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 …
Unrestored – 1930 Triumph NSD with Gloria Sidecar
This beautiful vintage hack is claimed to be in ‘super usable condition’ and is impressively original for being 85 years old. It “starts well” and “sounds perfect” with no issues or smoke.
1935 Rudge Tourist 250
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.
1913 Pope
View Post1907 Marsh-Metz
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.
In Belgium, Ending Soon – 1936 Express SL99
Express was a Germany manufacturer that started with bicycles. By 1930, they had started building small motorcycles as well, with 2-stroke Sachs engines varying between 48ccs and 98ccs. Here’s one of the ‘big’ bikes, a SL99 with the 98cc powerplant.
Ending Soon – 1938 Moto Scoot Model B
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.
Round Tank – 1925 BSA Model B
One of BSA’s most popular models in the 20s, the Model B was also affectionately known as the “Round Tank”. It was effective personal transport, as it was reliable and easy to ride.
Ending Soon – 1940 BMW R12
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 …
Barn Find – 1912 Indian Twin
Unlike most ‘barn finds’ out there, this Indian was brought back to life – it starts and runs and it’s now ready for you to decide if you want to give it a full restoration or keep the patina and get it back on the road.
1933 Coventry-Eagle Silent Superb
View PostAmerican in Italy – 1916 Reading Standard
It might not be obvious from the visual condition of this bike, but it’s a one-kick bike that’s ridden every weekend!
1927 BMW R42
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 …
1936 BMW R4
Post Listing Update: This R4 was relisted multiple time, but it never met reserve. The last auction got up to $14,100 with 41 bids on eBay. Popular with the German Police and Army in its day, the BMW R4 was a mid-market bike, designed to fill the gap between the entry level R2 and the upmarket boxer-engined bikes. Here’s a …
1936 BSA M20
Built for 18 years, the BSA WM20 was initially considered a failure for military applications by the British, though small evolutions converted it into one of longest serving motorcycles for any military in the world. Over 125,000 of them were used in active service for World War II. Here we’ve got what seems to be one of the civilia models, …