Post Listing Update: This Rover did not get any interest at the opening bid of $1,000. Known in other markets as the Van Van, the RV90 Rover is an adorable dual sport (this is plated and street legal in California) that featured 10″ wide tires and (according to Suzuki) “the ability to go anywhere you point it.”
US Forest Service – 2004 Gas Gas FSE 450
Ask 10 different dirt riders who makes the best enduro and you’ll probably get 8 different answers. But apparently if you asked the US Government that question a decade ago, they would have answered with Gas Gas, the not-so-well-known manufacturer from Spain that started in 1985 by some ex-Bultaco distributors.
R90 Engine – 2006 Ural Patrol
View PostIn England – 1961 Matchless G80S
Here’s an unrestored example of the venerable Matchless G80, with some modifications to aid in use as you fight off modern traffic.
1996 Suzuki DR650
For less than $2,500, here’s a DR650 that’s got an impressive set of modifications for the money.
1980 Ducati 900SS
Post Listing Update: Bidding got up to $26,100 but this Ducati was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. The black-and-gold paint scheme of this 900 SuperSport has become quite iconic for Ducati, and as greenframe bike prices have entered the stratosphere, many riders have been instead looking for excellent examples of the 900SS like this bike.
Barber Vintage Festival 2015
Earlier I shared a tale from a previous trip to Barber – here’s a quick report from reader Bob Kelly, who just came back from his first trip to the festival, now having completed its 11th running. All photos and text by Bob.
1963 Moto Parilla Wildcat Scrambler 250
Parilla was distributed in the US by Cosmopolitan Motors, and while the former had some success with a 175cc bike, Cosmopolitan asked for a 250cc engine. Parilla responded with their distinctive high cam motor from their Grand Sports road bike. At the time, this made Parilla’s competition in racing a Triumph Cub, and Parillas were winning handily.
Clean CB – 1978 Honda CB750 K8
Here’s an impressively clean example of a Honda CB750 that’s been well setup for touring.
Olympian – 1984 Kawasaki KLT 250-P1 Police
In 1984, Kawasaki apparently pulled 300 KLT 250’s off the production line and converted them into Police trikes. Of those 300, 50 were donated to the LA Olympics Games Planning Committee to help patrol the Olympic grounds. This bike comes with a certificate stating that it was originally provided for the Olympic police force.
2 Stroke GP Replica – 2015 Suter MMX500
View PostRacer from New – 2001 Ducati 750SS
View PostBold Claim – 1974 Honda CL450
The seller of this Honda 450 Scrambler claims it’s the nicest all original example in the USA. I can’t imagine that’s true, but I also can’t doubt that it looks to be in excellent shape.
NC24 – 1987 Honda VFR400R Custom
The 2nd generation of the VFR400R, the NC24 was built in ’87 and ’88 and was the first production Honda to use the ELF-designed Pro-Arm SSSA. This example retains the sweet swingarm but changed a lot from the base bike as it changed into this custom cafe racer.
No Reserve – 2008 Aprilia Shiver 750
Post Sale Update: This Shiver sold for $3,351 after 28 bids on eBay. In 2007, Aprilia introduced the Shiver, a competent naked bike that stood out thanks to vibrant paint jobs and the relative rarity of the Aprilia name on the tank.