The Bimota SB6R was an uprated version of the SB6, Bimota’s most popular bike – though for a niche Italian manufacturer, “popular” is a relative term (only 600 units were produced). The SB6R was only produced from 1997-1998, and in many eyes it’s the pinnacle of classic Bimota motorcycles – brutal power from a Japanese engine with the style of …
Video Intermission – Runaway Bike!
During a speedway race, rider Benji Compton had a bit of a fall, but his bike wasn’t ready to quit. The throttle stuck open and the bike takes off, almost running over Benji and then conquering a fence in rapid succession:
Auction Preview – Bonhams Bond Street Sale
This Sunday, Bonhams is hosting the Bond Street Sale, where two classic British motorcycles will be on the block. Both are amazing and eye-wateringly expensive – it’s not every day when you see a bike that makes a Series C Black Shadow seem pedestrian.
2007 Bimota Tesi 3D
One of the most distinctive-looking motorcycles you’ll ever see, the Bimota Tesi 3D features a hub-steering front suspension that has been a defining feature of the model.
1964 Van Tech Scrambler
The Van Tech Scrambler was Van Tech’s first bike. Using a McCulloch kart engine (evolved from a chainsaw engine), it was designed to be a tiny race bike.
1982 Honda CB750F + Freddie Spencer Helmet
Post-Sale Update: This Honda CB750F sold for an unknown best offer less than $2,500. Not a bad deal for the buyer! I’ll admit that I’m basically just featuring this bike so I have an excuse to feature the helmet. The Honda CB750F, also known as the Super Sport, was an evolution of the storied CB750 line. It gained some 80s …
Cheap Runner – 1967 Suzuki S32
The Suzuki S32, also known as the Olympian, was a 150cc 2-stroker twin with dual carbs, a 4-speed transmission, toaster tank, and an electric starter. Though the speedo goes to 100mph, you shouldn’t expect to top 80 while riding it.
Siksika – 1956 Harley-Davidson Panhead Custom
Post-Listing Update: After being relisted, this Panhead Custom did not meet reserve at $23,100. Built by Caleb Owens at Cro Customs, this is a custom Panhead dubbed “Siksika”. It’s received plenty of press from sites like BikeEXIF, and now it can be yours.
A Tale of Two Commandos
Here’s a dilemma – do you want a fully restored Commando, or one that’s about to turn 40 that’s original and unrestored? What would you pick?
1969 Honda Z50 with Sidecar
Here’s a great setup for two reasons – first, it’s a second-generation Z50 from the first year of production. But more importantly this tiny bike is carrying a sidecar that’s bigger than the bike is!
Just Hands – 2003 Yamaha R6
This Yamaha R6 has been modified by the seller to be rideable by someone who is paralyzed from the waist down. It’s quite fascinating – a Translogic push button shifter takes care of swapping gear ratios, while custom electronic outriggers take care of keeping the bike upright at a stop. The outriggers are deployed via a toggle switch mounted in …
1936 Velocette GTP
Post Listing Update: This GTP did not meet reserve despite 22 bids up to $6,526 on eBay. Velocette started out building motorcycles with two-stroke engines. The culmination of their two-stroker line was the Velocette GTP, a lightweight bike that was produced for 16 years.
Video Intermission – The Y2K Turbine Motorcycle
I’ve always been intrigued by this bike since discovering it on Jay Leno’s Garage. Mat Oxley calls it “an exercise in technological masturbation” and “not a complete motorcycle”. Once you listen to the Rolls Royce helicopter engine spool up, you probably won’t care:
1958 Ducati 200 Elite
Post-Listing Update: This Elite did not meet reserve at $16,110 on eBay. I know I featured a couple of these just a few days ago, but this Elite is an absolute gem. The Ducati 200 Elite was the Italian firm’s largest-displacement bike when it was introduced – a whopping 204cc when they bored out the popular 175cc engine.
1971 Speedway Widowmaker
The Speedway Widowmaker has one of the greatest names ever affixed to a motorcycle. It also doesn’t sound like something you’d want to buy your kid who was learning on a tiny 80cc two-stroke.