Here’s a solid example (VIN: 2995157) of the 750cc slash 5. It’s been with the same family for over 30 years, and is claimed to ride like a dream though there’s a minor oil leak (“drop or two every month or so”). Obviously it’s got the short wheelbase and the distinctive toaster tank, and it’s only done 21,773 miles over …
German Army – 1961 Maico M250B
I’m hoping one of you out there knows more about this bike than I do, because all I’ve really been able to determine is that the M250B featured a 247cc single-cylinder two stroke that produced 14 horsepower.
Video Intermission – Isle of Man TT Crash and Discussion
First of all, thankfully nobody was hurt due to this wet patch on the course at this year’s Isle of Man. Instead of flying into a wall at 100mph+, Keith Amor was able to just scrub off all his speed by sliding on pavement – not something that always happens at this treacherous course! But there are plenty of crash …
1971 Ducati 450 Mk3 Desmo
Post-Listing Update: This Desmo did not meet reserve, with bidding up to $11,408. Presumably the next Ducati that will skyrocket in value (if it hasn’t already), the 450 Desmo is one of the best singles in history, thanks to the desmodromic system that allowed for 14,000 rpm engine speeds and lovely styling. For some details on what made this bike …
One Owner – 1982 Yamaha XJ650 Turbo
The Yamaha XJ650 Turbo was one of the quintessential examples of the 1980s Japanese movement to bring turbochargers to motorcycles. Right after Honda brought out the CX Turbo (an example of which is found here on Bike-urious), Yamaha brought out a turbocharged variant of their 650 Seca. In my opinion, this was the best looking of the 80s turbo bikes, …
1956 DKW Hummel 50
Post-Listing Update: This Hummel 50 did not meet reserve with bidding up to $2,002. DKW, which stood for Das Kleine Wunder (The Little Wonder) started selling cycles with engines in 1919 – 13 years later they became part of Auto Union:
2001 Kawasaki W650 Scrambler
A reference to the Kawasaki W1, itself a copy of the BSA A7, the Kawasaki W650 is also inspired by the Triumph Bonneville. The W650 actually preceded the rebirth of the Bonnie and for a brief moment in time in the early 2000s, it was the best option for someone looking for classic British looks with dependable reliability.
1970 Yamaha DS6
Here’s a highly original, numbers-matching example of a rare Yamaha – the DS6. An evolution of the YDS line, this was a 250cc class single that had a 5-valve cylinder. It produced about 29 horsepower, and was available in a scrambler variant as well.
1983 Suzuki XN85 Turbo
Post Sale Update: This XN sold for the opening bid of $8,500. On the market for less than a year, Suzuki XN85 was the first factory bike to feature a 16-inch front wheel – previously reserved for race bikes. That wheel, combined with low clip-ons and a Suzuki Full Floater rear suspension made it a nearly peerless handler for the …
1989 Honda GB500
Post Listing Update: This GB500 was relisted multiple times with slightly lower BIN figures. Eventually it got down to $5,000 but that still wasn’t enough to attract a buyer, and it seems like the seller gave up on eBay. Honda’s GB500 has become quite a cult classic (with the selling prices to prove it) thanks to its classic (British) good …
591 Miles – 1981 Moto Guzzi G5 V1000 Police
I’m a sucker for police bikes, which means this Moto Guzzi G5 V1000 Police caught my eye – not to mention it only had about 600 miles of service in Haiti before coming to the US.
6 Miles – 2004 Ducati 998 Matrix Reloaded Edition
As a vehicle aficionado, I thought the best part of the Matrix Reloaded was the incredible chase scene which was basically a GM ad. Just for the movie, production crews built a 1.5 mile freeway on old runways of a decommissioned Naval Air Station. At some point in the scene, a Ducati 996 is featured for some high-speed lane splitting:
1999 Ducati Monster Cromo
In 1999, Ducati released a special edition of the Monster. They called it the Cromo, and it was obviously named due to the distinctive tank, which was complemented by a carbon fiber rear seat cover and rear fender. It also got adjustable front forks and the high-po 74 horsepower engine. The next year, Ducati added fuel injection to the Monster …
Kenny Roberts Inspired – 2002 Yamaha FZ1
The Yamaha FZ1 is an under-appreciated bike. Introduced in 2001, it gave you the power of a modified R1 engine (145 hp) with all-day ergonomics. Low-end power suffered compared to the competition, but it was silly amounts of fun over 8,000 rpm.
Ending Soon – 1961 Matchless G80TCS Typhoon
After years of success with the G80, Matchless offered a “Competition Suspension” variant called the G80CS to answer demands for more power, aimed towards US riders who were looking for a desert racer. But for three years (’59-’61), Matchless released an even better version – the Matchless G80TCS Typhoon. Just 125 were built, and most were exported to the US.