I finally got to stop by Kawasaki’s new US headquarters yesterday, and it’s a nice spot! Next time I go there I’ll show up with a decent camera because they’re turning the lobby into a museum and there’s a lot of bikes you guys and gals will appreciate. But for now, I’m coming to you with requests because (as you …
Turbo Project – 1974 Honda CB750
Here’s a former drag bike that has been out of the limelight for a while. It’s packing several period speed parts but the bike has been sitting for years and it’s going to need a lot of work. Are you up for the challenge? Do you even think it’s worth saving?
A Legend is Born – 1972 Yamaha 360 Enduro
Some bikes are legendary for their performance, and unfortunately, the Yamaha 360 RT2 is known for its awful ability off the pavement. A good looking motorcycle with a good engine, the RT1s and RT2s had just awful geometry for the dirt. Even the best of the dirt riders couldn’t keep them upright or make them go fast. They had a …
PMZ-A-750 (ПМЗ-А-750)
Editor’s Note: A few weeks ago, I discovered a gentleman named Monty Myrtle. His story is very cool – and I’m going to try to get him to do an interview soon. But for now, you need to know he’s an American ex-pat that’s currently in Kiev, Ukraine. When he’s not working, he’s busy exploring the area on two wheels …
Swiss Army Bike – 1974 Condor A350
The engine is this bike should look familiar to you – but everything else may not. It’s a Condor A350, and it utilizes a Ducati 350cc single (valve springs, not desmodromic). 3,000 examples were built between 1973 and 1979, and they starting trickling out into the civilian world around the turn of the decade.
Restoration Project – 1975 Triumph T160
So everybody has room for one more project, right? Another “I’ll get that one right after the one I’m working on now” space. This 1975 Trident could be that bike. In 1975, the Triumph Trident was re-introduced as the T160 (formerly T150) and had some significant upgrades, most notably electric start. Big and fast, the Trident was a real player …
1970 Royal Enfield Interceptor
Post Sale Update: After 5 bids on eBay, this Interceptor sold for $9,851. 1970 was the end of the line for the Royal Enfield company. Originally an ammunition and small arms manufacturer they started making motorcycles in 1898 with a sourced motor and produced their own motor in 1901. They went broke then re chartered in 1910 as ‘The Royal …
In Europe – Vee Two Ducati Squalo
In the late 70s, Brook Henry (an Australian Ducati expert) started Vee Two and established himself as one of the world’s pre-eminent guys to make a Ducati go faster. In addition to a bevy of trick parts, Vee Two ended up creating a few bespoke models. One was the Alchemy, based on bevel head engines. Recently they’ve also made the …
1946 Triumph…Something
Post Sale Update: After 23 bids on eBay, this Doc custom sold for $2,876. That’s right – it’s time for another game of “what the heck is that?” courtesy of the late Dr. Robert Harms. At this point you’ve seen plenty of his builds and hopefully remember his story. If not, I’ll send you back to the Kneeslider for a …
No Reserve – 1987 Yamaha SDR200
Post Sale Update: After 41 bids on eBay, this SDR sold for $4,494. Though it was originally sold only in the Japanese Domestic Market, Yamaha’s SDR200 can now occasionally be found in Europe and the US thanks to the grey-market. Reminiscent of a tiny Ducati monster, the SDR features a distinctive trellis frame. This bike is offered at no reserve, …
1985 Honda CR250R
This bike is said to be like new, and it sure looks to be in amazing shape. It was apparently dealer prepped for storage in the 80s and for some reason it’s now seeing the light of day again.
Auction Preview – Bonham’s Robert White Collection
On September 19th, Bonhams is auctioning off the collection of Robert White in London. There’s some cool cars, cameras, and watches, but we’re here for the 47 motorcycles.
Magnum Opus Custom – 1978 Kawasaki KZ830 Turbo
8-29-2016 Update: This “KZ830” keeps getting relisted at lower prices – now you can find it with a BIN of $14,500 here on eBay. Built by Magnum Opus Custom Bikes, (I’ve featured XV750 build and a CB750 build of theirs in the past), this Kawi turbo was first revealed to the public last weekend at the Handbuilt Show.
1978 Honda CB550 Cafe Racer
In all honesty, I’m not a big fan of this sort of ‘custom’. The checkbook sort. Where all you have to do to be cool is have a deep enough cushion in your bank account to be one of the in crowd. Part of the problem for me is that the ‘trend’ will last just until reality TV tires of …
2004 Moto Guzzi V11 Coppa Italia
Post Sale Update: After 13 bids on eBay, this Coppa Italia sold for $11,000. One of the rarest versions of the Moto Guzzi V11, just 40-50 examples of the Coppa Italia were produced. The specifications were impressive thanks to Brembo Gold Line brakes, Ohlins forks, shock, and steering damper, plus an optional $2,000 exhaust.