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 …
Never Ridden – 1978 Yamaha YZ80
Post Sale Update: This YZ80 sold for $9,551 after 49 bids on eBay in Chicago, Illinois. Last week I featured a FZR1000 from a seller I trust in Chicago, and he let me know that he was about to list a couple of never ridden 70s Yamahas. Looks like they’re live now, and we start with a YZ80.
Product Review – MNNTHBX Quick Release Seat Caps
When I concluded my First Ride review of the Honda Monkey, I said that “the search for Vy’s next bike is officially over.” It took me a while, but I finally picked one up! Now it’s time to modify…
Video Intermission – Reuniting Grandpa with his DKW
Here’s a short heartwarming video of a family bringing a bike across the ocean to reunite it with their patriarch, the original owner. Don’t blame me if this makes you cry…
Restored – 1958 Indian Lance
Post Listing Update: This Lance did not get any action at the opening bid of $6,900 on eBay. Between 1955 and 1960, the Indian marque was owned by an English firm called Brockhouse Engineering. During this time, they imported Royal Enfield bikes under the Indian name. This Indian Lance was a variant of the Royal Enfield Ensign, a 148cc descendant …
1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL
Post Sale Update: This Pantah sold for $8,100 after 6 bids on eBay in Mahwah, New Jersey. 6-14-20 Update: 8 months later, this Pantah is back up for sale and it looks like it’s going to have a new owner as it has already met reserve. Find it with bidding up to $7,099 in Mahwah, New Jersey here on eBay.