Kawasaki shocked the motorcycling world when it unveiled supercharging to the modern age with the 2015 H2. The first models were desigend to go as fast as possible, but three years later Team Green introduced the SX, a sport-touring variant with relaxed ergonomics and touring features such as cruise control, heated grips, and saddlebags. It made for the perfect way …
#186 of 200 – 1978 Kawasaki KZ1000 Spirit of America
Post Listing Update: This KZ1000 was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. In 1978, Kawasaki was the only Japanese manufacturer with a facility in the US. Kawi’s president (Dave Mehney) and Marketing Vice President (Dick Terrell) decided to highlight that with an “All-American Ride-away” – a program where Kawi customized 200 of their KZ1000s with an American paint …
Bodywork Only – 1955 Vincent Black Knight
Yesterday’s Vincent Black Knight post turned out to be exceedingly popular, so let’s have some fun with just the bodywork…
1955 Vincent Black Knight
Designer Phil Vincent called this “a two-wheeled Bentley“, but when Shane A submitted this to me just now he said that “it’s kinda like if Darth Vader had a head-on with a 50’s motorcycle.” That’s an amusing summation of the Vincent Black Knight, which was built to be the ultimate sports tourer – a Black Rapide with ample bodywork to …
Daytona Show Bike – 1993 Moto Guzzi SP III
Considered by some to have the best implementation of the 950cc Guzzi twin, the Moto Guzzi SP III was a solid sport touring bike that comes with a dose of Italian charm. This one stands out as it was a Daytona show bike from Harper’s Moto Guzzi from St. Louis, Missouri.
1990 Suzuki VX800
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.
1995 Suzuki RF900R
With an engine derived from the GSX-R1100, the Suzuki RF900R was designed as a entry-level bike in the sport-touring market, undercutting the competition by about $1,500. Despite the pricing, you still got a solid sport-tourer with odd styling that Suzuki claimed was “inspired a stingray.” Sales weren’t great.
2007 Suzuki Bandit 1250
Suzuki killed off the Bandit 1200 in 2005, but two years later they revealed the Bandit 1250. Thanks to a healthy portion of the Holeshot catalog, this Bandit can easily handle sport or touring duties.
1996 Honda Pacific Coast
The Honda Pacific Coast was considered a radical bike when it debuted, designed specifically for the US market (and named after the PCH). With its integrated trunk, unique bodywork, and automotive-like instrumentation, the Pacific Coast was marketed towards white-collar professionals as an easy daily rider. These really were some of the easiest motorcycles in the world to own and maintain, …
In Holland – 1955 Vincent Black Prince Replica
I call this a “replica” as the frame was originally from a Black Shadow and the engine was originally from a Rapide, but it was given Black prince bodywork in the early 70s and it’s been with the seller since 1976.
1984 Moto Guzzi V65SP
Post Sale Update: This V65SP sold for $3,600 after 4 bids on ebay in Cincinnati, Ohio. The V65SP was Guzzi’s mid-sized tourer, complete with full upper and lower fairings. Here’s an example that’s spent some time in storage but it’s claimed to run and ride as it should. The 643cc engine put out 52 horsepower to handle the 438 pounds …
1982 Honda Sabre V45
Here’s a first-year example of Honda’s V45 (750cc) Sabre. Within a couple of years, Honda had shrunk the bike down to 700 to circumvent the taxes imposed on 750cc and larger import bikes by the US International Trade Commission. This one stands out due to the impressive original condition and the rare Hondaline fairing.
1990 Honda CBR1000F Hurricane
The Honda CBR1000F, also known as the Hurricane, was an excellent sport-tourer that introduced some crucial technology into the Honda lineup. It eventually evolved into the well-known Blackbird. Oh yeah, and it had one of the greatest names in motorcycling history.
Nice Price – 2000 Kawasaki Concours
If you want to cover miles for cheap, it’s tough to beat the sub-$2k asking price for this Kawasaki. Clean the carbs and you’ll be all set – it has just 16,773 miles.
1991 Yamaha FJ1200
Post Listing Update: This FJ did not get any action at the unmet opening bid of $3,900 on eBay. When the Yamaha FJ1100 was introduced in 1984, the press went nuts. Rider Magazine called it “the best large displacement sport motorcycle of 1984, and maybe even the best in its class in the history of motorcycling,” and other mags called …