Incredibly similar to the popular XS650, the Yamaha TX650 differentiated itself solely through a larger gas tank. The 653cc twin engine yielded 53 horsepower and a top speed of 105 miles per hour. For more information, check out this 600 mile road test from Motorcycle Classics. This example looks great thanks to a recent (1,100 miles ago) restoration, so find …
Video Intermission – The KTM 1190 Adventure
For all you that think the big trailies are only useful for on fire roads, Chris Birch proves yet again that the most important factor is the rider. There’s a little bit of repetition in this video, but I assure you that it’s worth it – particularly the bit starting at 1:25 (repeated again in slow motion at 1:41):
Looks Like a Harley – 1973 BMW R75/5
This 1973 BMW R75/5 was converted by Harley-Davidson of Charlotte into the oddball you see in front of you. It’s claimed to run great…and that’s pretty much it. Find this oddball for sale here on Craigslist in Apex, North Carolina for $2,600. This bike-uriousity brought to you by Jim R!
1983 Honda MVX250F
Post-Listing Update: This MVX250F did not attract any bids at $4,200, even after being relisted. Two things you don’t expect to see in the world of motorcycles: a 2-stroke V3 engine, and a Honda that’s unreliable. You’ll get both with this Honda MVX250F!
Picture Intermission – Vintage Harley-Davidson Factory Photos
From reader Mike the Bike comes this excellent link chock full of Harley-Davidson factory photos. You’ll get to see some of their earliest bikes being built, up until the XR750.
Great Deal – 2005 BMW K1200S
The faired variant of the K12R, the BMW K1200S featured the first all-new engine from BMW Motorrad since the early 80’s. Of the big K’s, this was the ‘sports’ model, but the ample fairing and integrated luggage option made it an impressively quick tourer as well. It weighed a hefty 530 pounds, but the engine made 167 horsepower, so it’s …
1963 Ducati Diana 250
Post-Sale Update: After being relisted, this Diana sold for $9,000. 5-11 Update: After not meeting reserve at $6,900, this beautiful Ducati Diana 250 is back up for sale here on eBay. The sport model of Ducati’s bevel-drive singles, the Ducati Diana 250 was an absolute beauty that was able to “hunt down” the competition – this was the Italian of …
1990 Kawasaki ZX-11 Custom
For six years (1990-1995), the Kawasaki ZX-11 was the world’s fastest production motorcycle – thanks to a top speed of 175. Though that record was eventually beat by the legendary Honda Blackbird, the big Ninja had made its mark on the world – Kawasaki has kept its legacy going with the absolutely absurd ZX-14R. Today we’ve got a Ninja that’s …
1955 AJS 18S
The twin of the Matchless G80, this AJS 18S was a big, beautiful 500 single that was a great choice for riders who do their own work. Parts were designed to be rebuilt instead of replaced, and of the classic singles, this bike is probably the best supported of them all.
1987 Suzuki RG400 Walter Wolf Limited Edition
Introduced in 1983, the RG-Gamma series spanned displacements between 250 and 500cc – but the cream of the crop was the Suzuki RG400 Gamma Walter Wolf – a bike made for just two years and only sold in Suzuki’s home market of Japan. None of them were officially exported. A replica of the race bike, it was full of the …
Start Saving Up – 1975 Supercharged Honda GL1000
About a month ago, I featured a supercharged Honda CBX that had been built by Randakk’s Cycle Shakk. Though that bike has since sold, I’ve been very impressed with Randakk and have tried to keep tabs on any other bikes coming out of his shop. This Supercharged Honda GL1000 can be yours starting June 1st – so start saving up.
1 Owner – 1990 BMW R100GSPD
The BMW R100GSPD (PD stands for Paris-Dakar) is my favorite of the dual-sporting BMW’s. This specific example (ignoring the seat which I could do without) is one of the best I’ve seen, thanks to the history provided by the original owner. Go directly to his own page on this bike and tell me that you’re not inspired!
1976 Kawasaki KV75
In the world of minibikes, the Honda Z50 has pretty much reigned supreme. But if you’re looking for something a little bit different, this Kawasaki KV75 might be just the ticket. Thanks to the slightly larger engine and three-speed transmission, you’ll be able to hit about 40 mph on this very original example. The only known problem is that the …
Ride to Alaska – For Free! (sort of)
In the world of adventure motorcycle rentals and guided tours, few companies have had success like MotoQuest. I’ve only met a few of their employees, but all of them have been knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about getting people out and exploring on motorcycles. As you might guess, they offer one-way rentals – but that can lead to inventory problems. So …
Foggy Monster – 2002 Ducati Monster S4 Fogarty Edition
If you’re looking at the number of championships and individual race wins, Carl “Foggy” Fogarty is the most successful racer to ever rule in World Superbike. In 2002, Italy’s most famous motorcycling firm released the Ducati Monster S4 Fogarty Edition, to honor Foggy himself. Today we’ve got a reasonably priced example of this 1 of 300 limited edition Monster.