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2009 Aprilia SVX 5.5

In Italy, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

The Aprilia SVX 5.5 is a absolute rocket of a dual-sport supermoto. With a V-Twin engine that produces nearly 70 horsepower, and less than 320 pounds of curb weight, this bike is an incredible performer that is probably one of the most hooligan friendly bikes produced in the last twenty years.

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1967 BSA Lightning

In England, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

The BSA Lightning was one of three bikes BSA was cranking out in late 1960s. These three bikes played different roles – the Thunderbird was a touring rig, the Spitfire was a supersport bike, and this lovely Lightning was the ‘tweener – more of an all-around sport bike.

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1966 Honda Superhawk CB77

In Japan, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update:  After 16 bids, this Honda Superhawk sold for $3,900 on eBay. The Honda Superhawk, internally designated as the CB77, has the distinction of being Honda’s first sportbike. This bike, in many ways like the Vincent Black Shadow, set the template for the next 20 years of motorcycles. Unlike the Black Shadow, though, the Superhawk was known for …

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V-Twin Standard – 1990 Suzuki VX800

In Japan, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

The Suzuki VX800 is an interesting cult bike that was discontinued in the US after 3 years after disappointing sales, though the European market saw production run from 1990-1997. A classic looking naked bike, it had comfortable steering geometry and a torquey engine that helped make this bike a fantastic all-arounder, despite its 500+ pound curb weight. Oddly enough, the …

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1975 Benelli Quattro

In Italy, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

The Benelli Quattro, introduced in 1973, was Benelli’s version of the Honda CB500 – it even had the same bore and stroke. Produced for 10 years, this bike featured an air-cooled inline 4 cylinder engine fed by four(!) Dell’Orto carbs that was capable of 45 horsepower. This specific example is unfortunately not a runner – it needs a new battery …

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2011 Zero XU – Electric Wonder

In America, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

The Zero XU is an all electric motorcycle designed to be the perfect city commuter for those that would like to stop using gasoline – as long as you won’t miss the sensation of shifting. Realistic range is between 30-35 miles, which admittedly isn’t great. But for those of you with 5-10 mile commutes, this bike could be perfect. Battery …

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1970 Triumph Tiger Daytona

In England, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

This 1970 Triumph Tiger Daytona, also known as the T100R, was named after a Triumph win in the Daytona 200 race. Many people though that this was a better bike than it’s bigger brother, as it had nearly all the power but a much lighter chassis which was easier to maneuver. Cycle World called this bike a “Jekyll and Hyde”: …

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1975 Suzuki GT750 – Water Buffalo

In Japan, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

This 1975 Suzuki GT750, also known as the Water Buffalo, was a unique 738cc liquid cooled 2-stroke triple. This is the bike that put Suzuki on the map in the United States. Maintain the breaker points periodically and you’ve got yourself a bike reliable enough to be a daily rider, if you so choose. When it was first announced, riders …

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1982 Honda CBX

In Japan, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

The Honda CBX featured the first 6-cylinder engine Honda put in a motorcycle. This engine made the CBX one of the fastest production bike at the time, and truly put Honda on the map when it came to American motorcycle owners. “The CBX is a mountain road flyer beyond anyone’s wildest dreams.” Cycle Magazine, February 1978 For the last two …

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2003 BMW F650CS

In Germany, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

The BMW F650CS, also known as the Scarver (a blend of Street and Carver), was one of the weirdest bikes BMW ever made – and that’s saying a lot. Superficially, it made perfect sense – medium displacement, high mpg street bike aimed at commuters with a low maintenance belt drive. Weird looks combined with the fact that a F650GS could …

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Ghost Rider Buell

In America, Standard by Abhi4 Comments

Hard to describe this one, so you’ll just have to see it for yourself! What we have here is a heavily modified Buell created for the Nicolas Cage movie ‘Ghost Rider’. Originally released to the public as part of a Sony/Sobe giveaway, the bike has now found a home in SLC. Modifications are numerous, as is evident from the photo. …

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1974 Norton Commando Interstate

In England, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

The Norton Commando was one of the most popular motorcycles ever made. For 5 straight years it was “Machine of the Year” in the UK, and even Norton themselves were surprised as the success as the engine was a pre-unit design. The Norton was well-known for rubber engine mounts (deemed an “isolastic” systems) that tremendously cut down vibrations. This is …

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2004 Kawasaki ZRX1200R

In Japan, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

Built as a tribute to the KZ1000 piloted by Eddie Lawson while winning the 1981 and 1982 AMA Superbike titles, the ZRX series has always been a muscle-car version of the UJM. This particular Kawasaki ZRX1200Rcomes well-equipped with modifications to make this ZRX an excellent sports-tourer, including a Corbin seat, Throttle Meister, bar risers, and +1 gearing on the countershaft …

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1974 Yamaha TX750

In Japan, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

Made only for two years, the TX750 was Yamaha’s attempt of creating a parallel twin with the smoothness of an inline four engine. Using a pair of balancers (called Omni-Phase), it eliminated vibration to a level never seen before in a twin. Cycle World reviewed it and heaped praised on the TX750. “The result is smoothness beyond belief,” . “Shut …

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1978 Laverda Jota America

In Italy, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

Despite the name, the Laverda Jota America was a 3-cylinder superbike that was rarely seen in the United States. With an odd crankshaft design (180 degree flat crank), the Jota produces a very unique sound that owners enjoy. This bike has been the beneficiary of several period-specific mods, including rear-sets, Jota exhuast, Progressive shocks, 4C Jota cams, and Moto-Witt ignition. …