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1930 FN Sahara M70

In Standard, Vintage by Abhi1 Comment

Post-Listing Update: This Sahara was pulled off of eBay before the listing ended. In 1923, FN brought out a new unit construction single that quickly usurped the popularity of their four cylinder powerplant. Initially, the singles were popular with sportier riders, but FN wanted more of a standard model – hence the M70. In 1927, two French army officers (along …

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Advanced in France – 1931 Peugeot P108

In France, Standard, Vintage by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

The 1931 Peugeot P108 is not only a beautiful piece, it boasted several innovative features. Prime among them is no separate primary drive and gearbox, but everything tucked into one neat case. The lines and look are very elegant. The P108 is driven by an air cooled 249 cc single side valve motor. Considered a lightweight, the 108 had full …

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1930 Harley-Davidson Model C

In America, Cruiser, Vintage by Tom Wacker1 Comment

The big news for 2014 from Harley Davidson was the addition of a 500cc and 750cc ‘lighter version’ to the HD lineup. It presents a low entry level price point for the HD experience. But the 2014 500cc Harley Davidson wasn’t anywhere near the first. In 1929 Harley introduced the Model C, a 500cc (30.5 cid) flathead single. The model …

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1935 Rudge Tourist 250

In England, Vintage by Abhi

Founded in 1894 through the merger of two bicycle makers, Rudge-Whitworth moved into motorcycle production in 1911. They made a name for themselves with some technological innovations (such as the Multi gear system which allowed for 21 speeds) and some racing success.

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1907 Marsh-Metz

In America, Vintage by AbhiLeave a Comment

One of the founders of Waltham Manufacturing Company, Charles Herman Metz, ended up leaving to form the Metz Motorcycle Company in 1902. Fast forward to 1905, and he had merged with the Marsh brothers to create the American Motorcycle Company, which put out the Marsh-Metz motorcycle.

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Ending Soon – 1938 Moto Scoot Model B

In America, Scooter, Vintage by AbhiLeave a Comment

In 1936, Normal Siegel created Moto Scoot with all of his assets and three employees. When Siegel served in the Amry for WWII, the company was taken over by financiers in Chicago who changed the name to American Moto Scoot. It would go on to be the nation’s most popular scooter for a few years, bigger than Cushman or Salisbury.

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Ending Soon – 1940 BMW R12

In Germany, Vintage by AbhiLeave a Comment

Until the R75/5 was introduced, the R12 was BMW’s most popular motorcycle. Almost 30k were made, 2/3rds for civilians and the rest for the Wehrmacht. Here’s an example of the latter, claimed to have been delivered to the Waffen-SS. Because of this, it’s apparently a civilian model that was used by the military – and the seller says he has …

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1927 BMW R42

In Germany, Standard, Vintage by Abhi5 Comments

Post-Listing Update: This R42 did not meet reserve with bidding up to $32,756 on eBay. Packing a 494cc boxer twin that put out 12 horsepower, the BMW R42 was introduced in 1926, 3 years later after the R32 (the granddaddy of BMW boxers). The R42 got a bigger engine, stronger frame, and better brakes, but it was only sold for …