Released in 1986 and named after racer Renzo Pasolini, the Ducati Paso was a bike created from odd beginnings. Built during the tumultuous years when Ducati was owned by Cagiva, this bike was designed to compete with the up and coming Japanese superbikes of the time. Designed by the famous Massimo Tamburini, this bike is as enveloped in plastic as …
$1600 Adventurer – 1996 Triumph Tiger 900
Affectionately known as the “Steamer”, the first gen of the dual-sport Tiger was built between 1993 and 1998. It was a quirky option to the better known R1100GS. For more on the Tiger, check out this review from MCN. This example has 45,000 miles and is claimed to be in very good condition. The only problem is that the clock …
1969 Velocette Venom Thruxton
Post-Listing Update: After 23 bids on eBay, this Thruxton got up to $15,000 but did not meet reserve. 4-3 Update: Reader Tom D notes that this bike is back up on eBay. The first listing did not get any action at the $25,000 opening bid, so the seller is starting with a much lower opening bid and a reserve. Find …
ADHOC #8 – Yamaha XJ650 Custom
The brainchild of David Gonzalex, Ad Hoc Cafe Racers have built a series of cool customs. This is the 8th one, based on a Yamaha XJ650.
1997 Bimota Mantra DB3
The Bimota Mantra, to put it bluntly, is probably the ugliest motorcycle to come out of the Rimini company’s doors. With that said, I love that they took a chance – you may never see a bike that looks like this again.
Sparkling Green – 1971 Harley-Davidson FX Super Glide
Post Listing Update: Despite 17 bids up to $15,800, this Harley FX did not meet reserve. Considered by some to be the first factory custom bike, the Harley-Davidson FX Super Glide was Willie G’s brainchild and an attempt to satisfy the countless H-D enthusiasts that would customize their brand new Harleys. Most people associate this bike with the “Sparkling America” …
1966 Moto Guzzi Lodola
Intorduced in 1956, the Moto Guzzi Lodola was Carlo Guzzi’s last design – unfortunately I can’t say I’m a big fan of the aesthetics. The bike started with a 175cc engine but by 1959 the “Gran Turismo” version was introduced with a 235cc engine that put out 11 horsepower, enough to get the Lodola up to 70 miles per hour. …
Completely Restored – 1979 Honda CBX
In the late 70s, the big four Japanese companies kicked off a horsepower war by stuffing big engines into their usual frames, creating the notion of superbikes. When it came to Big Red’s turn, Honda decided to push boundaries and utilize their first 6-cylinder engine in a production motorcycle. Benelli actually beat Honda to the punch in terms of 6-cylinder …
1949 Nimbus Model C
The Nimbus motorcycle dates back to 1919, the result of a vacuum cleaner manufacturer that decided expansion into bikes was a worthwhile endeavor. They were technologically advanced, with shaft drive, steel frames, and a telescopic front fork (a year before the BMW R12, though the latter was hydraulically damped). The first Nimbus was affectionately known as the Stovepipe…in 1932 the …
In Belgium – 1904 Peugeot Type D Racer
An interesting example of the transition between powered bicycles and motorcycles, this Peugeot Type D Racer is claimed to be one of two known to exist. Fair warning – I couldn’t find much on these bikes so I’m taking the seller (a motorcycle dealership in Belgium called HD-Classic) at face value here.
Couple of Katanas – 1982 Suzuki Katana x2
The Suzuki Katana is a very distinctive bike designed by Hans Muth (the fairing might remind you of a similar Muth creation – the BMW R65LS). In the late 70s and early 80s, Japanese manufacturers were selling standard bikes as fast as they could make them. And while most of the bikes were technically sound, they all started to emulate …
Storz Cafe Conversion – 2004 Harley-Davidson Sportster
Storz Performance sells kits to turn 2004+ Sportsters into a cafe racer-styled motorcycle. Here’s an example that’s claimed to be a show quality – it has 900 stress-free miles since the build was completed.
Original Paint – 1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead
Here’s a last-year Knuckle that looks great in its original paint. It has 32,075 miles and is claimed to run and ride great. The current owner has owned it for 63 years, and over the years has received a new 74 ci Knuckle engine, new seat, and not much else. The asking price is significant – wonder what it will …
Bike-urious 2015 Reader Survey
Update: Here’s a summary of the results! Thanks for participating. Now for something a little different – instead of you reading something I’ve written, I’d be honored if I could hear your thoughts. I have the pleasure of exchanging emails with many of you on a daily basis, but if you could spare 3 minutes I’d really appreciate your thoughts …
Dunstall Dominator Replica – 1966 Norton Atlas 750
4-1-15 Update: This ‘Dunstall Dominator’ replica is up for sale again, this time with a BIN of $15,000 or best offer here on eBay. Post-Listing Update: This bike did not meet reserve at $12,850. In the early 1960s, Norton factory racers were called Domiracers. Here’s a Norton Atlas that’s been loaded with every possible period Dunstall bit to look just …