On September 24th, 2017, the Distinguished Gentlemans Ride will celebrate their 5th year. As you’ve probably heard by now, it’s a fundraiser supporting men’s mental health and the fight against prostate cancer. If you’ve got a bike that fits in the style guide, I’d suggest that you join the festivities. If not, there’s other ways you can help out!
FJR1300 Powered – Home Built Reverse Trike
Motorcycles have the potential of serving as sensible utilitarian vehicles, but reverse trikes like the Can-Am Spyder and Polaris Slingshot epitomize impractical recreational vehicles. While enclosed motorcycle-powered three-wheelers typically cater to a slightly more affluent demographic than standard two-wheelers, this example boasts a far more accessible price tag while still offering much of the raw performance and canyon carving fun …
Rapido Sport – 1963 MV Agusta 150RS
In 1959, Italy introduced a rule that made it illegal to ride on the highway with a bike that displaced less than 150cc. MV Agusta responded by taking their 125 and creating a family of models around a 150 motor including the Gran Turismo, Rapido Sport America, and Rapido Sport. The latter is what we have in front of us …
Story Intermission – Ups and Downs of Minimalist Motorcyclist Touring in Arizona
As I mentioned in “Part 3.5” of Jim’s Moto Giro story, I ended up in Arizona with Chris Cantle and Julia LaPalme for a story with Motorcyclist magazine. If you weren’t able to snag a copy, the story is now available online.
Bargain Track Weapon – 2013 BMW S1000RR
The S1KRR is undeniably one of the most competent track machines currently available. Even the previous generations boast a seriously impressive electronics suite that fools riders like myself into thinking we’re better than we actually are. As with any premium European superbike, the S1000RR comes at a steep price, and buying a stock example to transform into a trackday bike …
Old-School Cool – 1974 Kawasaki S3 Mach II 400
The S3 Mach II 400 was a smaller, more tamable version of Kawasaki’s legendary 1970’s triples, though the 400 two-stroke inline-triple still packed enough punch to allow for some legally-questionable riding. After Kawasaki’s enormous success with the release of its H1 Mach III, Mean Green seized on the momentum of its iconic three-cylinder by offering several other bikes powered by …
Original Owner – 1971 Honda CL450 Scrambler
The dual-sport cousin of the Black Bomber, Honda’s CL450 was the best selling of the scramblers of the day. Because of this, you can find one with relative ease even though they haven’t been made in 40+ years. With that said, this one stands out from the rest as it’s impressively being offered by the original owner.
Project Woodstock – Honda Z50 Custom
Winner of Planet Minis’ 2014 Classic Mini of the Year, this is one of the best Z50 builds I’ve ever seen. In the seller’s words, this bike “will eat a Grom for breakfast and laugh at its sillyness.” It could be argued that a bright yellow mini bike isn’t very far on the “sillyness” scale, but this bike is nothing …
All Terrain Cycles – 1986 Yamaha BW200 and Honda TR200
A lot of unconventional motorcycles were built in the 1980’s, especially in Japan. When one manufacturer released an unorthodox scoot, another manufacturer would often follow suit, just in case one of these novel gambles worked. Forced induction is a good example of this, but the factory ATV-wheeled dirt bikes of the new-wave and cocaine-fueled decade may be the best example. …
Your Own Race Team? 1994 Harley-Davidson VR1000
8-27-17 Update: Tim Huber just let me know that 18 months later, this is back up for sale. This time it’s got further ~$25k off, with a BIN of $55,500. Bidding is up to $31,800 with the reserve not yet met here on eBay. 2-7-16 Update: Over a year later, this VR1000 has been given a $50,000 discount. Let’s see …
No Reserve – 1994 Yamaha TZR250RS 3XVA
Post Sale Update: After 25 bids on eBay, this TZR sold for $6,056. Built between 1986 and 1996, Yamaha’s TZR250 was pricey for a 250 but it could compete with much bigger bikes on the track. It was based on Yamaha’s TZ250 race bike and both machines evolved together.
Story Intermission – Joyce Maynard in the New York Times
Motorcycles don’t get enough coverage in mainstream publications, so I was pleasantly surprised when Vy sent over this bittersweet tale by author Joyce Maynard in the New York Times. It’s worth a read, and hopefully it inspires you to take a trip soon.
Bobbed Beezer – 1966 BSA A65
Bobbers have never really been my thing, but damn is this one cool chopped up bob-job. It captures, in the owners words, “The beauty and simplicity of thirties era motorcycle styling and design,” a statement I concur with, while at the same time boasting some updated amenities that allow for a more convenient owning/operating experience. This custom British scoot sports …
Nimbus Nut Restoration – 1955 Nimbus Model C
Travis Scott is one of the most knowledgeable people in the US about the Danish motorcycle manufacturer Nimbus. Because of that, he’s known as the Nimbus Nut – and I interviewed him about this a couple of years ago. Well, Travis has just completed another restoration and is offering a rare opportunity for you to snag one of less than …
Fleet of 5 – DiBlasi Express Folding Scooters
I’ve featured one of these in the past, and my reasons for featuring it now still apply – folding vehicles are cool, and their website is still adorably out of date. But this time, we have a fleet of 5 that’s up for sale. They’ll need a little work, but with a fleet like this you can start your own …