Built between 2003-2006, the Ducati 999 (and the regular 999 it was based on) was initially met with mixed reviews with regards to the styling. But no one can deny the success that Ducati had in WSBK and AMA racing with the top-of-the-line 999R. To comply with AMA homologation rules, the States got 300 examples of the most powerful production …
Early American – 1911 Yale Single
Post Listing Update: This Yale did not meet reserve despite 48 bids up to $25,368.13 (BIN was $36,500). 10-12-17 Update: This bike did not sell on Craigslist so now it’s up on eBay and we can see what the market thinks of it. Bidding is currently up to $24,100 with the reserve not yet met here on eBay. 10-12-17 Bonus …
2WD – 1971 Pak-Jak 3 Wheel Scooter
Post Sale Update: After 13 bids on eBay, this Pak-Jak sold for $2,949. Built by the Right Way Manufacturing Corporation of Owen, Wisconsin, the Pak-Jak was an in-line 3 wheel trail bike that was advertised as an all-terrain climber of hills. From what I’ve been able to find online, approximately 125 examples were built before the company went bankrupt. Here’s …
Fighting the CT-70 – 1976 Yamaha Champ
In 1976, Yamaha brought out its answer to Honda’s wildly popular CT-70 in the form of the 80cc “Champ”, (not to be confused with the Yamaha Chappy or 50cc LC50 Champ moped). The mini was powered by a 72cc oil-injected LB80-3D two-stroke engine (with four-petal reeds), married to an automatic transmission with two-speed centrifugal clutch. The tiny Yammy can reportedly …
Buy an Entire Brand – Excelsior-Henderson
View Post1982 Moto Guzzi V50 Monza
Post Listing Update: Despite 21 bids on eBay up to $3,150, this Monza did not meet reserve. When Moto Guzzi first released the V50 in the late 70s, they were met with a tepid response from an American market that preferred bigger bikes and expected smaller bikes to be cheaper. To help the model stand out, Guzzi released a sportier …
Auction Preview – Bonhams Autumn Stafford Sale 2017
View PostOriginal Paint – 1913 Flying Merkel
Post Listing Update: Despite a hefty 128 bids up to $89,999, this Flying Merkel did not meet reserve. Built between 1911 and 1915, the Flying Merkel is one of the most iconic American motorcycles of all time. The brand actually started back in 1902 as a bicycle builder, but a year later the founder (Joseph Merkel) started slapping single-cylinder motors …
Video Intermission – Flying Superbike!
Last year, reader Gary K and his wife hosted Vy and I for a few days so we could check out the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival. Today, he just sent me this photo from this year’s show of what is now my favorite hot air balloon of all time. After a little research I discovered that this was originally built …
1972 Munch Mammoth TTS 1200
Post Listing Update: Bidding got up to $69,600 bud the seller pulled this Mammoth off of eBay due to “an error in the listing.” Considered by some to be the world’s first superbike, the Munch Mammoth (Mammut) was revealed to the world four years before Honda opened some eyes with the CB750. It was aptly named, with a 996cc four-cylinder …
17 of 28 – 2008 Voxan Charade Racing
Voxan Motorcycles was founded back in 1995 with the aim of establishing itself as a contender in the global sport market. Started by Jacques Gardette, Voxan brought two seasoned names onboard to design the French moco’s machines. Renowned GP designer and builder Alain Chevallier – who sadly passed away last October – designed the Voxan frames while expert engine builder …
Custom Paint – 1985 Cagiva Alazzurra 650
Post Listing Update: This Cagiva was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. In the early 80s, Cagiva was producing some quality small-displacement bikes but they needed some help cracking into the big bike market. They bought Ducati in 1985, used the design for the Pantah, and created the Alazzurra. If you don’t mind a bike that’s been repainted, …
No Reserve – 1980 Suzuki GS1000S Wes Cooley Replica
Post Sale Update: This Wes Cooley rep sold for $5,300 after 31 bids on eBay. The Suzuki GS1000S – unofficial “Wes Cooley Replica” – is recognized as one of the Hamamatsu-based manufacturer’s many legendary machines. The GS1KS saw success in AMA competition nearly right from the start and was the predecessor to the now iconic GSX(R) machines. Wes Cooley would …
Guess That Bike Revealed – Classic Italian Engine Edition
10/8 Update: Sorry for the delay – Alex Tyrol was the first to identify that this is indeed a Sertum. Here’s a few photos to help you determine which model it is – but I’m still in shock about BeezaGeeza’s photo, which looks like it was taken in almost the same place at a different time… 10/4 Update: Looks like …
Pair of Roemar 125 Racers
Roemar is a name you’ve probably never heard – up until a few days ago I hadn’t either. The Roemar name comes from the last name of the man behind the marque – which was Roelofs – combined with Maren-Kessel, where Roelofs was based when creating these machines. I recently got the chance to speak with the founder’s son Theo, …