Reader David N sent me a link to this bike saying that it was the cheapest example he’s ever seen. I have to say the same, and it doesn’t look to be in bad shape at all! The GTS1000 is a fascinating bike – I used it as an example of a motorcycle that was ahead of its time for …
One Owner – 1989 BMW K100RS Special Edition
The BMW K100RS SE, or Special Edition, was a limited run of the K100RS that featured a lovely blue and white paint job, hand drawn pin stripes, and color-matched hard luggage. It also just happens to be the first production motorcycle with ABS.
2014 Moto Guzzi Norge GT 8V
As a bike enthusiast, and a relatively young one at that, most of my knowledge is skewed toward the fuel-injected late model end of the spectrum. Admittedly, I have never seen a Moto Guzzi Norge GT. I don’t even recall seeing one on a showroom floor. Utilizing the Moto-Guzzi tried and true Italian V-twin dressed up in sport touring attire, …
Factory Tourer – 1983 Yamaha Midnight Virago 920
In 1983, Yamaha offered a “Midnight Virago” that featured a black paint scheme with gold accents. They also offered a rare color-matched factory touring package with a fairing, saddlebags, and trunk for even more Midnight goodness.
No Fork – 1994 Yamaha GTS1000
Post Listing Update: Though the BIN was lowered to $4,000, this Yamaha did not sell on eBay. In 1955, Citroen dropped a bomb on the car market when they released the DS, which was chock of technology on four wheels. Among these innovations, Citroen notably implemented hydropneumatic suspension to the car, which made the ride very smooth. Despite the huge …
1988 BMW K100RS ABS
Post Listing Update: This BMW did not get any interest at the starting bid of $2,450. BMW’s RS models are at the origins of the sport-touring segment. RS stands for ‘Reisesport’ that basically means ‘travel sport’. RS models also represent what BMW did the best, innovating and providing motorcyclists the best ride possible. Therefore, these models were often considered as …
2011 Triumph Tiger 800
Triumph introduced the mid-sized Tiger in 2011 to very little fanfare. I personally never cared for this bike, but several people I trust in the industry swear by it thanks to its 3/4 size compared to big ADV bikes, excellent ergonomics, and a hell of a triple that owes its existence to Triumph’s famous 675 with longer stroke and less …
Early Laverda – 1969 American Eagle 750GT
Laverda was introduced to the American market via three models called the S, SS, and the GT. The catch is that the bikes were not officially Laverdas – they were American Eagles, the brainchild of Jack McCormack. McCormack’s story is an interesting one – after working for Honda, and showing Suzuki how to bring their bikes to the states, he …
1984 Honda Gold Wing GL1200 Aspencade
In 1975, Honda released the GL1000 “Gold Wing” – the name referred to Honda’s logo, which is a wing. The huge success of the model coupled with the need of even more comfort led Honda to release the GL1100 Interstate in 1980. The factory full fairing helped define luxury touring for decades to come. In 1984, everything evolved with the …
Early MV Four-Stroke – 1956 MV Agusta Turismo Rapido 125
MV Agusta produced a number of successful lightweight, eighth-liter, two-stroke models in the post WW2 era, but it was in 1954 that the company decided to develop a 125cc four-stroke model to appease a market that’d become increasingly interested in performance oriented four-strokers. Starting that year, the company introduced the Turismo Rapido 125, also known as the TR.
$1,400 – 1983 Suzuki GS1100GK
In 1975, Honda started the legendary Gold Wing line with the GL1000. For the first time, Honda incorporated a horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine which produced 999cc. Five years later, in 1980, Honda launched the GL1100 Gold Wing Interstate. Not only did Honda up displacement by 100cc, but with the Interstate they showed the public what luxury touring looked like with …
Monolever – 1989 BMW R100RT
Post Listing Update: This RT did not get any interest at the BIN of $3,550. In 1983, BMW released the K100, which featured a lengthwise 4-cylinder engine. Two years later, the K75 came out as well with a 3-cylinder engine using the same configuration. Unfortunately, BMW did not realize how important was the flat-twin for its riders, and the K-series …
1989 Honda PC800 Pacific Coast
In 1985, Honda opened up an American R&D branch, and one of their early projects brought both motorcycle and car engineers together. The bike engineers worked on the drivetrain, engine and frame, while car engineers worked on the body. Honda wanted to create something different – still with two wheels and an engine – but at the opposite end of …
Ending Soon – 1977 BMW R100RS
Post Listing Update: Despite 75 bids up to $10,900, this RS did not meet reserve. The first year of BMW’s class-defining R100RS was 1977. Bikes built in the first model year was also known as the “RS77”, and they worth the distinction due to year-specific features like silver/blue paint, blue anodized calipers, and blue pinstriping. They’re rare enough, but this …
1987 BMW K100LT
Ever since they introduced the R100RS, BMW has arguably invented and managed to stay at the top of the sport-touring bike segment. In the mid 80s, BMW wanted a bike that wouldn’t use the famous boxer engine. In fact, BMW was scared that the customers would get bored of the boxer, and without any other alternative in the BMW line, …