Post Sale Update: This Plonker sold for $2,300 after 12 bids on eBay. The OSSA Plonker (“plonking” used to be a different term for trials riding, as you’d “plonk” around rugged terrain at low speeds) was built in conjunction with trials expert Mick Andrews. It was their first attempt at a true observed trials bike, and it was succeeded by …
Auction Preview – Mecum Las Vegas June 2018
This weekend, Mecum is coming back to Vegas to sell some motorcycles. There are 402 lots, so let’s see what’s in store. This time around, I’m just going to feature a few weird ones, and a few aren’t even really motorcycles:
Reader Ride – Baker Formula One Sidecar
5-30-2018 Update: Two years later, this interesting sidecar is now actually up for sale! “The electric motor has since been removed and a race-prepared Suzuki GSXR 1000 engine and 6-speed transmission will be included along with a bodywork mold, extra wheels, and a North Carolina bill of sale.” Find it with bidding up to $2,750 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina …
German Military – 1944 DKW NZ 350-1
In 1938, DKW released the NZ 350, and it was instantly a popular motorcycle. Almost immediately, the German Wehrmacht asked DKW to start prototyping a military version, which came to be known as the NZ 350-1 when it was released in the early 40s. 12,000 units were built between 1943 and 1945 – here’s one of the few examples that …
Two Owners – 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750
Though the model debuted in 1985, Suzuki’s legendary Gixxer line did not make its way to the US until 1986. The changes were minor – better headlights, a revised belly pan, and 25mm longer swingarm, but Americans were probably too busy drooling over the first true street-legal race replica to notice.
2001 BMW R1150GS
The GS has been a huge money maker for BMW, and it really took off in with the 1150. Many riders were inspired by Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman’s Long Way Round, which ended up being quite an advertisement for BMW (and a decent-sized debacle for KTM).
1991 BMW K75S
Those of you that have read some of my older travel reports probably know that I have a soft spot for the BMW K75. It’s not a particularly exciting motorcycle but I’m biased because a K75C showed naive young me what motorcycle touring was all about after 4 years and 75,000 miles with only one issue (which was my fault). …
Guess That Bike – Shock and Awe Edition
There’s a shock and a wheel – is that enough for you to figure out what this bike is?
First Year in North America – 2003 Honda Ruckus
Post Sale Update: this Ruckus sold for $1,151 after 13 bids on Goodwill. The Honda Ruckus is a very unique modern scooter which combines distinctive styling, a CVT transmission, and excellent fuel economy (114 mpg) to become a popular in-town runabout. Here’s an example with just 660 miles that’s been donated to a Goodwill, so you can feel good about …
Picture Intermission – 1972 Honda CB750 – 1st Place Japanese at Quail Motorcycle Gathering
I know I still owe you my recap of this year’s Quail (I promise I’m working on it!), but today I want to focus on just one of the motorcycles that was in the show – Clay Baker’s 1972 Honda CB750, which won first place in the Japanese category. He kindly sent over some photos of the restoration process, and …
KLR650-B – 1990 Kawasaki Tengai
Did you know that Kawasaki actually made three versions of the original KLR? The “A” model is the one everyone is used to, but there were two alternates that occasionally come up for sale. This is the “B” model, better known as the Tengai.
Out of Office – Royal Enfield Himalayan
View PostFuture Video Intermission – Travis Pastrana Jumps the Indian FTR750
On Sunday, July 8th, Nitro Circus will put on a three-hour TV show on the History channel called “Evel Live”. The show will be all about Travis Pastrana recreating three of Evel’s most famous jumps, which means that Pastrana is a crazy person. To get you excited, here’s a reminder of how Evel did:
1962 Velocette Venom Endurance
Post Sale Update: This Venom Endurance sold for $9,875 after 27 bids on eBay. The last time I featured a Velocette Venom Endurance, Paul d’Orleans got right to the point:
JDM Springer – 1998 Honda Steed 400 VLS
5-25-18 Update: This Steed was relisted due to a non-paying bidder. Find it with a BIN of $2,875 or best offer here on eBay. Post Sale Update: After 28 bids on eBay, this Honda sold for $1,875. Japan has a large contingent of Harley fans, and Honda reached out to them with the VLX and VLS – or what they …