Post Listing Update: This incredible custom did not meet reserve with 4 bids up to $28,888. I love the look of endurance racers and I love Walt Siegl’s work, so you can probably guess how I felt when Walt debuted the Bol d’Or back in 2014. Just like with his Leggero series, just 10 were built. Here’s numero uno, and …
Restored – 1948 Indian Chief
Post Listing Update: This Chief did not meet reserve despite 51 bids up to $28,600. As noted in yesterday’s incredible Indian collection, the Chief was the only pre-war model that Indian continued to build after World War II had ended. In fact, in ’48, it was only model Indian offered at all. The seller of this acquired it 6 years …
1 Mile – 1971 Honda CB350
Post Listing Update: This CB350 was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. With over 250,000 units, the CB350 was one of Honda’s most popular bikes. Despite the high production numbers, I can’t imagine there are very many left like this one, which has never been ridden and shows just 1 mile on the odometer. The original owner acquired …
Collection of 4 – The Entire 1942 Indian Civilian Lineup
Post Listing Update: This collection did not get any action at the asking price of $180,000. 1942 was a tough year for all motorcycle manufacturers due to World War II, but it was particularly harsh for Indian – they shut down civilian production in February to focus on bikes for the military. Just four models were made available: Junior Scout, …
131 of 170 – 2002 Moto Guzzi LeMans Tenni
The Moto Guzzi LeMans Tenni was a limited production model produced only in ’02 and ’03. Just 170 examples were produced, and the most obvious difference is the custom paint scheme and large quasi-dustbin fairing.
Video Intermission – Lyndon Poskitt does Dakar 2018
One of the most incredible aspects of the 2018 Dakar was the campaign of Lyndon Poskitt. The previous year he created a feature length film of his competition in the Malle Moto class, and his experience taught him that the media efforts of the Dakar organizers were seriously lacking. In Lyndon’s words, “If the Dakar Rally is so long, why …
SF Police – 1979 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Police Special
Post Sale Update: This ex-Police Harley sold for $12,600 after 13 bids on eBay. Claimed to be the former ride of the Chief of SFPD’s Motor Unit, this Police Electra Glide is being offered by the third owner.
Video Intermission – Dump the Clutch, Episode 1
As you’ve probably figured out by now, Spurgeon Dunbar is one of my favorite buddies in the motorcycle industry. We originally met at the launch of the Yamaha SCR950, and since then we’ve been able to get around the fact that we live on opposite sides of the country to connect for some normal rides (like BMW R1200GS’ in Baja) …
Classic Trials – 1954 Matchless G3L
Post Listing Update: This Matchless did not meet reserve with 4 bids up to $3,350. Originally developed for the British military, the “L” version of Matchless’ G3 (L stood for Lightweight) ended up becoming one of the most popular motorcycles of the time because the Teledraulic forks were a significant improvement over the usual girder units. This example truly benefits …
Rare Italian Project – 1964 Ducati Mountaineer 90
Post Listing Update: This Mountaineer was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. In the mid 60s, Ducati offered a pair of singles called the Cadet and the Mountaineer – the Cadet was a road bike and the Mountaineer (as you can guess from the name) was more of a dual-sport before the term existed. Both were available in …
Introducing Ride the Classics
View PostFirst Year Race Legend – 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750
For decades, Harley’s XR750 was the machine to beat. From 1972 to 2008, the XR was responsible for taking home 29 out of the 37 possible AMA Grand National Championships, leading to some referring to the machine as the “most successful race bike of all time”. The XR750 was also famously Evel Knievel’s go-to choice when performing jumps/stunts. Before it …
Zuma-Powered, Composimo-Built – Custom Honda Ruckus
At any given point you can find dozens of custom Honda Ruckus examples floating around on Craigslist and eBay. Extended swing-arm conversions and bespoke paint jobs are pretty run of the mill modifications and I’ve never given much thought or attention to bespoke Ruckus examples, but today’s thoroughly modified build is a different story altogether.
Never Started – 1985 Kawasaki GPz750 Turbo
Post Listing Update: As expected, this Kawi did not get any interest at the BIN of $100k. Considered by many to be the best of the Japanese turbo’d bikes from the 80s, the GPz750 was sold for just two years. This example is from the second year of production, and it stands out because it has never been started before.
Triumph and Tribulations – Exploring the UK
Every summer, Vy and I take a motorcycle trip – we try to alternate between staying in the US or going out of the country. In 2017, we took 12 days to explore England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. I’ve shared the story in several parts over the last few months, so here’s one place where you can catch it …