the Honda VTR250 has become a cult classic for riders that love small bikes. The liquid cooled 250cc engine was paired with a six-speed transmission, and interestingly, an inboard front disc – though by 1990 the front brake would change to the industry standard.
American SuperSport – 2009 Fischer MRX 650
At the dawn of the new millennium, sport bikes were incredibly popular in the US. Sales were booming and steadily on the rise, though there was a noticeable lack of sport bikes from American marques. Sure, Buell was around (as was Brammo, if that counts), but sales were aplenty and there was more than enough money to go around. So …
Street Legal 2-Stroke in CA – 2000 Cagiva Mito 125
In 1994, Cagiva updated the styling of their little Mito 125 with a redesign by none other than Massimo Tamburini – that’s why it looks like like his iconic 916! These are absurdly rare in the United States (according to Mecum, just 20 were imported in 2000), and this one is extra special for residents of California because it’s plated …
Factory Luggage – 1988 Honda Hurricane CBR600F
Kawasaki may have created the modern 600 sportbike as we know it today with the Ninja, but Honda upped the stakes when they released the CBR600F in 1987 – it made 12 extra horsepower and weighed 28 pounds less. The mid-sized Honda was dominant in racing: AMA created the 600 Supersport Championship in ’87 and Honda won each of the …
2016 Ducati Hypermotard 939 SP
A friend of mine in the motorcycle industry is selling his Ducati Hypermotard 939 SP – and the SP is the one you want with Ohlins suspension, better brakes, slight reduction in weight, and even a slightly longer wheelbase. It’s the ultimate commter!