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.
2014 Norton Commando 961 SF
Post Sale Update: After 24 bids on eBay, this Norton Commando 961 SF sold for $27,599. The rebirth of the Norton Commando now comes in 3 different models – the Cafe Racer, the Sport, and this – the Norton Commando 961 SF. There was also a limited production Special Edition that I’ve featured previously.
1986 Moto Guzzi LeMans 1000
Post Sale Update: This LeMans sold for $4,350 after 28 bids on eBay. The ’86 Moto Guzzi LeMans 1000 was one of five generations of the LeMans – it’s also the most ‘dangerous’ one as it’s the generation where Guzzi retrofitted a 16″ front rim instead of the usual 18″ in a quest to improve handling – except they didn’t …
No Reserve – 1963 Norton Atlas 750
You’ve got to love no reserve auctions. Named after the ICBM, the Norton Atlas was released in 1962, earning a so-so reputation before being replaced by the classic Commando. Built to appeal to American aesthetic preferences, it was initially only produced for export. The Atlas produced 55 horsepower, with plenty of torque available low in the rev range. Utilizing Norton’s …