Aprilia updated their liter bike in 2004 with the RSV1000R, and it was perfect for riders who demanded a rare, street-legal track weapon. A “Factory” version was also available, and it stood out with carbon fiber bodywork, fully adjustable Ohlins suspension, and forged aluminum wheels. Though it was exquisite, fast, and beautiful, it did not sell as well as it …
1979 Kawasaki Z1300
Post Listing Update: This Z1300 did not meet reserve with just one bid up to $5,000. The ‘fuel crisis’ of 1973 put an end to the rapidly developing horsepower wars from motorcycle manufacturers. Everybody went to lighter, more efficient bikes that got better gas mileage with less emissions. It was the beginning of the end for the two stroke road …
Ending Soon – 197x Chaparral T95
In the 70s, snowmobile manufacturer Chaparral saw how popular dirt bikes were becoming, and wanted to get in on the craze. Among other models, they made a pull-start mini called the T95. The 96cc 2-stroke Fuji motor was good for 6 horsepower, and wet weight was just 130 pounds. Don’t get too excited, though – the infinitely variable torque converter …
200+ Motorcycle Auction in Kansas
Doug and Caleb Frasier have been collecting motorcycles for over 5 decades, and on April 8th, they’ll be auctioning off over 200 of them through Thummel Real Estate and Auction.
Guess That Bike – Under Tail Edition
View PostBrought Back to Life – 1957 Husqvarna Model 32 Sport
Post Listing Update: This Model 32 did not get any interest at the asking price of $6,000. It was later relisted for $5,900 with the same result. Founded as a weapons factory by order of the King of Sweden in 1689 in Huskvarna, Sweden the company began making motorcycles in 1903 following a successful line of bicycles. Husky won their …
Ending Soon – 1988 Ducati 851 Tricolore
Thanks to the 851, Ducati became competitive in World Superbike again – the model debuted in 1987 and Ducati won WSBK in 1990. Per Superbike rules, Ducati was obligated to build 200 examples for homologation, so they created 207 “kit” bikes in a Tricolore scheme. Estimates suggest that 20 were brought to the US. Some of the kit bikes were …
Ending Soon – 1962 Harley-Davidson FLH Panhead
Good photos make a for sale listing so much better, and the snaps of this Panhead kept bringing me back to it. There’s some modifications that you might not agree with, but you can’t deny this bike looks good.
Video Intermission – Bike-urious Presents: The Silent Commute
View PostCustom Paint – 1973 Norton Commando 750
After the debacle of the Combat engine, Norton was glad to move on into the MkV forms of the Roadster, Interstate, and Hi-Rider. In the process, they got rid of the Fastback. Commando fans will note that this paint livery is similar to what was on the 850 bikes – that’s because this roadster was recently repainted with the iconic …
Unexpected Flat Tracker – 1962 Ducati Diana 250
Post Listing Update: This Diana flat tracker did not meet reserve with 19 bids up to $3,050. According to the seller, this Ducati Diana was at one point a dirt track racer – though there’s unfortunately no proof of it in the listing. How awesome would it be to see some vintage photos of this thing sliding around? It has …
Last and First – 1948 Harley Davidson FL
Big news from the motor company in 1948 – the motor that would soon become known as the Panhead. Not only was the shape of the rocker covers different, but the heads were aluminum alloy (as opposed to cast iron) which greatly helped the cooling. The cam and rocker arms were redesigned to facilitate oil circulation and hydraulic lifters were …
2 Weeks In The West
View PostPress Release – 2017 Indian Scout FTR750 Now For Sale
I typically don’t share press releases, but this one is too good to pass up (and it’s about a cool bike for sale). As you may know, the Scout is one of my favorite cruisers, and Indian has built a flat track variant called the FTR750 for racing. This week they announced that they’re now offering the race bike to …
Finish a Restoration – 1966 Yamaha YL1 Twin Jet
Post Sale Update: After 9 bids on eBay, this YL1 sold for $1,026. Yamaha was certainly a player in the two stroke motorcycle market of the 1960s. Their two stroke twins began with the YD1, a 250CC parallel twin manufactured in 1957. By 1966 the Yamaha twins were ‘tried and true’. The little two stroke twins were quick, handled well …