Post-Listing Update: This Z50 did not meet reserve despite 32 bids up to $1,775. The Christmas Special is also known as the “Chrome Edition”, as everything (even the frame) is chromed. It seems that the model name was actually Z50RD, where the D stands for Dealer. Top Honda retailers got 2 of these to sell in 1986 in the month …
Bike-urious: 2014 In Review
With the end of 2014 comes the close of the 2nd year of this little motorcycle site. Let’s take a moment to recap a few things:
Video Intermission – The Art of Bike
Get ready for a video that pokes fun at some of the stereotypes seen in motorcycling customization nowadays, with quotes like: “I usually use grinders cause they make a lot of sparks…cause the sparks make it look legit, like I’m actually doing something.” It’s done in jest by See See Motor Coffee Co., who’s letting you know that The One …
Movie Hero – 2002 Triumph Daytona 955i
I can’t put into words how bad the video I’m about to show you is. It’s almost so horrible that it’s good in a silly way. Almost.
Couple of Unexpected Off-Roaders
The Suzuki SV650 and Harley-Davidson Sportster were originally designed to stay on pavement. But thanks to some creative owners, I can show you two examples that have been converted into bikes that can handle pavement or dirt.
AMA Superbike – 1986 Honda Interceptor VFR750F Racer
This Honda Interceptor VFR750F Racer was a AMA Superbike racer as soon as it was bought new in ’85. The original owner got one of the first 3 HRC “Power-Up” Kits and then raced it until 1990, where it stayed in climate controlled storage for 22 years. Now it’s ready to go back to racing.
1994 Harley Pro Street Custom
Here’s a hefty Harley (VIN: 1D9SS64DXRH251140) featuring an Atlas Pro-Magnum frame. As you can guess, it’s got all kinds of custom work, but it’s all wrapped around an 89 cubic inch engine and 4 speed transmission. It’s also got an EMC “Torque Multiplier”, which was a supercharger developed by Eagle Motor Company that claimed to yield 30-50% more torque and …
Impressive Condition – 1990 Suzuki DR350S
25 year old dual-sports should not look this good.
1960 Francis-Barnett Plover
Founded in 1919 by Gordon Francis and Arthur Barnett, Francis-Barnett was an English motorcycle manufacturer that was eventually acquired by AMC in ’47. After WWII, the company focused on small two-strokes with Villiers-sourced engines. After ’57 they started using AMC’s powerplant. Francis-Barnett liked to name their bikes after birds, including Falcon, Kestrel, Merlin, and more. One of those birds was …
Video Intermission – UGLY MOTO Illustrations
In a classic example of being poorly named, UGLY MOTO is the work of Francis Ooi, a Singapore-based creative director who has created a series of illustrations of classic motorcycles.
Restored – 1975 Husqvarna 250 WR
Made famous as Malcom Smith’s ride in On Any Sunday, the Husqvarna WR 250 is right up there with the 400 Cross as the most famous bikes Husky ever produced.
135 Miles – 1979 Triumph T140D Bonneville Special
Apparently inspired by the Yamaha XS650 Special, the Triumph T140D Bonneville Special was an exercise in styling that also introduced a few features that were incorporated into future Bonnies.
1970 Chair-E-Yacht
The Chair-E-Yacht got no action at the opening bid of $899. The cleverly named Chair-E-Yacht was designed to help people in wheelchairs get around town easier. The idea is that you could roll a wheelchair up the ramp, lock yourself in, and then use the ‘yacht’ to navigate smaller streets. It was capable of hitting 15-20mph thanks to what looks …
2003 Cagiva V-Raptor 1000
1-4-15 Update: This V-Raptor is back up for sale with nicer photos and a BIN of $6,500 or best offer here on eBay. The Cagiva V-Raptor was designed as alternative to the Ducati Monster – they were even styled by the same man. Though there are plenty of similarities, the Raptor comes with the V-Twin heart from a Suzuki TL.
EagleRider – More Than Just Harley Rentals
As a resident of sunny Los Angeles, I occasionally ride by a giant building next to the 405 with “EagleRider.com’ plastered on the side. I had heard about EagleRider before, but as I’ve never been much of a cruiser guy, I had always disregarded the company because I was under the impression that they only rented Harleys. Turns out I …