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.
New In Box – 1993 BMW K1 Ultima
Following up on yesterday’s look back at the BMW K1, reader Wynkin de W shares a rare example of the K1’s final form that’s “new in box”. That’s usually a phrase you hear with toys, but is seems apt in this case considering how this crate has a viewport!
2016 Ducati Scrambler Custom
Post Sale Update: This custom Scrambler sold for $12,305 on Iconic Motorbike Auctions in Marina del Rey, California. When Nathan and I went to the Quail last year, we got to enjoy a new category – one dedicated to the new Ducati Scrambler.
4 British motorcycles from the 1920-30s
A seller in Conifer, Colorado has 3 classic Rudges with a bonus Sunbeam Lion that he’s selling as a set after forty years of ownership.
1968 Suzuki Cobra
Otherwise known as the T500, the Suzuki Cobra was very short-lived. Sort of. After just one year, Ford told Suzuki that the Cobra name was already accounted for, and that they should figure out another model name for their 500cc two-stroker.
Back In Time Review – 1990 BMW K1
I got to spend a couple of hours with a BMW K1 this week, and while that isn’t enough time for a comprehensive breakdown, I thought it’d be nice to mix it up from the usual reviews of brand new stuff and reflect on a classic. Here are my five biggest takeaways from my time with this fascinating German oddball.
Picture Intermission – A Tour of Moto-Vated
On a road trip to Texas last year, I was introduced to an interesting shop called Moto-Vated in Luling, Texas – they specialize in importing JDM cars and motorcycles, and they have some fantastic stuff in their ever-changing inventory. Come check it out with me!
1965 Norton Atlas 750
Named after the ICBM, the Norton Atlas was released in 1962, earning a so-so reputation before being replaced by the classic Commando. Built to appeal to American aesthetic preferences, it was initially only produced for export. The Atlas produced 55 horsepower, with plenty of torque available low in the rev range. Utilizing Norton’s famous Featherbed frame, the bike weighed about …
Press Release – Kawasaki to Reproduce 1970s Z1 Cylinder Heads
I don’t share many press releases here, but this one is great news for those of you that keep old bikes alive – it’s nice to see manufacturers producing parts like this and I hope it inspires other OEMs to do the same, even if the parts won’t be cheap. Today Kawasaki announced that they will be reproducing cylinder heads …
Never Ridden – 1977 Yamaha XT500
Post Sale Update: This XT sold for $14,500 after 57 bids on eBay in Chicago, Illinois. From the seller of the never ridden YZ80 yesterday comes something just as pristine but a bit bigger. The Yamaha XT500 was the original Yamaha thumper, and an instant sales success. This enduro bike was produced for 15 years, eventually leading to an entire …
1973 Laverda 3C
Post Sale Update: This Laverda sold for $11,200 after 17 bids on eBay in Knoxville, Tennessee. Predecessor to the Jota, the Laverda 3C was the Italian firms’ first three-cylinder engine. Dry weight was just shy of 500 pounds, and it was the bike that introduced the 180 degree cylinder arrangement that gave certain Laverda triples a noise that passionate fans …
1975 Rockford Taka 100
Rockford Motors was the American importer for Bridgestone, but when the Japanese firm stopped selling bikes in 1971, Rockford had a bit of an issue. They made a deal with Bridgestone to take over manufacturing rights for the 3 smallest bikes – two 60cc models called the Tora and the Chibi, as well as the 100cc Taka you see in …
Zero Miles – 2003 Cannondale X440
Post Listing Update: This Cannondale did not get any action at the BIN of $4,800 on eBay. The Cannondale X440 was the swansong of Cannondale motorcycles, a subsidiary of the well-known American bicycling company. In the late 90s, Cannondale tried to move into motorsports, with an off-road bike and an ATV. Long story short, it was a disaster. $80 million …
Nice Price – 1989 Yamaha FZR750R OW-01
We’re making today a Yamaha day, and we’re concluding (unless you’re reading this on the daily email, where you’ll see this post first!) with one of the most special machines to ever come from the Japanese firm. I’ve featured a few OW-01s over the years, and even when they don’t meet reserve the bidding stops well north of $15k. The …
1977 Yamaha RD400
The RD400 came about when Yamaha made the RD350 a bit bigger in 1976 – displacement was 399cc. Thanks to 44 horsepower, the bigger RD was capable of hitting the ton with a top speed of 105 miles per hour. Most people know the 400 simply for being an easier to ride upgrade over the 350, but it was also …