If you wanted to buy a new touring bike (or maybe lug a sidecar) in 1962 your choices were really quite simple. European or Harley Davidson? Single or Twin? The Japanese were a few years from market impact, and the English really bullied the market at the time. Associated Motorcycles Matchless brand (and the identical AJS Model 18) were players. …
Rotax Power – 1988 Harris Matchless G80
View Post1956 Triumph 6T Blackbird
In 1949 Triumph stunned the motorcycle world by introducing the 6T. A bored and stroked 650 CC version of their ultra successful 500 CC Speed Twin. The 6T used the same frame, brakes, suspension and even engine cases as the Speed Twin but with significantly more power it may have been the fastest MC made in 1949. Triumph got a …
Last of the Breed – 1965 BMW R27
Bavarian Motor Works was prohibited making motorcycles after WWII until 1948 when it brought out the single cylinder R24. It was followed in 1950 by the R25, which added rear suspension. The R26 was introduced with an new motor and many frame and suspension changes. The very last of the BMW shaft driven singles, the R27 introduced a rubber mounted …
1958 Isomoto 125
Isomoto is a tough marque to find information on. I found some, but I will not vouch for it’s accuracy. I usually like at least 2 citations.
Restored – 1970 BMW R75/5
This one is for Abhi, as we all know he has a soft spot for BMW’s. This is a completely restored 1970 R75/5. I’m not a BMW expert, but this was early in the run, so I assume it is the short-wheelbase model, which supposedly had some handling issues, especially if heavily loaded in the rear. The /5 models ran …
1964 Honda C200
By 1965 I knew the inside of my local Honda shop at least as well as my own bedroom. After all, my best buddy had an S90 and I lusted for a Honda to replace my Yamaha. Imagine my surprise when I saw this bike that I had no idea ever existed. It would be like my mother asking me …
Original CB – 1973 Honda CB750 K3
If you’re reading this then the Honda CB750 most likely needs no introduction, but here’s the short version. The modern motorcycle was reimagined, reinvented and then brought to life back in 1969. It was the CB750 and Honda was its surname. The basic architecture was so sound that it spawned a new golden age of the sport and eventually became …
Step Into The Future? – 2015 Honda NM4
Introduced in 2014, the NM4 represents an attempt by Honda to expand their brand, piquing interest in the sport towards young consumers who may not have given motorcycles a second glance. It’s also another foray into the future to remind the world that Honda Motor Company remains an innovative design leader. Does it work? Well, despite the naysayers, the limited …
Soft Custom- 1954 Ariel Square Four
Do you remember the Johnny Cash song about building a Cadillac in his garage from parts he stole one at a time? This bike might be similar (according to the listing story). Seems there was a guy that was involved in the air freight business from the US to England that loved Ariels and he ‘found room’ on many flights …
Beautiful Restoration – 1975 Honda CB400F
Post Listing Update: This restored CB did not meet reserve at $4,222.69. The most distinctive feature of the Honda CB400F was the exhaust – some people referred to the headers as “waterfall pipes.” It wasn’t as fast as its competition, but this little four cylinder was smoother, quieter, and gave better gas mileage.
The Dream – 1968 Honda CA160
In 1968 there was a welter of motorcycles available to all. It really was the start of the popular revolution fueled by MILLIONS of motorcycles from Japan. The CA160 was near the top of the line for Honda, and it wasn’t a Benley (though it looked the part). It was officially the CA160 Dream and Honda said it was a …
1968 BSA B44 Shooting Star
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times (sorry Mr. Dickens). The 1968 Shooting Star was the road version of the legendary BSA Victor, often considered BSA’s best single. In fact, the legend for BSA’s singles mostly came from the motocross track where they were dominant in the middle 60s. The actual bikes you could buy …
Sitting Since ’75 – 1961 BMW R27
The R27 was BMW’s last shaft-driven single. An evolution of the R26, the 27 got power bump up to 18 ponies and rubber engine mount. Here’s one of the 15,364 examples that were produced.
1947 Norton 16H
Post Sale Update: This 16H did not meet reserve despite 10 bids on eBay up to $8,000. However, it was relisted twice and eventually sold for $7,700 after 6 bids. Between 1911 and 1954, Norton produced a series of bikes all around a 490cc side-valve engine. These bikes were referred to as the 16H – H stood for Home, as …