It may feel to some, as it does to me, that the café bike trend has had a resurgence of late. That since about the turn of the millennium, there has been a steady uptick of interest in the bikes, and subculture. We can certainly agree that when Triumph released the Thruxton in 2004, and a couple of years later …
Made in Portugal – 2018 AJP PR7 Rally
Founded by Antonio J Pinto in 1987, AJP is a Portuguese motorcycle manufacturer that found quick success with national enduro championships. They’re barely known in the US, but nowadays they offer some price competitive enduros that combine Chinese motors with impressive components that include Sachs suspension, DOMA exhaust, billet bar mounts/footpegs/triple clamps, and even an Android tablet for navigation/gauges.
1 Owner – 1983 Suzuki SP500
“Tough. Gutsy. Fun on the road. Even more fun off.” That’s how Suzuki introduced the new-for-1981 SP500. It was durable but a little overweight, and nowadays it’s tough to find a clean survivor.
Unexpected Sidecar – 1995 Yamaha TW200
The seller calls this Tee Dub the “ultimate bugout vehicle, which seems appropriate as it’s a TW and it’ll be capable of going just about anywhere on or off road (albeit slowly). On top of that, it’s got a sidecar and the requisite army green paint.
Bender – 1982 Yamaha Virago XV750 Cafe Racer
Post Sale Update: Bender sold for $6,100 after 32 bids on eBay in Brentwood, California. Named Bender, this Virago was rebuilt as a custom cafe racer that was on display at the 2018 Handbuilt Show and 2019 Mama Tried Show.
Bikers Helping Bikers – Carlin Dunne Memorial Fund
By now you’ve most likely heard about the tragic news about Carlin Dunne and his accident at the 2019 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. He was en route to setting a new motorcycle record at approximately 9 minutes and 32 seconds when he crashed less than a quarter mile from the finish line. Ducati North America and PPIHC have created …
Left Side Shift – 1976 Triumph Bonneville 750
In 1976, Triumph swapped sides for the shifter and rear brake pedals to comply with new US regulations that required the shifter on the left. While they were at it, they also installed new petcocks with ON and OFF markings (again, a new US requirement) and swapped out the rear drum brake for a disc.
Eastern Fabrications’ “Red Asphalt” – 2018 Motus MST-R Custom
Built by Lock Baker of Eastern Fabrications (and the man behind Lockhart Knives), this all-American custom took approximately two years to painstakingly piece together. At the heart of the build is the 180hp, 100ci pushrod V4 engine borrowed from the now-defunct Motus MST-R. Wrapped around the mill is a one-off frame paired with a custom swing-arm. Running gear is all …
1954 BMW R25/3
The seller of this beautiful R25 has “traced its lineage/owners back as far as 1968,” noting that he’s got a “reasonably accurate history, down to the Swiss ammo pouch that belonged to Dieter Drews who mounted it on the luggage rack circa 1983, exactly where it resides to this day.”
Rare Pre-Tuono – 2001 Aprilia Falco w/ Factory Streetfighter Kit
Prior to the release of the popular sport naked Tuono, Aprilia offered a factory streetfighter kit for its Falco (or SL1000) model. On top of the Falco’s $10,999 MSRP, owners could opt to shell out an additional $2K for a slick street fighter package.
3,141 Miles – 1987 Honda Hurricane CBR1000F
The Honda Hurricane, besides having one of the greatest names in motorcycling history, was an excellent sport-tourer that introduced some crucial technology into the Honda lineup. It eventually evolved into the well-known Blackbird. Available in 1000cc and 600cc versions, the design of the bigger bike has aged a bit better with time. This is one of the more expensive offerings …
1959 Harley-Davidson XLCH Sportster
Post Sale Update: This XLCH sold for $8,700 after 17 bids on eBay in Cohoes, New York. This XLCH was restored by the seller 7 years ago, and it was later featured in Issue #330 of American Iron. The seller has suffered a back injury that stops him from kick starting, so he’s letting this go to a new owner …
Video Intermission – Monster Energy’s Urban Rider
“The URBAN RIDER is Josh Hill. Watch our boy rip through an abandoned waterpark in Palm Springs on his fully electric bike.” That’s how Monster Energy describes their newest moto video. You should watch it because Josh pulls off a vertical loop inside of a ride…
Privateer Hill Climber – 1938 Harley-Davidson EL
Post Sale Update: This EL hill climber sold for $51,211 after 41 bids on eBay in Grant, Florida. Wayne Lyle Cody was a successful privateer racer out of Council Bluffs, Iowa back in the 1950s. His former hill climbing Harley EL sat in his shed for 50 years, and it’s now available in fully functional condition. The history of the …
2004 Honda CB50R Dream
Honda has always been one of the world’s best at sub-100cc bikes, from commuter bikes for the people to full on works racers. In 2004, Honda released just 440 copies of one of the best 49cc bikes ever made – the Honda CB50R, otherwise known as the Dream. Built as a replica of the 1962 RC110, it’s considered by some …