Yamaha introduced the TX line (4 stroke parallel twins) in 1973 to generally great reviews. The 500 was really a tech marvel, with lots of innovations-such as dual overhead cams, 4 valves per cylinder, counter balance shaft, an electrical system designed to support the electric starter and front disc brake. But, like all new technology, some inherent bugs appeared. By …
One of Many – 1962 Honda C110
Before there was a CBX or a CBR or CB anything from Honda, there was the C. We are all familiar with the C50 Super Cub, the step through 50cc bike that changed motorcycling forever in the very early 1960’s, but the C110 is considered the same platform and as such is one of the more than 60 million units …
Picture Intermission – Motocross Funny Front Ends
When I shared the Cycle World article on Honda’s MX history (and specifically highlighted the prototype RC250 with the alternative Ribi front end), commenter yrrah ended up linking to a fantastic article on funny front ends (FFEs) in motocross history that I thought was also worth sharing.
Dunstall Equipped – 1974 Norton Commando 850
Paul Dunstall’s motorcycle business was humming by the time the 70s rolled around, and he was so successful that he had started shipping completed motorcycles over to contracted delaers in the United States. By the mid 70s, he was almost exactly splitting his production between Norton and Hondas, though he was definitely more famous for his work with the British …
1963 Yamaha YG1
Post Sale Update: This YG1 sold for an opening bid of $750. You NEVER forget your first time. This could be pretty sappy. This is essentially my first motorcycle. Mine was a ‘64 T variant. In 1963 Yamaha introduced what would become their first American success, the YG 1. It had a number current state of the art touches such …
Brand New – 1982 Ducati TT2
In 1981, Ducati introduced the legendary 600TT2 factory racer. It was an instant success, and Ducati offered examples to the public in ’82 and ’83. They were impressively similar to the four-time World TT2 championship winning-bike piloted by Tony Rutter, and are truly a landmark bike in the illustrios history of the Italian firm. It’s hard enough to find one …
Video Intermission – Enduro vs Mountain Bike?
In most circumstances, the above would be a pointless questions. But down the narrow insanity of Fort William’s downhill track, the answer may surprise you. Red Bull tried to settle the score a few years by pitting Gee Atherton Red Bull World Cup Champion against World Enduro Champion David Knight.
1995 ATK 605
Post Listing Update: This ATK was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. In their heyday (during the 90s), ATK was known for creating some of the best handling dirt bikes a rider could get straight off the dealership floor. Their approach was simple – take a proven engine (in this case, a 600cc Rotax unit) and envelope it …
2003 Bourget Low Blow
Choppers bring out all kinds of passions in people. It could be “The freedom of the open road”, or “motorcycle art”, or “Outlaw” that springs to mind when you see a chopper. They can also be polarizing. Sport bike guys wonder why you would ride a bike that takes a block to turn around. Touring guys wonder where to put …
1993 Ducati 888 SPO
Post Listing Update: This 888SPO was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. With just 390 examples sold between 1993 and 1994, the 888 SPO is a limited production Ducati that doesn’t seem to get as much attention as it probably should. It was street legal, but this bike is happiest on a track.
Lovely Restoration – 1961 BMW R69S
Post Listing Update: This R69S did not meet reserve with 40 bids up to $16,000. Unofficially, the BMW R69S is easily one of the most popular motorcycles among Bike-urious readers – so I suspect this Phil Cheney-restored first-year model is going to attract some attention.
Audio Intermission – East Side Moto Babes
I got a text message from my girlfriend over the weekend saying that there was a piece on KPCC talking about motorcyclists – how often do you get to hear about bikes and bikers on the radio? Thanks to the wonders of the internet, the piece is available for you to enjoy wherever you are, whenever you want. Come take …
Game Changer – 1970 Bultaco Pursang Model 68
Bultaco was formed out of the wreckage of Montessa racing in 1958. Within one year they had their first racing win, taking 7 of the first 10 places in the Spanish Grand Prix 125cc class. In 1965 Bultaco completely dominated the Trials specialty with the two stroke Sherpa T, driving several British makers out of the business. In 1965 Bultaco …
Guess That Bike – Odd Engine Edition
It’s new-ish, it’s rare, and it’s no longer in production. Can you guess what it is?
1970 Triumph Trophy Cafe Racer
Post Sale Update: This Triumph sold for $5,775 after 54 bids on eBay. Built over the last 6 months, this cafe racer is based on a Triumph Trophy 650 that’s been on non-op since 1997.