America’s smallest V4 Interceptor was the VF500, last seen in 1986. But due to licensing restrictions in the Japanese home market, they got the scaled-down VF400, which morphed into VFR specs in ’86 with the series’ redesign, including gear-driven cams and eventually a single-sided swingarm. Lightweight, with a useable powerband for its displacement, the VFR400R has become a popular grey-market …
MotoGP Changes for 2016
The 68th season of MotoGP begins this weekend in Qatar, and we’ll see if Jorge Lorenzo will be able to defend his title. Let’s take a moment to see what’s changing this year:
Brand New – 1981 Kawasaki KZ750 E2
The Kawasaki KZ750 didn’t get much attention from the world – it was basically a bigger KZ650 that didn’t have many other revisions. Check out this link for a retrospective on the KZ from Clement Salvadori at Rider. Here’s an example of the breed that is somehow still new – it’s never been registered or titled.
1961 Harley-Davidson Panhead Chopper
View Post“Bella” – 2007 Ducati Sport 1000s Custom
View PostVideo Intermission – WSBK 2016, Round 2
Kawasaki has been whupping everyone in World Superbike this year with a a number of 1-2 finishes between Tom Sykes and Jonathan Rea. The two continued their dominance this last round at Chang International Circuit in Thailand (with a cameo from Chaz Davies, and the last 8 laps were real fun to watch. Check ’em out here:
Rare in the US – 1984 Moto Guzzi V35 Imola II
Guzzi’s V35 doesn’t get much attention – it was introduced in 1977 alongside the V50 as Italy had new licensing and tax categories. Three years later the Imola II was introduced, gaining 26mm carbs, a new seat, chrome indicators, new silencers, and points ignition as part of the update.
1989 Honda Transalp XL600V
A dual-sport that was ahead of its time, the Honda Transalp was offered to the US between ’89 and ’91 as do-it-all bike that was less off-road biased than the Africa Twin. Powered by a liquid-cooled V-twin, the first generation of the TA produced approximately 50 horsepower and was capable of 110 miles per hour. This example stands out as …
10 Do and Don’ts of the Dalton
As the ides of March pass us by, my hope is that you’re busy planning a lengthy motorcycle trip for the summer. Reader Chris H. sent me a link to this post from MotoQuest, which will hopefully inspire some of you to take the long road up to the top of Alaska!
1 of 300 – 2015 MV Agusta F3 800 Ago
A limited run of the newest F3, the “Ago” is signed by Agostini himself on the tank. Just 300 were produced, and while the differences are pretty much just cosmetic, the Ago loses 5 pounds thanks to forged OZ wheels, carbon fiber fenders, and billet-aluminum pegs and foot levers, making it the highest specification F3 that’s been produced. The 800cc …
Vesrah Prepped – 2004 Suzuki GSX-R750 Racer
Vesrah made a name for themselves in endurance racing over the last decade or so with their various Suzukis, and while they’ve downsized in recent years, the name still lives on for riders in the know. Here’s a track-only Vesrah endurance racer that’s ready for a new owner to start covering miles at speed.
Police – 2009 Buell Ulysses XB12XP
For years, Harley-Davidson dominated the American police cruiser market. Though BMW, Kawasaki, and other manufacturers are now also making motorcycles you’re constantly scanning for when you’re on the road, Harley also offered a police variant of the Buell Ulysses called the XB12XP. This example has a full cop kit with the siren, lights, and three hard bags.
Possibly Street Legal – 1972 Harley-Davidson XR750
Depending on your state of residence, this XR750 could make you the coolest commuter around! Equipped with lights (but not much else), this example of Harley history is street legal in a few states even though it lacks a speedometer, turn signals, any sort of subtlety, etc.
2000 Cagiva Gran Canyon
Post Listing Update: This Cagiva was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. The Gran Canyon is an interesting option for those of you looking for an adventure bike that your buddies won’t have. This example has more miles than I’ve usually seen (which isn’t a bad thing) and it looks to be in excellent shape – looks like …
1983 Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans III
In the early 80s, Guzzi could only export their 1000 (949cc) engine to the US because of stricter emissions rules. In ’83, MG was able to bring the 850 back, meaning they could also sell the Le Mans Mk III again – 2,609 were sold that first year.