View Post

Brute Force Shaftie — 1993 Suzuki GSX1100G

In Japan, Standard by JoeLeave a Comment

In the doldrums of the early 1990s, motorcycle manufacturers were licking their financial wounds, and one solution from Suzuki was a “bitsa” model made up from bits of their premier sport bike and full-boat tourer along with some fresh sheet metal and old-school tube frame. Hence was born the naked standard GSX1100G.

View Post

1 of 371 – 1983 Triumph 140 TSX

In England, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update – This TSX was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. A last ditch effort from Triumph to boost sales of the Bonneville, the TSX was basically a T140 that had been restyled by Triumph’s American division. Just 371 were built, 200 of which were exported to the United States. About 1/3 of the production run …

View Post

1964 Pointer Comet

In Japan, Small Displacement, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

I’ve only had the pleasure of featuring one other Pointer in the past – the 90cc Super Lassie. Here’s the 155cc top of the line model, the Comet. Pointer was the American name of the Japanese company Shin Meiwa, a Japanese aircraft manufacturer that decided to get into the motorcycle game. They produced bikes between 1946 and 1964, meaning this …

View Post

1952 Ariel FH Huntmaster

In England, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

7-1-16 Update: Two things. First, it turns out this is actually a KH Fieldmaster. Second, it’s offered by Bike-urious reader Dan Dutra (hopefully you remember him from his beautiful Cyclone at the 2016 Quail), and he’s added a new correct Amal 276 carb. Find it with bidding up to $2,550 here on eBay. Post-Listing Update: This Ariel did not meet …

View Post

1958 Maico Taifun

In Germany, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

After World War II, Maico built a series of motorcycles with their own engine designs – the biggest was the Taifun (Typhoon), a two-stroke twin that you could get with a 350cc or 400cc engine. It was unveiled to the world at the 1953 Frankfurt show.

View Post

$1,750 – 1973 Yamaha TX500

In Japan, Less than 5k, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

Built between ’73 and ’78, the TX500 was Yamaha’s first medium-displacement four stroke motorcycle and the little brother to the TX750. The 500 was well-equipped with an electric starter, front disc brake, and a 5-speed transmission – all improvements over what was offered by competition like Triumph’s Daytona 500. Unfortunately, little issues meant that journalists never fell in love with …

View Post

1983 Suzuki GR650D Tempter

In Japan, Less than 5k, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

I haven’t featured a Tempter in years, but now you get two in one week. As a quick refresher, this bike was only available in the US for two years – this is the higher-level “D” model which comes with two-tone paint, adjustable front air forks, and alloy wheels. According to a ’83 review from Cycle World, the GR650 produced …