Paul Brace is a passionate motorcycle nut who also happens to be a Director at Eagle, manufacturer of the world’s best Jaguar E-Types. He maintains a personal collection of seventies superbikes called Proper Bikes – so enjoy this video tour of the decade’s best Japanese speedsters: the CB750, H2, Z1, CBX, etc.
Collection of 20 – Harley/Aermacchi 2-Strokes in Canada
Twice in a week, we’ve got a collection of 20 Italian bikes in Canada. This time it’s a little less glamorous, but it’s still an interesting option for the small percentage of you that are into the Aermacchi/Harley bikes.
1961 Rockford Silver Pigeon
In the 1950s and 60s, Rockford Scooter Company of Rockford, Illinois imported several Japanese lines for sale in the US. Bike-urious chronicles the importation of Bridgestone Motorcycles in 1963 right here. As it turns out, Rockford also signed a deal with Mitsubishi to import the ‘Silver Pigeon’ line. Rockford was aggressive in their marketing signing up a large dealer network …
Grey Market Rossi Replica – 2002 Honda CBR600 F4i
Post Listing Update: Despite 27 bids on eBay, this Rossi rep did not sell at $3,100. In 2001, Honda released a limited edition of their CBR600 – it was adorned in a yellow and blue livery that paid tribute to Valentino Rossi for his first year with Honda in the top level of motorcycle racing. I have not been able …
1982 Laverda Jota 120
Roger Slater was Laverda’s importer in Britain – and like all good importers, he asked the manufacturer to make something faster. So Laverda wisely responded by turning the 3C into the Jota, the fastest production motorcycle to date. The Jota was built between 1976 and 1982, and the 1,000cc triple featured 180 degree crankpin phasing that led to a distinctive …
Picture Intermission – Martin Moto Classic Show 2017
Earlier this month, Walter Barlow visited Martin Moto for the 7th annual Modern Classic Show. He brought along his camera and in his words, thought you all “might enjoy some nostalgia induced endorphins.” I’m inclined to agree with him!
Pacific Coast – 1989 Honda PC800
It has been close to 30 years since the PC 800 was released, it is still a distinctive look. Though completely plastic wrapped bikes are more common now, this was really the first. It didn’t sell particularly well, but there was a definite subset of riders that was attracted to the bike. Under all that plastic was a really straight …
1969 Bultaco Matador
About the ’69 Matador, Cycle World said it has the “uncanny ability to change its character from that of gentle trail plodder, to hard-charging racer, to graceful trails mount, to occasional ride-to-work tool.” This example is almost completely restored – just missing some “correct fasteners.”
Event Recap – VJMC Spring National Meet
Editor’s Note: David N attended last weekend’s VJMC Spring National in Eustis, Florida. Just like with the AMCA National in New Smyrna, he was kind enough to share his thoughts for those of you that couldn’t make it out!
Be a Hero – 2009 Suzuki SFV650 Gladius
Suzuki introduced the Gladius as a replacement for the very successful SV650. While it was an objectively better bike in most ways, the American market did not take kindly to it and it was recently replaced with…the SV650 again. Apparently Suzuki sold at least one Gladius, because someone is trying to sell his and he’s resorted to trying to convince …
1972 Yamaha DT1
Like most earthshaking ideas, the idea behind the 1968 DT1 was simple. Build a sturdy dirt bike with good suspension travel. Give it good power and handling. Add lights to make it street legal and make it half the price of the Husqvarna 250. Everybody loved it. From the press to first time riders and everybody in between. The initial …
1995 BMW R1100RS with ARMEC Sidewinder
One of the drawbacks of sidecars is how it changes the bike’s cornering dynamics. But a Swiss company called ARMEC offers a solution – a sidecar designed to allow for the motorcycle to lean as normal. They call it the Sidewinder, and it’s a rare sight in the US.
Video Intermission – 4 Year Old Motorcyclist
This one just makes me smile. Tima Kuleshov can’t get out of a van or wave goodbye properly but he’s having a hell of a time on two wheels. It’s awesome:
Wide Case Racer – 1968 Ducati 450 Non-Desmo
Though it could be plated for street duty because it’s got lights, a horn, and all that other good stuff, this 450 is currently setup for racing. Note that despite the “Desmo” on the tank, the original head was replaced with a conventional head for “reliability reasons” and the Desmo head is no longer available.
1974 Kawasaki Z1
There are some really legendary models in motorcycling history that are able to be identified without regard to make or even year. Bonneville. CB750. H2. There are many others, but there is no doubt that the Z1 fits in that group.