Every once in a while you see a listing where the seller says “best version of this bike ever,” and you chuckle and move on. This time the seller’s claim of ‘best set-up R ever’ is worth a second look as the seller is Surj Gish, editor in chief of City Bike. Plus, even if he’s wrong, this bike is …
Swiss Army BMW – 1969 BMW R50/2
Switzerland is a neutral country, meaning it doesn’t engage in armed conflicts, but it does maintain a military force for peacekeeping missions. And, apparently, in 1969 the Swiss military procured BMW motorbikes from neighboring Germany.
Concours Quality – 1966 BMW R50/2
According to the seller of this R50/2, this bike is a concours quality restoration that has preserved the original factory pinstriper’s initial under the tank. The photos make this bike look great, but the asking price is 50% higher than I’ve seen for other restored examples.
Restored – 1972 Honda CB450
The K5 model of the CB450, the 1972 model was a gradual evolution of the famous Black Bomber. Over the years, a moderate amount of changes were made – megaphone mufflers, rubber fork gaiters, and a front disk brake were added over time, along with other cosmetic changes like paint colors and sidecover emblems. By 1970 (when the K3 was …
1995 BMW R100R Mystic
Available only in 1994 and 1995 in the US, the Mystic was a factory custom based on the BMW R100R. The changes were entirely cosmetic, but they were not insignificant. Nowadays a ‘special edition’ just means new paint, but the Mystic actually had several restyled parts. Some people don’t get what the big fuss is about this bike, and I …
Ambitious Project – Over 35 Vintage Bikes in Pieces
Post-Listing Update: This collection of bikes in pieces was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. Someone in Vegas is divesting “his personal favorites from over 40 years in the business,” and there’s some very interesting options among over 35 old street and dirt bikes. Here’s your chance to start a classic motorcycle shop, or slowly lose your mind …
Slightly Modded – 1973 Honda CB450
At first glance, this CB450 looks relatively stock, but it has an interesting amount of modifications that come together in a nice package.
Getting Cheaper – 1976 Moto Guzzi T3
Here’s an interesting take on how to sell a motorcycle – make it cheaper by the day until someone has no choice but to pick it up! The 850 T3 is a cool enough bike, but I’m sharing this one mostly because I’m intrigued by the seller’s idea on how he can sell this bike. In his words, “I’m tired …
Restored – 1968 BMW R50/2
Post-Sale Update: This R50/2 sold for the BIN of $10,250 on eBay. Restored less than 500 miles ago by Barrington Motor Works in New Hampshire, this BMW R50/2 looks to be an excellent example of the breed that’s ready for daily-ish rider duty.
Brand New – 1981 Kawasaki KZ750 E2
The Kawasaki KZ750 didn’t get much attention from the world – it was basically a bigger KZ650 that didn’t have many other revisions. Check out this link for a retrospective on the KZ from Clement Salvadori at Rider. Here’s an example of the breed that is somehow still new – it’s never been registered or titled.
1948 Sokol Falcon 125
Post-Listing Update – This Sokol Falcon was pulled off of eBay due to an “error in the listing.” After WWII, the designs for DKW’s RT125 were given to the Allies as part of reparations. America’s version was the Harley-Davidson line of 125s like the Pacer and Bobcat. Poland had a rare version version made by Sokol, which was built between …
1974 Honda CB750
I was there when, in 1969, the CB750 moto-quake opened up a virtual fissure in the motorcycle world, swallowing our conceptions of what a motorbike was and simultaneously laying a course for the future. Honda’s big bike will forever represent the changing of the guard in our world, and will forever embody the basis of the modern motorcycle. Cycle magazine …
Restored – 1976 Kawasaki KZ900
Post Sale Update: After 8 bids on eBay, this KZ sold for $10,700. The successor to the Z1, Kawasaki’s KZ900 was sold as a reliable big bike that could tour or go fast maybe even doing both at the same time! This example has been ‘beautifully restored and it’s ready for the next 40 years of life.’
1991 BMW R100 Classic
Post-Sale Update: Wow, the seller did himself a favor by removing the $4,990 BIN – this bike sold for $6,600 after 28 bids on eBay. Though BMW sold a similar bike called the R100R for a few years afterwards, the BMW R100 Classic is a rare oddity. Information is very scarce on this bike, as it seems just 180 were …
Fully Restored – 1960 BMW R60/2
Here’s a first-year example of the 30 horsepower R60/2 that’s been fully restored by some noted experts in the world of classic BMWs. For more information on the slash 2, check out this page on Jeff Dean’s BMW-focused web site.