A direct response to the ‘mega-cruiser’ Honda Magna, the Suzuki Madura was all about one-upmanship. Honda called their Magna an 1100, so the Madura was called a 1200, even if the engine was actually 1165cc. Honda rated the Magna at 116hp, Suzuki rated the Madura at…117 horsepower. You get the idea. Either way, it was a rare (5,099 produced over …
1966 Suzuki X6 Hustler
The Suzuki X6 Hustler, also called the T20 Super Six, was an instant hit with riders who loved high performance engines in lightweight bikes. The 247cc engine was capable of hitting over 100hp/liter (about 29 horsepower), and the bike was packed with plenty of technology, including the first 6-speed transmission used in a production motorcycle!
Ending Soon – 1965 Honda CM91 Roadster Kit
The base model of this bike is something most people are familiar with – the step through Honda Cub, what James May once called the greatest machine ever. But in the late 60s, Honda was worried that scooters were losing popularity. Their solution was the Roadster Kit, which would completely change the CM91.
Interview – George Dockray
Back in July, I featured a drop-dead gorgeous custom Moto Guzzi. It was a mix between a cafe racer and an endurance racer replica, and it’s one of the coolest Guzzi’s I’ve ever seen. The builder/owner, George Dockray, ended up reaching out to discuss this bike and some of his other motorcycles. I instantly knew that he was someone that …
A couple of Honda Z50s
To complement the oddball “Monkey Davidson” from a week back, here’s two other rare examples of Honda’s Z50, both offered for sale by the same seller.
2003 IZH Jupiter 5
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.