Sideburn is an independent motorcycle publication founded in early 2008 with a focus on the flat track scene. In addition to its online and print content, the UK-based outfit is also responsible for sponsoring/organizing events like Dirt Quake (and Snow Quake), which Sideburn first held in 2012. A Harley-based flat track racer built and used by various Sideburn staffers (and …
Heinrich Touring Tank – 1974 BMW R90S
Post Listing Update: This R90S did not meet reserve despite 19 bids up to $10,600 on eBay in Phoenix, Arizona. The R90S is one of BMW’s most famous motorcycles, but this specific bike stands out because of the ~9 gallon Heinrich fuel tank – go fast, and go further!
Swedish Military in Germany – 1942 Albin-Monark M/42
Post Sale Update: This Albin-Monark sold for $9,990 after 1 bid on eBay in Langebruck, Germany. Founded by industrialist Birger Svensson in 1908, Monark was a Swedish company that produced bicycles, mopeds, and starting in 1913, lightweight motorcycles. From 1913 to 1926, the bikes were branded as as Esse Motorcycles, the majority of which used Blackburne engines. In 1927 the …
1979 Honda CX500 Custom
Honda’s CX500 has become a popular platform for custom builds over the last few years as donor bikes could be found for cheap (though prices have been going up as of late). What are your thoughts on this custom?
2014 Ducati Hypermotard
There was a recent episode of Revzilla’s “High Side, Low Side” that stuck with me – the topic was: are there too many types of motorcycles? It raised the question of whether the hyper-specialized classes of motorbikes is hurting or helping our struggling industry.
Signed by Schwantz – 1991 Suzuki RGV250
When Suzuki introduced the RGV250, it was a revelation. MCN put it thusly: “back in the day 250cc race replicas were the sharpest handling, most frenzied, maddest things you could buy on two wheels. Nowadays the RGV250 is a modern classic and is probably a bit slower and softer than you’d remember. It still looks good, sounds amazing and the …
243 Miles – 2009 Harley-Davidson XR1200
In 2009, Harley-Davidson reached into the nostalgia bag and brought out the XR1200. The flat track fenders and raised suspension bore a clear resemblance to the XR750 before I even knew what flat tracking was. Since Harley cancelled the model in 2013, flat tracking has seen a resurgence in popularity, and Indian recently launched their FTR1200 using similar “race inspired” …
Unexpected Custom – 1987 Ducati Indiana Street Tracker
Though Ducati’s Indiana was something of a commercial flop, it does make for a pretty interesting base for a street tracker with its Italian-built V (or rather “L”) Twin and pressed-steel backbone frame. Built by Redonda Motorcycles of Coimbra, Portugal, this one-off 1987 example features a myriad of custom works and aftermarket parts as well as upgrades to some of …
Video Intermission – Wayne Rainey’s MotoAmerica YZF-R1 Custom on Jay Leno’s Garage
Wayne Rainey stops by Jay Leno’s Garage to let Jay try out his custom R1 that’s been designed to evoke the legendary 1980s Yamaha TZ750!
Sitting For Years – 1980 Suzuki GS450
Post Listing Update: This GS450 did not get any interest at the opening ask of $1,995. The Suzuki GS450 doesn’t grab as many headlines as Honda’s middleweight competitor, but it was still a machine that was worth of your consideration. Options included a boxy take on the café racer and some more relaxed, cruiser oriented styles. Journalists of the time …
Early Production eBike – 1999 EMB Lectra VR24
Post Listing Update: this EMB did not get any interest at the BIN of $2,500. Originally founded in Northern California in 1995 by Scott Cronk and Rick Whisman, Electric Motorbike Inc — or simply “EMB” – was an early eBike manufacturer. Not long after the company’s inception, Whisman jumped ship, though Cron kept at it and was eventually joined by …
2 Weeks in the Northeast – Day 1
View Post2019 Kawasaki Z900RS
If the Honda CB750 shaped the UJM as we know it, the Kawasaki Z1 was the hardening process that solidified it. The Z1 was Kawasaki’s answer to Honda’s influential bike, as Kawasaki was already making a 750cc inline four-cylinder motorcycle when Honda released the 750. The CB’s debut forced Kawasaki to pivot, and they responded by upping the displacement in …
Out of Office – Touring the Northeastern US
View PostDon Vesco Prototype – 1974 Yamaha RD250/350
Post Listing Update: This Vesco prototype did not meet reserve despite 27 bids up to $3,600 in Luttrell, Tennessee. This Yamaha RD started as a 250, though it was “converted to RD350 specs” by none other than Don Vesco. Don used it as a development mule to create his “Cafe Royal” fairings.