I try not to offer up “Guess That Bike” posts unless I already know what the answer to the question is, but I had to make an exception for this oddball movie prop. Reader Sharif M found this crazy contraption at the Melody Ranch film studio, and we’re wondering if you know what it started as and/or what movie it’s …
Race Replica Restoration – 1989 Yamaha FZR400
The replica arms race of the 1980s was fiercely competitive, with manufacturers jostling for supremacy in the market. These full-faired machines started by aesthetically mimicking the factory racers, but over time companies added an increasing amount of race-bred hardware. Eventually some marques were developing their competition mounts alongside the road-going replicas. One segment manufacturers focused heavily on was the 400 …
Video Intermission – MotoGP Traction Control
If you’ve ever been saved by sophisticated traction control on a modern bike (I had a Yamaha R6 save me from a lowslide at Utah Motorsports Campus earlier this year), you’ll know how helpful it can be when you’re pushing your personal limits. But how does it work? Here’s a short video hosted by F1 racer David Coulthard that explains …
Two-Fer – 1979 and 1980 Yamaha XS1100
During the end of the ’70s, motorcycle manufacturers fought to create the most motors possible. After the 750cc and 900cc barriers were toppled, the next symbolic step was 1,000cc. Just like they did with the CB750, Honda were the first to beat that record thanks to its 1975 GL1000. In 1977 and 1978, Kawasaki and Suzuki responded to that with …
Turbo SuMo – 2009 Yamaha WR250X
In its stock form, Yamaha’s WR250X is fantastic little runner. The WR is powered by a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, 250cc, DOHC single that makes around 26 horses, and with a weight just shy of 300lbs wet, the stock 250 is an extraordinarily nimble machine. So, it’s all the more crazy that one Midwesterner opted to slap a snail onto one.
2012 Ducati Streetfighter 848
Post Listing Update: This Streetfighter was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. Supernaked motorcycles have enjoyed a recent resurgence, and we are all benefiting from it. The Aprilia Tuono 1100 and the Yamaha MT-10 are notable examples, offering superbike performance coupled with ergonomics that can be enjoyed daily. The formula is simple, should not be changed, and Ducati …
13 Honda Z50s
Post Listing Update: This lot of Z50s did not get any action at the opening bid of $19,000. I can’t imagine who would want to buy this, but someone is offering a collection of 13 Honda Z50s ranging from 1979 to 1999. They’re all claimed to be in “great original condition”, but what do you do with this? Start a …
1.7 Miles from Rick Brett – 1975 Kawasaki H2C 750
Post Listing Update: This H2C did not meet reserve despite $37,600 after 55 bids on eBay. This is apparently quite the week for high dollar classic Kawasakis! As you may remember from a post back in April, legendary Kawi collector Rick Brett is liquidating his collection. He was selling most bikes through his website, but it looks like he saved …
1969 Norton Commando 750
Post Listing Update: This Commando did not get any interest at the opening bid of $11,500. The end of the 60’s was kind of a turning point in the world of motorcycling. British and European bikes were falling behind the Japanese manufacturers in terms of technological and mechanical innovations. In 1967, Norton-Villiers (ex-Associated Motor Cycles) released the mighty Norton Commando …
July 2018 Result Highlights
View PostBrian Birch Built – 2003 Ducati 999
Born in Blacksburg, Virginia, Brian Birch was always fascinated by cars, motorcycles, and what makes them tick. At the age of 18, Birch got his first bike, around the same time he enrolled to study mechanical engineering at Virginia Tech. While earning his degree, Birch filed his first patent — a design for a rear (swing-arm) track-stand that later won …
Never Registered – 2015 MV Agusta Dragster 800 RR
The good folks over at Federal Moto occasionally sell bikes, but usually it’s one of their highly-modified builds that you’ve probably seen on the usual internet sites or maybe at a show like Handbuilt or Mama Tried. This time around, however, they’ve got a basically-new exotic Italian that’s completely stock.
1954 Matchless G80S
Post Sale Update: This G80S sold for $11,750 after 38 bids on Bring a Trailer in Nashville, Tennessee. In this day and age, there are many similarities we take for granted that allow us to hop on any bike from recent history and go cruising down to the coffee shop. Some people try to stand out with modifications or custom …
Ending Soon – 1991 Yamaha XT600E Supermoto
Post Sale Update: This XT sold for $3,545 after 16 bids on eBay in Columbia, Maryland. In a big trailie comparison story in the 1990 issue of Motorcyclist, the Yamaha XT600 was described as follows: “After ending up king of the dirt last year, Yamaha’s XT600 turned away from its roots and focused on the street. Electric starting, a swoopy …
1 of 136 – 1972 Rickman Enfield Interceptor
Post Sale Update: This Rickman did not get any interest with the BIN of $18,000. In the early 70s, an aspiring Floyd Clymer (who owned the name of Indian Motorcycles at the time) thought that the 736cc engine from the Mark II Royal Enfield Interceptor was an absolute jewel, and he ordered 200 to use in an hybrid sport-tourer to …