Post Listing Update: Despite 41 bids up to $13,200, this RZV did not meet reserve. Built as a tribute to the World Championship-winning 0W70 YZR500 works bike that Kenny Roberts rode, the Yamaha RZV500R was the first production bike in the world with a 2-stroke V4 engine.
Purple Rain Tribute – 1981 Honda
This bike doesn’t run at the moment, but it’s a pretty good find for a Prince fan who wants something two-wheeled in their collection…
1960 BSA Gold Star
Named in honor of an award at a speed trials (BSA literally received a Gold Star award) in 1937 the Gold Star was introduced as a 500 CC single in 1938. A 350 CC variant was added along the way and the model continued to 1963. One of the most successful motorcycles on the track and in the showroom in …
Video Intermission – 2016 Nitro World Games FMX Best Trick
This past summer, Nitro Circus hosted the first Nitro World Games. There were two Motocross events – Freestyle and Best Trick. Here’s the entire Best Trick competition for your enjoyment.
Needs a Taillight – 1984 Honda Motocompo
Post Listing Update: This Motocompo did not get any interest at the opening bid of $3,000. One of the true cult classics of scooters, the Motocompo was designed to fit into the trunks of Honda’s subcompact cars of the time. To minimize dimensions of the scoot when it needs to be stored, the handlebars and seat can be folded in …
In Italy – 1962 Aermacchi Ala Verde 250
Last week I featured an Ala Verde replica based on a Aermacchi Sprint. Let’s one up it with an example of the original Green Wing.
Last of the Breed – 1965 BMW R27
Bavarian Motor Works was prohibited making motorcycles after WWII until 1948 when it brought out the single cylinder R24. It was followed in 1950 by the R25, which added rear suspension. The R26 was introduced with an new motor and many frame and suspension changes. The very last of the BMW shaft driven singles, the R27 introduced a rubber mounted …
Ending Soon – 1974 Norton Commando Custom
Though Kenny Dreer wasn’t able to Norton back to life, he did create a small batch of Commandos called the VR880. If the general shape looks familiar, it’s because Stuart Garner acquired the rights to the Norton name and Dreer’s prototypes in 2008 – and he’s been rolling since. Heard about their upcoming 200 horsepower V4 superbike? Or the plans …
Zanzani Replica Racer – 1961 Motobi Sprite 250
Post Listing Update: This Motobi did not meet reserve with 13 bids up to $3,150. Motobi was founded in 1949 by the eldest of the 6 Benelli brothers. They became known for the “power egg” engine, and once they brought Primo Zanzani on board, they also became known for racing. Based on a 250cc Sprite, this Motobi has been converted …
1965 BSA A65 Lightning
Introduced the 1965, the A 65 Lightning used the relatively new ‘unit construction’ motor with alternator and battery electrics. Designed to be a sporty motorcycle the motor had a serious vibration over 5000 RPM and the chassis had a tendency to weave at speeds over 90 MPH. A great innovation an oil pressure warning light was included but it malfunctioned …
1978 Yamaha GT80F
The first bike of many a young rider, the Yamaha GT80 was one of the many small trail bikes offered by the Japanese.
Come Ride With Me – 33rd Annual LA – Barstow – Vegas
View PostIn England – 1978 MV Agusta Magni 861
Arturo Magni was brought on by MV Agusta’s racing department in 1950, and he was an instrumental part of their 75 World Championships. While he’d also go on to play a big role at Moto Guzzi, the Magni name is most closely associated with MV thanks to bikes like the 861. It was the first bike Magni built with his …
1958 Isomoto 125
Isomoto is a tough marque to find information on. I found some, but I will not vouch for it’s accuracy. I usually like at least 2 citations.
Restored – 1970 BMW R75/5
This one is for Abhi, as we all know he has a soft spot for BMW’s. This is a completely restored 1970 R75/5. I’m not a BMW expert, but this was early in the run, so I assume it is the short-wheelbase model, which supposedly had some handling issues, especially if heavily loaded in the rear. The /5 models ran …