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past, and my reasons for featuring it now still apply – folding vehicles are cool, and their website is still adorably out of date.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 …
Alpinestars 2018 US Motorcycling Collection Preview
Last week I visited Alpinestars to get an early look at some highlights from their 2018 collection. As anyone familiar with the iconic Italian company would expect, the new offerings consisted of various pieces of top-of-the-line track and sport gear, as well as some new ADV/touring apparel and a few stylish new offerings from the brand’s revived old-school “OSCAR by …
1 Year Only – 2007 BMW G650 Xmoto
A decade ago, BMW played around with its G650 series and created three variants in the process: the Challenge, Country, and the Xmoto. All three models utilized a reworked G650 power plant that was slightly more powerful than the stock engine while also tuned for lower emissions, as well as being a little bit lighter than the standard G650 motor. …
Needs Some Work – 2006 Yamaha YZF-R1 M1 Tribute
Most “custom” sportbikes aren’t much more than a handful of bolt-on aftermarket parts fitted to a super-bike/sport, but this fascinating YZR M1 “replica” is truly a custom sport build. This unique one-off R1 was used at Superbike-Coach by Can Akkaya. Superbike-Coach is based out of Elk Grove, California and it features courses for street and track riders of all skill …
Beautifully Restored – 1952 Triumph Thunderbird 6T
This is almost certainly one of the most pristine 1952 Triumph 6T Thunderbird 650 in existence. Not only did this example take home an award from the Santa Barbara Concours d’Elegance and the Quail Motorcycle Gathering – where it won oldest bike on the ride – but it was also featured in the film ‘Why We Ride‘. On top of …
Krauser Fairing – 1984 BMW K100
Post Sale Update: After 33 bids on eBay, this Flying Brick sold for $4,101. BMW’s K100 was initially released to very concerned fans who were worried that it was a sign that the boxer motor was going to disappear. Sales were slow at first but the Flying Brick was eventually proven to be a successful endeavor for BMW Motorrad. Here’s …
UMRA 24 Hour Race – Preparation
As I explained in the Introduction to this story, I’ve joined a team for the 3rd Annual UMRA 24 Hour Endurance Race but I have almost no experience going fast on little bikes and even less experience with legitimate racing. To get an idea of what to expect, I asked a few friends who have participated in this race before …
Bike of the Year Intermission – Motorcycle.com’s 2017 Awards
The fine folks over at Motorcycle.com have just wrapped up their yearly awards, and it looks like they think very highly of KTM. If you haven’t taken a look at all the award winners yet, here’s your reminder!
Nice Patina – 1968 Triumph Daytona T100R
Long before today’s ridiculously competent Triumph Daytona 675 machines, the iconic British manufacturer was offering a different Daytona Super Sport in the form of the T100R. This 1968 Daytona example isn’t going to take home any trophies at shows or contests anytime soon, but it nonetheless possesses a number of elements, including its half century of wear and tear that …
HD’s Only Scooter – 1961 Harley-Davidson Topper
Harley-Davidson has only produced one scooter in its entire history; the Topper. The Milwaukee-based manufacturer did make some small-displacement mopeds during its partnership with Aermacchi, but the Topper is the only scooter Harley made with legitimate floorboards and an automatic transmission. Starting in 1959 or ’60, and ending production in ’65, Harley-Davidson offered the 165cc two-stroke Topper in hopes of …