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Do You Remember? 1974 Suzuki T500

In Japan, Standard by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

The Suzuki T500 line was an unquestionably a very good motorcycle that sold more than 100,000 units across ten years and is rarely remembered today. Overshadowed by Honda’s Black Bomber four strokes and Kawasaki’s death wish two stroke triples, the T500 was big, reliable and rideable. Just not very flashy. Suzuki brought out their parallel twin two stroke motorcycles with …

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The Legend Begins – 1975 Honda Goldwing

In Japan, Touring by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

In late 1974 there was a huge buzz around Honda. Everybody speculated that Honda would bring out an update to the uber successful CB 750 that had stood the market on it’s ear 6 years earlier. Kawasaki had the Z1 out and selling like crazy and everybody KNEW that Honda needed to up their game. Everybody was right of course, …

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RC36 – 1991 Honda VFR750F

In Japan, Less than 5k, Sport by Ted CloughLeave a Comment

Now normally I would not get all too excited about a Honda sportbike. They generally fit into the category referred to as “UJMs”, that is, universal Japanese motorcycles, the standard inline-4 cylinder we are all so familiar with. But back in 1986 Honda took a slightly different route. The 1986 model was introduced as a fully-faired, V-4 of 748cc, with …

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1970 Moto Guzzi V7 Special

In Italy, Standard by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

Introduced to the world in 1967 the V7 became a very popular platform for Moto Guzzi. By 1970 there were at least four choices of V7’s offered. Ambassador, Police, Special and Sport. The Sport became a legendary bike in short order, the Police version sold thousands in Europe and the US. The Special may be the least known of the …

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The Thumper Returns – 1976 Yamaha TT500

In Japan, Off-Road by Tom WackerLeave a Comment

Through all of the 1960s you really had two choices if you wanted to play in the dirt. Many manufacturers made ‘Scrambler’ models but they really were better at getting you to the dirt than actually getting dirty. You could either ride a two stroke single that made horsepower like crazy or ride a vintage English 4 stroke single. Both …