At the turn of the 20th century, Excelsior and Henderson were two of America’s preeminent motorcycle manufacturers. Schwinn bought up both brands in the 1910s and shut them down in September of 1931. Skip ahead 60 years to Minnesota in 1993 and the founding of the Hanlon Manufacturing Company in 1993 – they secured the rights to both the Excelsior …
2005 Ducati 999R
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 …
Airhead Dual Sport – BMW R75/6 Custom
It’s a little bit of an ugly duckling, but this slash 6 has been turned into a competent pavement-indifferent runabout.
Jet Bike – 2002 Y2K MTT Turbine
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.
Video Intermission – Nitro Circus in Australia
Nitro Circus is currently celebrating their 10th Anniversary with a tour of Australia, and they debuted three “World’s First” tricks that are worth a look or two. Or ten.
TR6 Trike – 1963 Triumph Bonneville
Post-Listing Update: This TR6 trike got no interest at the BIN of $15,000. Creating trikes out of motorcycles is not uncommon, but I never thought I’d see one based on a classic Bonnie!
Guess That Bike – Zebra Edition
View Post2006 BMW HP2 Enduro
Post Sale Update: This HP2 sold for $13,330 after 26 bids on eBay. The HP2 Enduro was the perfect bike for riders who thought the R1200GS was capable but too heavy. Thanks to a trellis frame and conventional telescopic forks, the HP2 saved 53 pounds of weight from the standard GS. This example has only seen pavement but it comes …
2004 Ducati 998 Matrix Reloaded Edition
The best scene of The Matrix Reloaded film was a chase scene featuring a Ducati 996, and the Italian firm created a limited edition of motorcycles as a tie-in with the movie. Only problem was, by the time the movie was released, the 998 was already on dealer floors. Close enough, right?
2002 Honda RC51 SP2
5-17 Update: One month later, this beauty is still up for sale. Find it with a slight discount (down to $6900) here on Craigslist in Andover, Massachusetts. The RC51 combined Honda reliability with the joy of a V-Twin engine, beating Ducati at its own game with multiple World Superbike Championships and a AMA Championship. In 2002, Honda made some revisions …
Bought on Bike-urious – 1963 BMW R69S
View PostGuess That Bike Revealed – Not Your First Guess Edition
Congratulations to Facebook reader Bill Beebe, who correctly guessed this bike within 20 minutes of the post. Second prize to John Markley Frank who was first on the site itself. The engine is obviously from an Ariel Square Four, but this motorcycle is actually a Healey 1000/4.
2008 Saxon Mad Jack
Post-Listing Update: This Saxon did not get any action at the asking price of $12,500. I’ve never been much of a cruiser/chopper/bobber guy, but I’ve had no choice to learn more about them and appreciate them as I constantly search for motorcycles for you to enjoy. Over time I’ve seen several names come up over and over again – one …
1962 Polaris Trail Tractor
Polaris was founded in 1954 by some partners and employees of Hetteen Hoist and Derrick Shop who wanted to create a vehicle capable of traveling through snow. Two years later, their first production snowmobile was released – called the Sno Traveler. A few years later, management decided that they could diversify a bit so they built the Trail Tractor.
1974 Laverda 750 SFC
Post-Listing Update: This Laverda was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. The most iconic motorcycle adorned with Laverda’s name on the tank, the 750 SFC was a limited production racer for the street. This example was restored 4 years ago and it’s ready for you to enjoy.