This Yamaha YZ250 was converted into a racer that placed 5th in class at the 2011 Pikes Peak Hill Climb. To make this happen, plenty of custom work was done, including Excel rims, Moto Master brakes, Galfer rotors, and a suspension set up for a 160 pound rider. However, this bike will probably need an engine rebuild, and it includes …
Purple Widowmaker – 1975 Kawasaki H2 750
A legend in the motorcycling world, the Kawasaki H2 750 is remembered so fondly thanks to its peaky, narrow powerband and its poor handling characteristics. A bike for experts only, the Widowmaker commands respect wherever it goes.
Video Intermission – McLean Monocycle
Kerry McLean has made a name for himself with a series of Monocycles – including a 5hp model built to learn on and his piece de resistance, a monocycle with a V-8 stuffed inside of it. Here’s a summary: Segment007 from Ripley’s Believe It or Not! on Vimeo. And here’s a video of an unfortunate crash that happened over a …
1994 Yamaha V-Max Street Fighter Custom
Ever seen one of those big, brawly Yamaha V-Maxs and wondered what it would be like if it was some sort of street fighter? I realize the answer to that question is probably no, but this presents a potentially interesting answer to a question that no one’s asking. This V-Max is heavily modified – highlights include the front forks from …
1982 Ducati 900 SD
After the classic 750 GT of the 70s, Ducati looked to evolve with a simpler engine, and they ended up with the first ‘square case’ bevel twin – the 860 GT. It was a commercial flop, so just a few years later, the Ducati 900 SD Darmah was released, and it was a much better sport tourer. The SD (Sport …
1941 Harley Davidson Servi-Car
Thanks to some pretty photos, this is one of the nicest-looking Servi-Cars I’ve seen in a while. This bike (VIN: 41g8968) was restored 10 years ago and is a runner that comes with a photo album ‘detailing some of the restoration process’. Find this Servi-Car for sale in Portland, Oregon with bidding up to $10,599 and the reserve not yet …
1967 Triumph Trophy
Hartz Bros Custom Cycle is in the middle of a ‘stock series’ where they are rebuilding Triumph 650s. This example merges a ’67 T120R frame with a ’71 engine and has been restored to be like new with .20 over pistons, Hepolite rings, Wassell electronic ignition, a new Amal 930, and more. It seems the shop used to focus on …
1999 Bimota DB4 Tricolore
The Bimota DB4 Tricolore followed the Italian firm’s modus operandi of taking a well established engine from another manufacturer and surrounding it with beautiful Italian bodywork. Using a frame similar to the Bimota Mantra, this successor wasn’t much of a technological advancement. Think of it instead as a moving piece of art.
Great Deal – 1990 Honda CBR1000F
The Honda CBR1000F was a long-lived sport tourer that did everything well, but offered less in excitement than its competition from Kawi or Suzuki. With 135 horsepower, it was good for 155 miles per hour and in this case, a patriotic paint job. And this one’s up for cheap!
Auction Preview – Bonhams Las Vegas
After I took a look at the Mecum Las Vegas auction that’s coming up, Paul D’Orleans reminded me about the Bonhams auction that’s happening the same week. This will also be a hefty post, so get comfy.
Rocket Ron’s F3 Winner – Honda CB400 Racer
This Honda CB400 was converted by a Honda dealership called Nettleton Motorcycles into a road racer that Rocket Ron won the F3 World Title in 1980. In addition, he finished 3rd at the Isle of Man. It was restored in the late 80s, since when it’s done a few parade laps. Find Rocket Ron’s winning bike for sale here at …
1969 Suzuki AS50
The Suzuki AS50 was a tiddler with an interesting flat-bottom headlight. When reviewed by Motorcycle Mechanics, the tester got an impressive 114 miles per gallon!
1968 Sears Puch Sabre
Post Sale Update: After 35 bid son eBay, this Sabre sold for $3,150…to a Bike-urious reader! Manufactured for Sears by Puch, the Puch Sabre is technically a motorcycle, though it was marketed as a moped. This European beauty features one of the more interesting-looking engines I’ve ever seen.
Paris Dakar – 1981 BMW R80GS
Post Sale Update: After 20 bids on eBay, this R80GS sold for $10,000. Here’s a solid example of the motorcycle that started the concept of big adventure dual-sports. It’s being offered by the third owner (who’s had it for the last 14 years) and has 53,267 miles. This bike (VIN: WBM034803B6362181) stands out for a couple of reasons: first, it’s …
800 Miles – 1989 Honda NX125
The Honda NX125 was the smallest of the NX’s, which were only imported for a few years. The combination of XR-roots with a slightly more street friendly composition made it an excellent all-rounder. Offered in the states in 125, 250, and 650cc versions, the NX650 was by far the most popular in the US.