Last month I was in Austin, Texas for the launch of the 2018 Honda Gold Wing. The original plan was that the participants would be given a Gold Wing, a destination, and a Butler Motorcycle Map. Then it was up to us to figure out how we wanted to enjoy our time. Unfortunately, sleet and snow got in the way …
The Bullitt Build – 2016 Ducati Monster 821 Dark
Exactly a year ago, I featured a beautiful custom Triumph built by Patrick Flynn, founder of The Bullitt. Here we’ve got his newest creation, a Ducati Monster 821 Dark that is a triumph of subtlety.
Unexpected Custom – 1983 Yamaha RX50
Post Sale Update: after being relisted, this little Yamaha sold for $2,200 on eBay. Japan enjoyed some weird 50cc bikes in the 80s, and some of the weirdest were the baby choppers like Suzuki’s OR50. Yamaha’s entry to the market was released in 1983 as part of a promotion for the “Midnight Special” cruiser line. They called it the RX50, …
Auction Preview – J. Wood & Company – Earl’s Cycle Center
After 40 years of operation in Ocala, Florida, Earl’s Cycle Center is shutting down. The remaining inventory is approximately 1,800 bikes strong – not to mention plenty of parts and even some cars – and it’s all about to be auctioned off by J. Wood & Company in what they claim might be the largest single consignor motorcycle auction ever. …
Guess That Bike – Tank Logo Edition
Based on the logo on the tank of this bike, can you determine what we’re looking at?
AMF Tourer – 1973 Harley-Davidson FLH Electra Glide
Post Sale Update: This Harley sold for $13,100 after 55 bids on eBay. The FLH produced 60 horsepower – 6 more than the FL models. The extra horsepower were helpful when you consider all the extra weight that came from the “King of the Highway” factory option package which included a fiberglass fairing and full luggage. In 1970, Harley was …
AMCA Awarded – 1964 Harley-Davidson Scat
An evolution of the Harley-Davidson Pacer, the Scat was a dual-sport variant differentiated with some bolt on parts. This example has paperwork and a trophy showing that it was given a Junior Level award (the seller doesn’t make it clear if it’s First or Second Level) at an AMCA event.
1 of 10 – 1921 Megola Touring 640cc
Megolas are fascinating for many reasons, but the obvious one is the 640cc 5-cylinder radial engine built into the front wheel. Yet, that’s somehow not even the craziest thing about this powertrain. It has only one gear, and no clutch. So you either had to bump start it or get the front wheel spinning with the bike on the center …
Guess That Bike Revealed – Rare Italian Racer Edition
Congratulations to reader yrrah, who was the first to identify this Sanvenero 125 GP! Turns out it’s currently for sale, so here’s what Tim Huber has to say about it:
World Ducati Week Garage Contest Winner – 2001 Ducati “Grit 944”
Ducati’s 900SS has become an increasingly popular platform for building customs, and despite having seen quite a few bespoke builds of the air-cooled, 80hp classic, this build from CC Racing Garage has to be my favorite. Apparently I’m not alone in my enthusiasm as this one-off example took home first place at the Ducati Garage Contest at the 2016 World …
Auction Preview – Rétromobile Paris 2018
View PostStart a Collection – 1 Seller, Several Classic Motorcycles
2-3-18 Update: Almost exactly two years later, reader Bob K notes that this seller has been motivated by the “back-to-back life changing catastrophes” of the Thomas Fire and the subsequent mudslide, which has made him re-evaluate priorities and let go of more bikes. Some of them are still on offer from back in 2016, but there’s also a couple of …
Ending Soon – 1960s Ariel Leader
Post Sale Update: This Leader sold for $4,676 after just 3 bids on eBay. For good or bad, the Ariel Leader was appropriately named – it may have even been too far ahead of its time. It was never officially sold in the US, but a few examples from the 1958-1965 production run have made it across the ocean.
2000 Cagiva Gran Canyon
A comfortable, agile tourer powered by Ducati’s iconic air-cooled V-Twin from the 900SS – for some, that’s the perfect description of a motorcycle. It’s rare, versatile, it sounds great, and it will stand out at Starbucks again all the R1200GS’ as not many were imported to the US.
#100 – 1969 Bultaco Lobito 100
Post Listing Update: This Lobito did not get any interest at the opening ask of $4,500. Bultaco’s “Little Wolf”, the Lobito was available in a variety of displacements over the years. The tiniest of the offerings was the 10 horsepower, 2-stroke 100cc, and today we’ve got a restored example that appropriately happens to be the 100th example ever built.