It’s expensive, exotic, and it makes you feel like royalty – the castle in the background doesn’t hurt, either. But is it worth almost $17 grand? If you’re simply looking for a high-performance naked motorcycle, the Brutale RR makes the Triumph Street Triple look like a bargain. If, however, you’re looking for art that moves you, MV’s “Motorcycle Art” will …
No Reserve – 1982 Honda MB5
Post Sale Update: This MB5 sold for $1,600 after 42 bids on eBay. The MB5 was only imported to the United States for one year, and for a while it did not leave a lasting impression. However, the little Honda has had a resurgence in popularity in the last few years – maybe riders that grew up with them are …
Ending Soon – 1972 Motobecane LT 125
Post Listing Update: This Motobecane did not meet reserve despite 11 bids up to $1,957. Rarely found in the US, the Motobecane LT series utilized a two-stroke twin paired with a five-speed transmission. It was introduced in 1972 to compete against bikes like the Yamaha DT125 and Honda CB125. For more information, check out this translated page from Motobecane Passion.
Restored – 1973 Greeves Griffon QUB
Post Listing Update: This Greeves did not get any interest at the asking price (which was increased to $10,000). In 1971, Bert Greeves was looking for more power out of the 380 motor used in his Griffon open class MX bike, and he partnered with Dr. Gordon Blair of the Queens University of Belfast. Blair was a two-stroke export who …
One Owner, Lots of Stories – 2002 BMW R1150R
The seller of this well-loved BMW acquired it in July 2001 and then proceeded to ride it around the country. Per a sticker on the windshield, it looks like this R1150R has been to every state in the continental US and several Canadian provinces – based on that alone I’d have guessed the mileage was near 6 digits but there’s …
Picture Intermission – Custom Revolution at the Petersen Museum
It’s here! The world’s first museum exhibit featuring “the new generation of customized motorcycles”, Custom Revolution is now open to the public at the Petersen Museum. Speaking of firsts, this is the first time the Petersen has brought on a guest curator – and it’s none other than Paul d’Orléans!
900cc Motor – 1970 BMW R60/5
Post Sale Update: This custom R60/5 sold for the BIN of $6,500. Equipped with a rare Avon Lynx fairing and a R90 motor swap, this show-winning BMW (do we call it a 90/5?) is an interesting twist from the usual airheads that we love.
1962 Centaur Folding Scooter
Post Sale Update: sold for $5,219 after 33 bids on eBay. When it was released, the Centaur was claimed to be America’s only “full-size” folding scooter. It was marketed as a portable transportation solution that could be folded up in three steps and carried on a boat, plane, trailer, or car.
1994 BMW R100R Mystic
Post Sale Update: This Mystic sold for $3,701 after 6 bids on eBay. Available only in 1994 and 1995 in the US, the Mystic was a factory custom based on the BMW R100R. The changes were entirely cosmetic, but they were not insignificant. Nowadays a ‘special edition’ just means new paint – the Mystic had several restyled parts.
Suggestions for Spain/Portugal?
As you’ve seen in the past, Vy and I try to take a multi-week motorcycle trip each summer – previous examples include the UK, Alaska, the Western US, and Costa Rica. This time around, we’re going to the Iberian Peninsula! Got any suggestions for us?
2016 Zero FXS 6.5
As you may remember, I had a Zero FXS on loan a couple of years ago and I thought it was fantastic, though it was on the pricey side. Here’s an example that’s at 70% of the original price but it’s got just 2,800 miles.
Restored Sandcast – 1969 Honda CB750
Post Sale Update: This CB750 sold for $25,600 after 43 bids on eBay. Restored by Andy Morris (someone who has worked on 15 sandcast CB750s and almost 50 later models), this CB was acquired by the seller in 2004 and it has just 756 miles since the work was completed. The restoration took three years and with the exception of …
Rick Lance Restoration – 1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma
Post Sale Update: This Gamma sold for $24,100 after 32 bids on eBay. In 2011, this Gamma was rebuilt by Rick Lance and it’s been blessed with a tremendous amount of upgrades, a custom paint job, and Randy Mamola’s signature! It’s being offered by the owner of an Indian dealership that has owned 3 examples of this legendary marque, and …
1974 Norton Commando John Player Special
Post Listing Update: This JPS Commando was pulled off of eBay due to “an error in the listing”. The most collectible of the Commandos (in my humble opinion) was the John Player, a distinctive endurance-inspired Norton with unique bodywork surrounding a completely stock Mark 2A Commando. I’ve never cared for the dual headlights , but they caught they eyes of …
Video Intermission – Meet The Honda Zook
Sold only in Japan (and only in 1990), the Zook is a rare 50cc scoot from Honda. Honda Japan recently released an educational video about the Zook on their YouTube channel – they’re sharing a few videos about bikes in their Collection Hall. Come learn about the Zook!