Post Sale Update: After 12 bids on eBay, this Gilera sold for $3,300. Founded in 1909, Gilera is one of Italy’s oldest motorcycle manufacturers. Despite a long history with some serious racing pedigree, Gilera now lives on as part of the Piaggio group, their logo only being slapped on a few scooters. Let’s ignore the sad current state of affairs …
First Ride – 2017 Vanderhall Venice
View Post1991 Moto Guzzi 1000S
Post Sale Update: This 1000S sold for the BIN of $15,000. In 1990, Moto Guzzi released the 1000S, styled to look like an update of the ’75 750 S3. It sold poorly but the classic styling has held up over the years and unlike the average Guzzi, the resale values for this model are tremendous.
$25K 1958 European Classics: Ariel Square Four & BMW R69
The late 1950’s was an interesting time for the motorcycle world. Countries had economically bounced back a great deal following WW2. This era would see some pretty iconic two-wheelers roll out of their respective factories and these are two great examples of machines that played a role in defining that era. Germany and England had (and still have) a pretty …
A Weekend in the Cult of RawHyde, Day 1
View PostUltra Rare British Moto – 1982 Hesketh V1000
Hesketh is one of the lesser known British manufacturers but nonetheless it’s a fascinating make that unfortunately has a bit of a storied past. Founded by in 1980 by England’s Lord Thomas Alexander Fermor-Hesketh, 3rd Baron of Hesketh. Though as his name suggests, Lord Hesketh had some major clout and influence and a business model that followed in the footsteps …
Needs Some Work – 1981 Honda Motra
Post Sale Update: After 45 bids on eBay, this Motra sold for $1,775. Built in the early 80s, the Motra was a quirky minibike. Honda advertised it as “Heavy Duty” (mini)bike that you could load up with gear and take across the back country. In fact, as the Japanese pronunciation for truck is “Torakku”, it’s said that “Motra” is a …
Factory Two-Stroke MotoGP – 1993 Yamaha YZR500
Though the MotoGP two-stroke era was replaced in 2002, it was responsible for countless legendary machines that were cutting edge and undoubtedly the best race bikes money could buy in their respective times. The bikes also possessed an enchanting sound and smell that was distinct and directly connected to the memories that hundreds of thousands of race fans have from …
Video Intermission – Mark Atkinson’s BMW Alpha
View PostChris Carr Design – 1965 Honda Superhawk Custom
Chris Carr is a legend in AMA Flat Track – he’s won Rookie of the Year, AMA Pro Athlete of the Year, and he was a 7x National Champion. His exploits have earned him a spot in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. In 2006, he gained another title: fastest motorcycle rider in the world (and first to crack the …
Custom Cafe in Poland – 1992 Honda CBR600 F2
In recent years manufacturers have increasingly found that the synergy of modern and retro elements making up a two-wheeled sum in the form of scramblers, cafe racers and trackers is a successful recipe for good sales numbers. This notable custom-built example takes a different approach by combining vintage and well…less vintage (1960-70’s and 1990’s) in lieu of something more modern. …
Happening Now – Kiss Cycles Auction
My apologies – reader Jeremy W sent this over a couple of days ago and I forgot to get it up in advance. However, Kiss Cycles (which closed in December) is currently in the process of auctioning off assets that have been accumulated over the shop’s 103 years of existence. As you might expect, there’s a whole bunch of bikes. …
Factory AMA Superbike – 2005 Ducati 999
Post Listing Update: 24 bids on eBay were enough to get the price up to $18,100, but that was not enough to meet reserve. This is Eric Bostrom’s ride for the 2005 AMA Superbike season – over 17 races he won three times, placed 3rd once, and retired once. His consistent top 10 finishes were good enough for an overall …
1 of 1500 – 1982 Honda CB1100R
Post Listing Update: After 8 bids on eBay, this CB1100R did not meet reserve at $12,700. It has since been relisted here on eBay. In Honda’s long and storied history, the CB1100R is one of my favorites (and it’s a bike that I wish Honda would use the current CB1100 to bring back). The reason why I like it so …
No Reserve – 1972 BSA B50SS Gold Star
When I say BSA Gold Star, you think of the iconic motorcycles known for speed. Yet for some reason, when BSA released the B50 model lineup of a street scrambler (SS), a dual sport, and a MX, they brought back the Gold Star name for the SS variant. Fans of the original Goldie were not pleased.