In 1998, Cagiva created a naked version of their two-stroke 124cc Mito Evo. The Mito was designed by Massimo Tamburini, and it looked an awful lot like the Ducati 916 that he also penned. You’d therefore be forgiven for thinking that the Planet would look like the Monster, though that really wasn’t the case. Whether or not you think it …
In Canada – 1965 Honda CB160
View PostHans Muth – 1982 BMW R65LS
During the 70s, BMW’s most important mission was to develop alternative machines to the big 4-cylinders released by the Japanese makers. Nonetheless, the German brand also competed in the middle-size market, releasing in 1978 the 650cc R65. By 1983, one of BMW motorcycle’s mightiest designers (Hans Muth) designed a particular body for this bike, which would result in the creation …
1963 Norton Electra
In the late 50’s and early 60’s, Norton produced a couple of smaller displacement bikes in the hopes of appealing to starting riders. They had the 250cc Jubilee and the 350cc Navigator, both of which were 4 stroke vertical twins. In 1963, at the request of the US importer Joe Berliner, they bumped the size of the Jubilee up to …
Rare Project – 1957 Moto Guzzi Super Alce
Post Sale Update: This Guzzi was bought by Bike-urious reader and contributor Ray S for approximately $9,300! The Italians, when it comes to cars, bikes, food, and fashion, have always been known for passion. When you think of famous Italian brands, you think of Ferrari, Gucci, and in our case, Ducati and Moto Guzzi. What they’re generally not known for …
1976 Suzuki RE-5
Post Sale Update: This RE-5 sold for $4,995 after 1 bid on eBay. As Honda and Kawasaki were dominating with inline four motors, Suzuki made a bold attempt at getting back on the front of the scene. Indeed, the Japanese maker decided to develop a bike using an “old” design: rotary engine technology. This functionally simple engine required many parts …
Ending Soon – 1954 Parilla 175 Turismo Speciale
Post Listing Update: This Parilla did not meet reserve despite 23 bids up to $4,505 on eBay. When it comes to Parillas in the US, the 175 motor is much less common than the 250. This specific bike was imported from Italy but it’s been brought back to life and is ready for someone to ride it as is and …
1989 Moto Guzzi Mille GT
Post Listing Update: This Mille GT got no interest at the opening ask of $4,999. While trying to recover from the Japanese motorcycle tsunami, Moto Guzzi had to find new ways to attract clients. Trying to compete on technology was probably pointless, so Guzzi decided to bet on ’60s nostalgia with the release of the Mille GT in 1987.
1981 Benelli 654
Post Sale Update: This Benelli sold for $3,050 after 8 bids on eBay. A rare find in the US, the Benelli 654 was available as a Standard as seen here or as a Sport model with the different bars and the fairing from a 900 Sei. Either way, it wasn’t a successful machine but they’re so hard to find that …
Swiss Army – 1975 Condor A350
A bike built for the Swiss Army, the Condor A350 was produced between ’73 and ’79. 3,000 were produced, and the military only started releasing them to the public about 15 years ago.
1975 BMW R75/6
Post Listing Update: This /6 was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. In 1974, BMW logically replaced the /5 series with the /6, which lasted until 1976. There were no huge differences, the new series still featured the mighty flat-twin engine and the same kind of look. After the success of the R75/5, BMW still had to innovate …
1994 Honda CB1000
Post Listing Update: This CB did not meet reserve despite 28 bids up to $2,985. 11-3-18 Update: This CB1000 is back up for sale with bidding up to $1,225 and the reserve not yet met here on eBay. Post Listing Update: This CB did not meet reserve despite 26 bids up to $3,035. In the early 90s, Suzuki and Kawasaki …
1990 Kawasaki Zephyr 550
Before Kawasaki emulated the Z1 with the new Z900RS, they had the “Zephyr”. It was a standard that vaguely pulled styling cues from the Z1, and it was offered in 550, 750, and 1,100cc options. A 400 was also built but that was solely for Japan.
Water Buffalo – 1972 Suzuki GT750
When Honda released the CB750, the other Japanese manufacturers had no other choice but to respond. Kawasaki made the choice to develop a little bit more power than the CB750 with the Z1, but Suzuki chose to stay with their specialty of two-strokes and in 1972 they released the GT750 “Le Mans”.
456 Mile Project – 1974 Honda CL360
Post Listing Update: This CL360 did not get any interest at the opening bid of $2,450. It was relisted for $1,995 with the same result. In the crazy 70s, a huge battle was going on for the mid-size engine segment. The majority of Japanese makers even had two models to create an “inner” competition. For example, Kawasaki had the KZ400 …