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1987 Honda Aero 50

In Japan, Scooter, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

The Aero was Honda’s first modern scooter in North America, where it was introduced in 1983. A second generation was introduced in 1985, and these have served as reliable in-town runabouts ever since. The ’85-’87 models had a 49.3cc two-stroke enigne that produced 3.9 horsepower and 3.5 pound-feet of torque. The entire package weighed 121 pounds dry. Realistic top speed …

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Gigantic Custom Diesel Trike

In 3 Wheels, America, Custom by AbhiLeave a Comment

I don’t really understand why, but it looks like the story of Emile Leray is making the rounds online again because I’ve been emailed about it a bunch of times in the past two days. It’s been 20 years since he escaped the desert with his hacked up motorcycle and four years since the last time this story got attention …

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1997 Suzuki TL1000S

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post-Listing Update: This TL did not meet reserve with $2,175 after 22 bids on eBay. Back in the 70s, the Kawasaki H2 developed the reputation of a ‘widowmaker’ thanks to incredible power with no discernible handling. When it was released in 1997, the Suzuki TL1000S also earned a similar reputation thanks to the unique rotary rear damping system. While it …

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Unexpected Custom – 1965 Marusho ST 500

In Cafe Racer, Custom, Japan by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post-Listing Update: This Marusho got no interest at the asking price of $7,850. A barely known Japanese manufacturer, Marusho (who built bikes under the name of Lilac) peaked in the mid 50s, though they went bankrupt in 1962 after a deal with Mitsubishi went bad. Within a year they came to life with a plan to specifically target the American …

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#84 – 1998 Yamaha YZF-R1

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post-Listing Update: This R1 got no interest at the opening bid of $6,500. It can be hard for me to get excited about bone stock Japanese supersports, but this early R1 is truly worth a second look. First of all, the first generation of the R1 was something special. History looks upon it very kindly as one of the three …

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2008 Aprilia RSV1000R Bol d’Or

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

To commemorate their entry into the 24 hour Bol d’Or endurance race at Le Mans, Aprilia released a limited production (200 units over two years) run of the RSV1000R. The only difference was the paint scheme, which was a copy of the livery used in Aprilia’s superstock race bike in the 2007 Bol d’Or race.

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2005 Ducati 999R

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

In 2005, Ducati started exporting the 999R in earnest to satisfy the AMA homolgation requirements (the year before, just 50 were sold). For $29,995, this motorcycle was just about as close to a WSBK bike you could get. It’d be easy to second guess if the 999R was worth the $7,000 premium over the 999S. Journalists at the time resoundingly …

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Jet Bike – 2002 Y2K MTT Turbine

In America, Custom by Abhi1 Comment

Post-Listing Update: This jet bike did not get any interest at the asking price of $114,000. When this bike was released, it took the Guinness World Records for most powerful production motorcycle and most expensive production motorcycle. It featured 320 horsepower, 425 pound feet of torque, 227 mile per hour top speed, and one of the greatest startup sounds ever.