Post-Listing Update: This Maico 501 was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. One of the most sought-after vintage MX bikes of all time, the Maico 501 was released in 1971 and dropped jaws just because of the displacement. At the time, it was the biggest two-stroke speed junkies could buy.
1936 Zenith C5 Special
Not many people know about the old British motorcycle manufacturer, but let me pass along a story about their first motorcycle. Instead of a normal gearbox-based transmission, Zenith developed something called the “Gradua”, a variable pulley that could change the length of the drive belt. Competitors complained, so several racing clubs banned the bike. Zenith responded by including “BARRED” in …
1 of 25 – 2010 KTM RC8R Red Bull Edition
Post-Listing Update: Despite being relisted, this RC8R got no love at $19,900. In 2010, KTM started importing the RC8R to the US. To celebrate, they released two limited edition models, both of which had just 25 examples produced. One was the Akrapovic Edition (reader Zack B. actually found one for sale just 3 days ago), the other is this post’s …
1969 Ducati Scrambler 350
In the 60s, American importer Joe Berliner was bringing in so many Ducatis that he had the ear of the corporate office. So when he started asking for a do-it-all bike aimed towards younger riders, the Italian firm obliged him with the Scrambler, a dual-sport based off the road-based Diana which Berliner had converted for dirt track competitions in the …
Video Intermission – Safety First
Alright, maybe the title of this should be Safety Fifth, because it’s clearly not the priority here. But this video (at least the first few minutes of it) is incredibly exciting, and no one seems to get hurt: Post by Riders Discount.
To the Top of Alaska, Day 15
June 18th, 2014 – Fairbanks, AK to Tok, AK ~200 miles 6:30am the next morning, I get a call from the son. “I’m sorry but I didn’t hear the phone ring. I’m about to head to my day job, but I’ve given my dad a heads up and he’ll be ready for you as soon as you can get over …
How Much? 1923 Harley-Davidson 2-Cam Factory Hillclimber
Well, this is an interesting bike. Claimed to be 1 of the 5 Harley-Davidson 2-Cam Factory Hillclimbers in existence, this bike was restored 20 years ago by the original owner and has since spent its time in a museum. Only problem is, I can’t find any information on these bikes, so I’m just going with what the seller happens to …
Motorcycle Service Shop For Sale
You read it correctly – this post isn’t for a bike, it’s for a whole store!
1973 Honda CB500 Racer
Here’s some vintage racing goodness – a Honda CB500 Four that’s been converted into a racer that competed in F1 CCS’s Vintage Classes in 2000. It was also raced in 2001 and 2002 in CCS, WERA, and AHRMA, and won LW and HW Vintage classes. After that it sat until 2011 when it was sold and got some street duty. …
1975 Harley-Davidson SX 125
Post Listing Update: This SX got no interest at the BIN of $2,500. One of the results of AMF’s investment in Harley, the Harley-Davidson SX 125 was a small displacement enduro complete with “Italian” style and an upswept pipe. This specific Harley-Davidson SX 125 (VIN: 7A12122H5) has 1,100 miles and has recently been restored. It is currently on display at …
Military Chief – 1940 Indian Chief 340B
I’ve featured a few Harleys that were built for the military, but the Indian Chief 340B is the first military Indian I’ve been able to find for sale. Essentially a civilian model that was slightly modified for armed service duty, this was a rare bike – as far as I can tell, only about 5,000 were produced.
SYSK – Northeast Sportscar
As you might imagine, I am constantly going through motorcycle listings, so I like to pretend that I’ve got some experience in seeing what shops do a good job of offering interesting motorcycles and (often just as important) presenting them well. One of my absolute favorites is Northeast Sportscar of Brooklyn, New York, and I thought it was time to …
Picture Intermission – Evading the Waves
In what looks like a scene from The Day After Tomorrow, these three Chinese daredevils try to outrun a wave on a Suzuki 125cc. It seems that in Hangzhou, a tidal bore has been created that ends up in what you see here. For more photos (and a little bit of a description of what’s going on – spoiler alert, …
2004 Ducati 998S Final Edition
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again – I think the Ducati 916 is one of the prettiest motorcycles ever made. The last model evolution of the 916 line was the 998, and I’m pleased to show you the terminus of that bike – the Ducati 998S Final Edition. Only available by special order, the Final Edition (FE) was …
1927 Rudge-Whitworth Four Special
Founded in 1894 through the merger of two bicycle makers, Rudge-Whitworth moved into motorcycle production in 1911. They made a name for themselves with some technological innovations (such as the Multi gear system which allowed for 21 speeds) and some racing success. After starting with a 499cc single, their new model in 1924 was called the Four. But the name …