IZH, also known as Izhevsk Machinebuilding Plant, has been making motorcycles since 1928. But that’s not why you know them. You know them as the manufacturer of the ubiquitous Kalashnikov AK-47 assault rifle. But seeing as this website isn’t called “gun-curious”, let’s talk about one of their more recent models, the IZH Jupiter 5.
Rally Raid – 2002 Aprilia Caponord
Did you know (I sure as hell didn’t) that in 2003, Aprilia released a limited edition of its Caponord dual-sport called the Rally Raid, which was a surprisingly different bike. Between 350-380 were sold – none in the US, so the seller of this bike took it upon himself to acquire Rally Raid specific parts and modify his US model …
1969 Suzuki AS50 Maverick
Post Sale Update: This Maverick sold for $3,265 after 31 bids on eBay. The Suzuki AS50 Maverick was a tiddler with an interesting flat-bottom headlight. When reviewed by Motorcycle Mechanics, the tester got an impressive 114 miles per gallon!
To the Top of Alaska, Day 19
June 22nd, 2014 – Pouce Coupe, BC to Banff National Park, AB ~500 miles The sun rises on our little slice of Pouce Coupe Regional Park: God Bless the Milepost: One of the brothers had a tire that kept going flat. For the first time ever, I was prepared thanks to the fact that one of my valve stem caps …
Clubman Trim – 1960 BSA Gold Star
The BSA Gold Star is one of my favorite classic Brit singles, and this example (VIN: DBD34GS 4998) is a beauty in Clubman trim. It spent some time as an office show piece but the seller has turned it into a rider – he claims that it runs well and that everything works. This year of the Gold Star featured …
1987 Honda TR200 Fat Cat
Sold for just two years, the Honda TR200 (better known as the Fat Cat) was similar to the more popular Yamaha TW200. With a 199cc four-stroke engine putting power through a five speed transmission and an automatic clutch, this bike was unique due to its use of two ATV-style tires.
Royal Purple – 2000 BMW R1100RS
It’s not very often that you see a purple motorcycle, but thanks to this repainted BMW R1100RS, you’ve now got a chance. In fact, I think this is the first purple BMW motorcycle I’ve ever seen. The seller says that it’s been taken care of with attention to every detail, yet…the roundel is at a bizarre angle. Maybe I’m missing …
1973 Penton Hare Scrambler 250
John Penton and KTM are well tied into each other – going back to 1968 when Penton funded KTM’s research to build some prototype bikes. Thous prototypes eventually became 100cc Berkshires which started KTM’s success in the US. In 1973, the Penton Hare Scrambler was introduced as a bigger, better variant.
1 of 122 – 1970 Indian Velo 500
After Indian went out of business in 1953, it lay dormant for quite a while. But in 1967, former West Coast distributor Floyd Clymer bought the rights to the Indian name and tried to bring the company back. He initially tried to partner with a couple of German companies to create the ‘new Indian’, but that never got past the …
$1000 – 1971 Bridgestone 100 TMX
Yes, Bridgestone is known as a tire company, but for a couple of decades they made some class-leading motorcycles. One of their very rare models is the Bridgestone 100 TMX, a tiny trail bike that featured some quality tech.
1971 Honda SL350
For reasons unknown, I’ve been on a little bit of a small Honda off-road kick recently. It continues with this beautifully restored Honda SL350.
Video Intermission – BMW HP4 Launch Control
Though I might have a thing for classic vehicles, it’s hard to deny how impressive new technologies are. One of the most impressive on motorcycles has got to be launch control. Look how easily this guy accelerates to illegal speeds: Want to be like this guy? Here’s a 2013 BMW HP4 for sale on the S1000RR Forum for $18,300 in …
1980 Yamaha SR500
The Yamaha SR500 has been a popular bike for decades, due to clean styling and a reliable single-cylinder engine. These traits have also led this bike to be the base for thousands of custom works, including choppers, dirt-trackers, and cafe racers. Here’s one in “truly outstanding condition”, which is one of the nicer ones I’ve seen in a while.
1967 Honda CB160
Post Listing Update: Despite 14 bids on eBay up to $2,125, this little CB did not meet reserve. One of the truly iconic small-displacement Japanese bikes, the Honda CB160 is a small but well-built street bike. This specific example has undergone a frame-off restoration and looks absolutely lovely.
To the Top of Alaska, Day 18
June 21st, 2014 – Liard Hot Springs, BC to Pouce Coupe, BC ~480 miles Left the lodge the next morning, and was greeted by this sign explaining how screwed you were if you needed gas or mechanical assistance. Nearest gas was 90 miles north or 35 miles south. Good news was we were going south.