Apparently inspired by the Yamaha XS650 Special, the Triumph T140D Bonneville Special was an exercise in styling that also introduced a few features that were incorporated into future Bonnies.
Snakebit – 1968 Suzuki Cobra
Otherwise known as the T500, the Suzuki Cobra was very short-lived. Sort of. After just one year, Ford told Suzuki that the Cobra name was already accounted for, and that they should figure out another model name for their 500cc two-stroker.
1994 Honda CB1000
Post-Sale Update: After 28 bids on eBay, this Honda CB1000 sold for just $2,449. Now that’s a steal. Affectionately known as the Big One, the Honda CB1000 was produced for just two years as a bike that stood out in a world of superbike replicas with acres of plastic bodywork. The slightly detuned engine didn’t help sales, and Americans weren’t …
Automatic – 2008 CF Moto V3 Vagabond
Disclaimer: I wouldn’t wish this bike upon any of my readers, I just thought it was interesting as I’ve never heard of it before. It’s called the CF Moto V3 Vagabond, and it’s got a CVT transmission, like the new Honda NM4. The 250cc engine is good for a top speed of about 90 miles per hour, and you can …
1984 BMW R80ST
Post Listing Update: Despite 12 bids on eBay up to $3,900, this ST did not meet reserve. The street based brother of the R80G/S, the BMW R80ST did not sell particularly well – only 5,963 were built over two years. But it’s become a bit of a cult classic, and plenty of owners feel that this was the best handling …
1952 Ariel Square 4 Mk II
The Ariel Square 4 design goes all the way back to 1931, soon after Edward Turner designed an interesting new four-cylinder motorcycle engine formed from two OHC parallel twins. The design became known as the square four engine, and lent its name to this Ariel motorcycle.
1952 Nimbus Type C
Post Sale Update: This Nimbus sold for the BIN of $10,000. The Nimbus motorcycle dates back to 1919, the result of a vacuum cleaner manufacturer that decided expansion into bikes was a worthwhile endeavor. They were technologically advanced, with shaft drive, steel frames, and a telescopic front fork (a year before the BMW R12, though the latter was hydraulically damped). …
Party of Five – Honda CB750 Collection
Here’s your chance to start a museum…or a spec race. The seller has just acquired a collection of bikes from a retired collector, and is now unloading 5 Honda CB750s – including one sandcast model.
1984 Honda Ascot VT500
Named after Ascot Park, a former flat-track raceway in Los Angeles, the Honda Ascot (also known as the VT500) was a V-Twin standard that was styled after flat-track bikes. I always thought the front headlight looked silly, and in the process I unfairly over-looked the Ascot. It didn’t sell well, but owners are passionate about this bike – an excellent …
1966 BSA Lightning 650
Post Sale Update: After being relisted multiple times, this Lightning sold for $3,500 on eBay. The BSA Lightning 650 was the British firm’s attempt at an all-around streetbike, slotting between the Spitfire and Thunderbolt. At the time, it was one of the fastest motorcycles available – able to top hit 108 miles per hour, and it’s one of the lasting …
2006 Yamaha FZ1N
Yamaha is making waves nowadays with the FZ-09 naked triple, but our European riding brethren have been able to enjoy powerful naked bikes with the tuning fork logo for years. A distinct example of this would be the Yamaha FZ1 – the fantastic engine of a R1 (albeit retuned for more of a sport touring application) with a riding position …
Basketcase – 1965 Volkswagen Apex
Post-Sale Update: Whatever this mystery bike is (probably a re-badged Gilera), it sold for $1,009 after 36 bids on eBay. Alright, you know I try to avoid featuring non-running motorcycles. But I have to make an exception when I encounter something I’ve never heard of before, which is why you now see a Volkswagen Apex in front of you.
Police Project – 1969 Honda CB450 Police Special
I have a weakness for older ‘service’ bikes, like a previously featured Honda Dream Fire Bike and this Honda CB450 Police Special, which may have also been officially called the Honda CP450. According to the AMA, just 25 were imported to the US to pilot an entrance into the police motorcycle market.
1956 James Captain
The James Cycle Company was a British firm that had a 70 year run that abruptly ended in 1966 when Japanese imports started to dominate the market. Until then, they produced plenty of bikes (most of which were painted maroon) with Villiers and AMC engines. One of their more popular models was the James Captain you see before you.
2012 Moto Guzzi V7 Racer
When someone like Frank Charriaut says the V7 is one of the best looking motorcycles currently available, I try to find one for you! So here’s a beautiful example with some choice (but removable) modifications.