The James Cycle Company was a British firm that had a 70 year run that abruptly ended in 1966 when Japanese imports started to dominate the market. Until then, they produced plenty of bikes (most of which were painted maroon) with Villiers and AMC engines. One of their more popular models was the James Captain you see before you.
1969 BSA 441 Victor
In the early 60’s, BSA’s race team was developing a large single in the hopes of winning the 500cc world motocross championship. A 441cc engine ended up being the ticket, which helped BSA capture the 500cc championship in ’64 and ’65. The following year, the company released the BSA 441 Victor Special to the public.
1967 Triumph Bonneville T-120 Bobber
Here’s a custom Triumph Bonneville based on a Factory Metal Works frame. The bike has just 100 miles since a full restoration, and it includes a custom frame, fender, front end, pipes, and brass fixtures. The bike was also featured in the February 2013 edition of The Horse Magazine. Find this Triumph Bonneville Bobber for sale in Bethlehem, Georgia with …
Never Started – 1990 Bimota Tuatara YB6
The Bimota Tuatara YB6 was claimed to be the fastest production motorcycle of its time – though Kawasaki would claim otherwise with their ZZR1100. Still, this bike was an absolute rocket, capable of a solid 175 miles per hour thanks to a tuned Yamaha FZR1000 engine.
Video Intermission – Robbie Maddison
I’m on a flashback kick for these Video Intermissions, but this time I feel like sharing a stunt. Let’s go back to New Year’s Eve, 2008. Robbie Maddison was reportedly paid $2 million by Red Bull to jump up to the top of the “Arc de Triomphe” in front of Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino…and that wasn’t even the …
Bitsa Bike – 1980 Moto Guzzi Custom
Bitsa is a slang term that refers to a bike that’s been put together with “bits of” one bike and “bits of” another. This custom Moto Guzzi definitely qualifies, as it has pieces from multiple late 70s and early 80s Guzzis. As long as you’re not a stickler for originality, who cares? This bike looks good.
1970 Montesa King Scorpion 250
The Montesa King Scorpion 250 was one of the bikes that changed public perception of what a dual sport machine was. Instead of taking a street machine and tacking on ‘dirt’ features, Montesa introduced the concept of starting with a true off-roader, and then tacking on lights and indicators to make it street legal.
1980 Kramer 400
Post Listing Update: Despite 23 bids up to $3,050 on eBay, this Kramer did not meet reserve. I always love featuring motorcycles I’ve never heard of before – I get to learn and share at the same time. Here’s another opportunity for me to learn, with the Kramer 400. Adolph Kramer was a dirt bike tuner and builder extraordinaire who …
The Chopper – The Real Story
Like most motorcycle aficionados, I’m a big fan of Paul D’Orleans – also known as the man behind The Vintagent. I’ve always found him to be very detailed in his research, and therefore very knowledgeable about the vintage motorcycles he’s passionate about.
1941 Indian 648 Big Base Racer
A prototype of the famous Indian 648 Big Base Racer, this bike is claimed to be #3 of 13 pre-production models, according to the seller.
1 of 200 – 2003 Aprilia Tuono Racing
The Aprilia Tuono Racing (before the Italian company started applying the ‘Factory’ moniker on their high-performance bikes) was a limited edition, highest-spec version of the naked Tuono. Think of it as the RSV-R without a fairing and with wider, flatter bars.
XR750 Replica – 1995 Harley-Davidson XR1200 Custom
Here’s a Harley-Davidson XR1200 Custom that’s been converted into a replica of the classic XR750 – with the bonus of being street legal.
Video Intermission – Rossi vs. Stoner, 2008
Let’s back up 6 years to a better time when MotoGP was still at Laguna Seca and Valentino Rossi could win a race. Here’s one of the better duels in modern MotoGP – Rossi vs. Stoner. I still can’t believe Rossi didn’t lose control on his bike during the pass on the corkscrew:
Big Wheel – 1986 Yamaha BW80
The Big Wheel came in three different displacements – 80, 200, and 350cc. Most often used as a learner bike for little kids, the Yamaha BW80 is fondly remembered by those who learned how to ride on it in the late 80s.
Orange Crush – 1974 Laverda 750 SFC
10-1 Update: This Laverda 750 SFC did not meet reserve at $50,000 the last time it was listed. It’s now back up for sale with bidding up to $35,100 (and yes, the reserve not yet met) here on eBay. Say hello to the Laverda 750 SFC, a limited-production, street-legal racer that was the most iconic bike to ever come with …