The DT400 was an instant press favorite when it was introduced in 1975, though the average US dirt rider preference was shifting to four-strokes (and thus, the XT/TT series of Yamaha’s offerings). For more on the Yamaha DT400, check out this Retrospective from Rider Magazine.
Custom Framed – KTM 450 Dual Sport
Like many off-roaders, the builder of this bike wanted a lighter, slimmer, and lower version of the KTM 990 Adventure. Unlike said off-roaders, he basically built it himself. Based on the geometry of the 990 ADV, this custom-framed bike featured the drivetrain of a new 2013 KTM 450XC-W, so you can still travel wherever you want…just now with a seat …
1973 Triumph Hurricane X-75
View PostNeeds Work in Italy – 1957 Aermacchi Chimera 175
The Chimera was a bit ahead of its time – despite rarely seen features (for the time) like a single rear shock and the futuristic styling, Aermacchi was only able to sell 119 examples of the 175cc variant and 177 examples of the 250cc. Here’s an example of the former that will unfortunately need some work before it hits the …
March 4-5 – Sixth Annual Modern Classics Show
If you’re near Philly and love old bikes, the Modern Classics show should be on your calendar.
Harley’s New-Age Roadster – 2006 VRSCR Street Rod
When it appeared as a 2002 model, Harley-Davidson’s V-Rod represented the company’s huge commitment to its perceived future with a vastly altered approach to their signature cruiser family of motorcycle design. Here was a high-tech 60-degree V-twin with liquid cooling, double overhead cams and thoroughly modern hydroformed frame. The original V-Rod eventually spawned several sub-models, one of which is our …
What Do You Want To Know? 2016 Zero FXS
Well, I’ve got my hands on a Zero FXS for the next few days, so I’ll try to put together a review and a video for y’all. Is there anything you want to know? I’ll keep it mind as I get my thoughts together…so please leave a comment below with your questions!
Rebuilt Racer – 1971 Honda SL350
View PostLike Yellow? 1980 OSSA Gripper
I’ll give your retinas a second to recover after they were just seared like tuna steaks thanks to the above photo. All set? Good, here’s some more blinding yellow:
List Intermission – The 80 Best Bikes of All Time
In a move that I’m sure will have no dissenters, Devitt Insurance compiled a list of the 80 best motorcycles in history to celebrate their 80th anniversary of providing motorcycle insurance. There might be a slight nationalistic bias here – The first 7 (and 9 out of the top 10) are British bikes! What do you think of the list?
1974 Suzuki GT250
An evolution of the T250 Hustler, the Suzuki GT250 got a “Ram Air” cylinder head that was supposed to force cold air to the back of the cylinder, as well as fake air scoops in the sidecovers. Depending on who you talked to, the Ram Air system resulted in actual gains – or it was just as useful as the …
Bikers Helping Bikers – The Rabbit Hash General Store
The Rabbit Hash General Store is a 185 year old landmark in Northern Kentucky, and a regional destination for riders in the area. Unfortunately, it fell victim to a large fire the day before Valentine’s Day and was destroyed. Before the fire, the store had been in ‘continual operation since 1831’, spanning 38 presidents. Now an effort is underway to …
1989 Yamaha FZR1000
Post-Sale Update: After 52 bids on eBay, this Fizzer sold for $6,455. When it was introduced in 1987, the Yamaha FZR1000 was an instant classic – Cycle World called it Bike of the Decade two years later, no thanks to the overwhelming amount of horsepower.
1956 BMW R26
2-26 Update: After not getting any action at $8,000 the first time around, this R26 is back up for sale with bidding up to $5,300 and the reserve not yet met or a BIN of $7,300 here on eBay. Introduced in 1956 (and out of the market in 1960), the R26 was a significant revision of the R25, with upgrades …
One Year Only – 1916 Indian Model K
Older Indians are best known for their four-stroke V-twin powerplants, though the company did try their hand at other designs like the Indian Four or the two-stroke single found in the Model K. Designed to be low cost transportation (MSRP was $150), the Model K lasted all of one year before it was replaced by the Model O, which got …