The Thunderbird name has shown up on 3 distinct models of the Triumph line since 1949 – this 6T model is from the original series. For its public launch, three production bikes were ridden from the Meriden plant to a circuit near Paris where they were then ridden over 500 miles at an average of 92 miles per hour. The …
Ex-Royal Fire Service – 1959 Matchless G3
Post-Listing Update: This Matchless G3 did not meet reserve at $4,250. Back when I interviewed Angus Dykman of Northeast Sportscar, he specifically called out a few of his bikes as ones that weren’t available for sale at the time. I found myself absolutely taken with one of the bikes in particular, so I’m surprised to see that this former Royal …
1970 Minsk M105
Here’s a bike that I basically couldn’t not find any information on – the Minsk M105. If anyone has experience with these bikes, please share your knowledge! Minsk (which is still around) is a motorcycle manufacturer out of Belarus that made a name for itself decades ago by producing durable bikes that were available in Russia, Cambodia, the UK, and …
Trailhopper – 1971 Suzuki MT-50
Also known as the Trailhopper, the Suzuki MT-50 was a mini bike designed to fit in the trunk of your car with swing-in handlebars and a removable front wheel.
1984 Kawasaki KZ700
The Kawasaki KZ700 was a one year only bike built to get around a tax on imported bikes with a displacement of over 700 (designed to help Harley Davidson).
2006 Metrakit Pre-GP 125
Looking for a purpose-built race bike for a young racer-to-be? Look no further than the Metrakit Pre-GP 125. Metrakit, a Spanish company that unfortunately went bankrupt (but still has a large presence in Australia), was well known for creating a series of tiny roadracers that were quite dominant in 50-80cc mini GP races across the world. In the mid 2000s, …
Couple of Ariel Square 4’s
The design for the Ariel Square 4 goes all the way back to 1931, soon after Edward Turner created the interesting new four-cylinder motorcycle engine formed from two OHC parallel twins. The design became known as the square four engine, and lent its name to this Ariel motorcycle.
1998 Laverda Ghost Strike
Talk about a fantastic name for a motorcycle. The Laverda Ghost Strike is one of the many variants the Italian firm pushed out in the late 90s that were powered by either the 650 or 668cc parallel twins. Laverda actually offered a Ghost and a Strike as separate models, the former a trellis-framed naked bike, the latter a perimeter-framed naked. …
CHP – 1938 Harley-Davidson Patrol Bike
I adore police bikes, and this classic Harley is a beautiful example of an ex-California Highway Patrol motorcycle. Too bad the pictures are all so tiny.
Red Hot Chili Customs – BMW R100RS
Based out of Szczecin, Poland, Red Hot Chili Customs has put together an interesting scrambler based on the BMW R100RS. All kinds of parts have come together to form this, including the tank from a Honda CB400, brake calipers from a Honda Africa Twin, Edelweiss Hot Cam, Motogadget speedo, and plenty more. Find this R100RS custom for sale in Szczecin, …
1938 Norton 16H
Between 1911 and 1954, Norton produced a series of bikes all around a 490cc side-valve engine. These bikes were referred to as the 16H – H stood for Home, as in a domestic model. The 16C (Colonial) was introduced in ’21, and had more ground clearance for roads in poor condition.
1989 Moto Guzzi Le Mans 1000 Series V
Moto Guzzi learned from their mistake of putting a 16″ front wheel on the Mk V Le Mans, so the Mk5 went back to the usual 18 incher. Many other small but helpful improvements came together to form the last generation of Le Mans’, in a very color-matching design.
Toaster Tank – 1973 BMW R75/5
Here’s a low mileage (19k) example of the BMW R75/5 which looks great in original Granada Red paint. It’s being offered by the third owner, who refreshed by the bike in early 2014. The refresher avoided any cosmetics – instead the bike got new tires, suspension, ignition, cables, handlebars, and seals. All work was done by Bombars Beemers, and this …
Heavily Farkled – 1958 BSA Super Rocket
In the 50s, BSA was considered to be a manufacturer of reliable motorcycles, though general consensus was that they were falling behind in performance to Triumph and Norton. Birmingham Small Arms fought responded with the BSA Super Rocket, which has to be fast just based on the name, right?
Slippery Sam Replica – 1976 Triumph Trident 150V
Just a couple of days ago I featured a nifty custom Trident 150V, and I was stunned to find another in such a short timeframe: a production class racer based on the T150 Triumph Trident, “Slippery Sam” was bequeathed its unique name during the 1970 Bol d’Or 24 Hour Race when an oil pump failed, covering Percy Tait in black …