When it was released, the Harley-Davidson XLCR (CR stood for Cafe Racer) was supposed to be an instant success powered by Harley’s most powerful production engine to date. It was a jet black departure from HD’s usual chrome fare. It didn’t sell well at all, and now it’s a cult classic.
2016 Ducati xDiavel S
My favorite cruiser available today is easily Ducati’s xDiavel S. I had the pleasure of riding around on one for a few weeks this summer, and then I put Nathan on one to do 1,000 miles in 24 hours. Here’s an example that has just 1,800 miles – and you’ll be able to enjoy a ~$7,000 discount if you’re willing …
Picture Intermission – More Bikes of Barber
Neal M. wasn’t the only Bike-urious reader having a great time at Barber (and there’s more stories coming from his trip soon)! David N. also went out there and shared some photos of great bikes that I know you’ll appreciate staring at.
Out of Slumber – 1968 Norton 750 Ranger
Back when desert racing was the sport of kings in the southwestern United States, Rob Blair (Norton’s California distributor) shoehorned a 750cc Atlas engine into a Matchless 85CS frame. When Norton found out about it, it became “Project 11”, which was dubbed P11 when Norton officially released it in 1967. A year later the model was slightly modified to become …
1955 Mustang Stallion (Model 8)
Mustang Motorcycle was a division of Gladden Products. They started developing motorcycles during WWII and shortly after bought Busy Bee Company to guarantee the supply of motors for their motorcycle division. The 1947 Mustang Model 2 is said to be the first motorcycle manufactured in the US with a telescopic front fork. The Model 2 was the basis for almost …
1 of 101 – 1983 Bimota HB3
Post Listing Update: This HB3 did not meet reserve despite bidding up to $8,950. Another rare and exquisite bike from Massimo Tamburini, the HB3 was Bimota’s third model with a Honda engine. This time around it utilized the air-cooled four cylinder from a CB1100F. 101 examples were produced (43 with a half fairing and 58 with a full fairing). Here’s …
1970 BSA Firebird
Post Sale Update: After 15 bids on eBay, this Firebird sold for $5,000. The BSA Firebird was one of the best motorcycles from Birmingham Small Arms company, built just before the bike division went belly up in 1973. When the Firebird debuted in 1968, it was sold as a dual-sport, but models from 1970 on were ‘street scramblers’, which became …
Picture Intermission – The Fuller Moto Shogun
Bike-urious reader Bob K was at Barber this weekend and he wanted to share one of his highlights. It’s called the Fuller Moto Shogun – I call it exquisite metalwork masquerading as a motorcycle.
Uber Rare Project – 1965 Hummel 155
Hummel is a division of DKW, the well known German motorcycle works. DKW had begun producing motorized cycles in 1919 and in 1932 became a partner in Auto Union. The introduction of the Hummel 155 in 1965 caused a considerable stir in the European motorcycle press. The Hummel was never exported to the US.
Vintage Racer – 1974 Kawasaki H2 Mach IV 750
Post Listing Update: This Kawi was pulled off of eBay because it was “lost or broken.” Bah. This H2 was built up as a hot street bike in the past, however 6-7 years ago it was decommissioned and put on display. The seller was planning on modifying the bodywork and putting it back on the street, but he’s got too …
1916 Harley-Davidson Model J Twin
The 1916 Model J brought about a couple of moderate changes for Harley-Davidson. It was the first year they got rid of the bicycle pedals and featured a kickstarter, plus the styling of the tank took on a rounder aesthetic. This was also the last year Harley painted their bikes in grey before they switched to the also-iconic Olive Drab.
Mild Custom – 1966 Ducati 250 Mk3
Looks like this bike started as a Diana, and now it’s a tidy little custom that I think looks great. The seller is light on details but it’s said to run well and need nothing.
1957 Cushman Eagle
Introduced in 1949, the Cushman Eagle was an attempt to copy ‘real’ motorcycle styling, and it obviously worked. The Eagle was by far Cushman’s most successful model, the flagship of the venerable company.
Show Condition – 1978 Yamaha DT250
Post Sale Update: This DT sold for $5,302.02 after 41 bids on eBay. Claimed to be in outstanding show condition, this classic dual sport looks great in Brilliant Orange and Satin Black after the bodywork was repainted and the frame was refinished. Everything is said to work, and while the seller was planning on keeping this bike forever, his family …
1960 Norton Dominator 99
The twin cylinder Dominator designed by Bert Hopwood was first available as a 500 CC in 1949 and evolved into the Dominator model 99. By 1960 it had vastly improved electrics and brakes which made it a great part of Norton’s line up. A factory tuned Domiracer variant was raced in ‘61 and ‘62 and the whole project was eventually …