Kawasaki may have created the modern 600 sportbike as we know it today with the Ninja, but Honda upped the stakes when they released the CBR600F in 1987 – it made 12 extra horsepower and weighed 28 pounds less. The mid-sized Honda was dominant in racing: AMA created the 600 Supersport Championship in ’87 and Honda won each of the …
1947 Salsbury Imperial Rocket
The Great Depression era shook up countless industries, creating a need for low-cost, high-efficiency products. So when E. Foster Salsbury reportedly saw Amelia Earhart romping around a California airport on a small motorized two wheeler, he recognized the potential of a cheap, reliable means of transportation. This prompted Salsbury to co-develop the Salsbury Aero Model Motor Glide in 1936 — …
“Royal Tracker” – 2014 Royal Enfield Continental GT Custom by MotoRelic
If you’re on Royal Enfield’s email list, this bike should look familiar. Back in late 2016/early 2017, R-E partnered with Sean Skinner of MotoRelic and Sasha Valentine of Cafe Racer XXX to crowdsource a Continental GT build. Over a four-month period they had the public vote on features like the style and color – the final request was a ‘white …
Ex-Sheriff – 1940 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead
Post Listing Update: This ex-Sheriff Harley did not meet reserve despite 37 bids up to $159,977 on eBay. This piece of history started as a Sheriff motorcycle for King County, Washington and the seller claims it is documented since new with the original title, a period photo scrapbook that shows the original officer with this bike, and even most of …
1993 Kawasaki ZR1100
Post Sale Update: This ZR1100 sold for $2,710 after 7 bids on eBay. In the early 90s, Kawasaki introduced the Zephyr, a retro-styled bike which emulated the legendary Z1. It was available in a wide variety of displacements but the big boy was the 1100, which utilized an evolution of the 8V DOHC air-cooled unit from the GPz1100. The hope …
Video Intermission – Father-Daughter Costa Rica Trip
I met Shawn Thomas through a BMW event a few years ago, and ever since then he’s always been a beacon of optimism and smiles – his happiness is contagious. He’s well-tied in with the company after spending a decade and a half as a tour guide and off-road instructor, which means he’s well prepared for the frequent 2-up trips …
2016 Ducati Hypermotard 939 SP
A friend of mine in the motorcycle industry is selling his Ducati Hypermotard 939 SP – and the SP is the one you want with Ohlins suspension, better brakes, slight reduction in weight, and even a slightly longer wheelbase. It’s the ultimate commter!
Guess That Bike – Kawasaki’s New Model Edition
Thanks to my very understanding boss, I’m taking next Monday off to play with some bikes. Half the day will be for a story with the new Husqvarna 701 and the other half will be for the unveil of a “new 2018 street motorcycle” from Kawasaki. So, loyal readers – what do you think Kawasaki is about to announce?
1995 Ducati E900 Elefant
Post Sale Update: This Elefant sold for $3,500 after 15 bids on eBay. Ducati was sold to Cagiva in 1985, and one of the things the latter did with this infusion of bikes and technology to try and compete in the Paris-Dakar rally. They created the Elefant, which won the rally in 1990 and 1994. In the US, the bike …
April 2018 Result Highlights
View PostVideo Intermission – Motorcycles on the Today Show in 1998
In the late 90s, the motorcycle industry was full of optimism and bikes were getting screen time on TV programs like the Today Show. Apparently said TV program had a segment called “Today’s Weekend Adventurer”, and in this instance Andy Pargh takes viewers through some of the offerings of the time. Time for a quick hit of the good old …
Rare in the US – 1991 Gilera CX125
Post Listing Update: This CX did not get any interest at the opening ask of $7,995. 5-3-2018 Update: Looks like the original sale did not go through, and this rare Gilera is back up for sale. The unmet opening bid is $7,995 here on eBay. Post-Sale Update: After 2 bids on eBay, this Gilera sold for $5,900. The coolest looking …
Nighthawk Tourer – 1996 Honda CB750
Post Sale Update: Per the seller, this Nighthawk sold for $2,700. A Bike-urious reader is letting go of beloved Nighthawk and it presents an interesting opportunity for those of you that want to tour on a budget – assuming you like yellow!
1977 Yamaha RD400
In 1976, Yamaha made the RD350 a little bigger with a displacement bump up to 399cc. Thanks to 44 horsepower, the hooligan motorcycle du jour 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 …
Video Intermission – Valentino Rossi Races Around The World
After lap 15 this weekend at the Spanish GP in Jerez, Valentino Rossi achieved an odd milestone – he covered 40,075 kilometers in competition, and that is equivalent to the circumference of the Earth!