The BMW R100RS arguably launched the idea of the sport touring motorcycle, but I don’t feature many non-limited edition examples just because they’re fairly common place. But did you know that the earliest examples of the legendary model were all silver/blue with blue pinstriping and blue anodized calipers? Or as some of you may remember it – this was the …
1979 Yamaha XS1100 Special
By 1981 I was riding almost exclusively in the dirt. My love of long distance touring hadn’t raised it’s head yet, but my need for speed was well established. I had sold my Z1000 and bought a snowmobile in 1980, when I got a great deal on a 1980 XS1100 Special. The guy said the bike scared him to death …
Bring The Family – 2006 Harley with Sidecar and Trailer
Thanks to a 2-person Hannigan sidecar and a Little Guy camper, this Harley is ready to carry 4 people and all of their stuff – or just two people that want to sleep with their bike. I’m trying to remember the last time I saw this amount of weight added to a motorcycle.
Pacific Coast – 1989 Honda PC800
It has been close to 30 years since the PC 800 was released, it is still a distinctive look. Though completely plastic wrapped bikes are more common now, this was really the first. It didn’t sell particularly well, but there was a definite subset of riders that was attracted to the bike. Under all that plastic was a really straight …
1983 Benelli Sei 900
Post Sale Update: This Sei sold for $10,785 after 30 bids on eBay. Earlier this week, I featured a 50-mile example of the world’s first production six-cylinder bike, but the asking price was $21,000. Here’s an example that’s got a few more miles (10K), but it’ll hopefully sell for quite a bit less.
Ending Soon – 1974 BMW R60/6 Tourer
Post Listing Update: Despite 41 bids up to $3,100 on eBay, this /6 did not meet reserve. Between 1974 and 1976, BMW offered the “slash 6” generation of the boxer twin. The smallest was the R60/6, with a 599cc motor that produced 40 horsepower and 36 pound-feet of torque. That might not make it the most suitable option for a …
1979 Kawasaki Z1300
Post Listing Update: This Z1300 did not meet reserve with just one bid up to $5,000. The ‘fuel crisis’ of 1973 put an end to the rapidly developing horsepower wars from motorcycle manufacturers. Everybody went to lighter, more efficient bikes that got better gas mileage with less emissions. It was the beginning of the end for the two stroke road …
2005 BMW 1150RT-P Police
Have problems with traffic, but don’t live in California and enjoy the advantages of lane-splitting? Here’s your answer. BMW has provided motorcycles for many state and local police units, and the R1150RT-P was a model purpose-built for Police use. The basic bike was a stock 1150RT, but it had several optional modifications to safety equipment (crash bars), storage(radio topbox), and …
The Legend Begins – 1975 Honda Goldwing
In late 1974 there was a huge buzz around Honda. Everybody speculated that Honda would bring out an update to the uber successful CB 750 that had stood the market on it’s ear 6 years earlier. Kawasaki had the Z1 out and selling like crazy and everybody KNEW that Honda needed to up their game. Everybody was right of course, …
Texas Police – 2009 Honda ST1300PA
Post Listing Update: No one wanted this police Honda at the opening bid of $8,500. Nearly all of the big motorcycle manufacturers have offerings for police departments. Honda uses the ST1300 for their model, which they call the PA (Police ABS). In addition to the usual lights/sires that you’d expect, the ST1300PA gets a 7.7 gallon fuel tank, adjustable 3 …
1982 Honda CBX
Post Listing Update: This CBX did not meet reserve with 29 bids up to $7,500. When I recently featured a custom CBX, the general consensus was that the stock bike was much more appealing. Well, here’s a lovely stock example from a little bit later – by this point Honda had turned the CBX from a naked sportbike into a …
Hondaline Fairing in Canada – 1982 Honda V45 Sabre
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.
1959 Norton Dominator Deluxe
11-6-16 Update: Bob K notes that this Deluxe is back up for sale, but which a significant discount. Find it from the same seller here on Craigslist in Issaquah, Washington for $8,995. The Norton Dominator (what a great name) was released in 1949 it was the basis for the next 3 decades of Norton twins. It was conceived to challenge …
Purple Rain Tribute – 1981 Honda
This bike doesn’t run at the moment, but it’s a pretty good find for a Prince fan who wants something two-wheeled in their collection…
Industry First – 1976 Kawasaki KZ900 LTD
By 1976 the Japanese motorcycle industry was in full bloom. Innovations seemed to come out monthly, the race was on to build the fastest production bike for that year, and the UJM (Universal Japanese Motorcycle) was becoming established as a standard in the industry. Kawasaki rolled out the KZ900 LTD as a ‘limited edition’ factory custom with pulled back handlebars, …