The Yamaha YZF1000R, known outside of the US as the Thunderace, was an interesting parts-bin bike that somehow came together to make an excellent sports-tourer that only sold in the US for just one year.
Picture Intermission – 6/29/25 Sunday Ride
Here’s a quick look at the coolest bikes I saw on a quick Sunday ride out to the Rock Store! If you’re in the area this Sunday and want to join, I’ll be riding out to Wrightwood…
Dirtbag Challenge Build – 1977 Yamaha RD400 Chopper
The Dirtbag Challenge was an interesting event in which entrants would have limited time and budget to build a chopper that also has to be ridden at least 100 miles on the day of the event. Here’s an oddball entrant from a few years ago that started as a Yamaha RD400!
2,302 Miles – 1981 Suzuki GS1100E
In the early 80s, Suzuki knocked off the CBX as the superbike du jour. The Suzuki GS1100E came into the market and instantly became the bike of choice for the power hungry. American press mags constantly raved about not just the power, but also the surprising handling abilities for such a large bike.
1984 Honda Interceptor VF1000F
Launched in 1984 in response to America’s desire for a bigger Interceptor, the Honda VF1000F was the flagship of the V4 line…until Honda brought us the VF1000R just a year later.
1 of 133 – 1997 KTM 200LE Jackpiner
The photos of this bike are underwhelming, but these are rare finds and I had to share it nonetheless. If you’re wondering why KTM built this bike, here’s a refresher of how the brand came to be in the US, thanks in no small part to John Penton!
349 Miles – 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS
If you saw the sweet custom Z900RS that was done up to look like a GPz in my recent Picture Intermission and want to do something similar (I’d vote the ELR kit, personally), here’s an interesting option that’s reasonably priced due to age, even though it’s barely been ridden.
1993 Bimota DB2
One of the few 100% Italian Bimotas of the 90s, the DB2 featured a 900cc 2 valve Ducati engine (best known for its usage in the 900SS).
1954 Norton Manx Kit with KLR650 Engine
6-29-25 Update: Almost two years later, this “Norton” is back up for sale but the BIN price is almost half of what it used to be. Per the comments below, should we call it a Kaworton? A Norasaki? Or something else? Whatever you call it, you can find it in Eustis, Florida with a BIN of $6,400 or best offer …
Unexpected Sidecar – 1999 Suzuki GSX-R750
“Perfect for your next post-apocalyptic motorcycle get together, or Mad Max sequel.” That’s how the seller of this fascinating custom sidecar sums up what could be your next ride!
Bought on Bike-urious – 2004 BMW R1100S
These are my favorite posts to write up, and this one’s an extra special one for me because…I bought it! Earlier this year I featured a R1100S for sale at a dealer in Wisconsin, concluding the post with, “I think it’s a very reasonable asking price and I’m sort of hoping one of you buys this so that I don’t …
Abhi Races a BMW R75/5, Part 4 – The Second Race Weekend
In which we enjoy another race weekend…and only lose one body part!
No Reserve – Honda NSR250 MC21/MC28 Display Engine
Over on Iconic we’ve got an engine from one of my favorite 250 2-strokes: the MC21/MC28 generations of the Honda NSR250! It’s for display purposes only and you won’t be able to make it run in a cost-effective manner but I think it’d be an excellent display piece for a two-stroke nut.
No Reserve – 1990 Honda CBR250RR MC22
Nowadays you can get all kinds of 250-400cc entry level sportbikes in the US, but back in 1990 the entire market was basically the Kawasaki Ninja 250 and the Honda VTR250. In Honda’s home market of Japan, things were a bit more exciting. That’s where they offered the CBR250RR, affectionately known as the Babyblade. The 250cc inline four engine produced …
1978 Moto Guzzi Le Mans Mk1
Arguably the successor to the V7 Sport, the Moto Guzzi 850 LeMans was named after the famous race in France. Guzzi took a modified version of the 850T engine and wrapped it in interesting styling that has led to it becoming a cult classic.