Sold through Montgomery Wards department stores in the ’60s, Benelli bikes were made available in varying displacements. Here’s a 350cc example that’s claimed to have been completely restored with NOS parts.
The Zephyr – 1993 Kawasaki ZR1100
In the early 90s, Kawasaki introduced the Zephyr, a retro-styled bike which emulated the legendary Z1. It was available in a wide variety of displacements but the big boy was the 1100, which utilized an evolution of the 8V DOHC air-cooled unit from the GPz1100. The hope was that you’d get modern convenience with classic looks, though the seat of …
1975 Yamaha XS650
Built between 1970 and 1983, the XS650 had a production run of approximately half a million. When it was introduced, it was the biggest motorcycle Yamaha offered. It aped the styling of classic British twins but these Yammies developed a solid reputation for reliability.
Cheap Runner – 1977 Kawasaki KZ400
It’s always nice to break up posts of expensive exotica with cheap bikes that run or could be restored. In that spirit, here’s a straightforward Kawi KZ400.
1914 Fabrique National (FN) Single
Gun enthusiasts will recognize FN as a Belgian manufacturer of a wide variety of guns – my favorite of which is probably the F2000 bullpup assault rifle. But between 1901 and 1967, they also made some motorcycles, including the world’s first four-cylinder bike, and the single you see here in front of you.
Well Farkled – 2011 BMW R1200R Classic
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.