We’re looking to get a YouTube channel started up for Iconic, and one of the recurring segments will be a “Sunday Ride” where we try to take out something special out for the day. This weekend we had quite a legend – Honda’s NR750!
Our morning started at the shop, where my partner Adam filmed an introduction. Say hello to Nathan, who’s behind the camera.
I brought out my R1M loaner from Yamaha – I’ve had it for a couple of weeks but today was the first day I truly felt comfortable with it and now I’m wishing I could somehow get some track time before I have to return it. A friend of the shop brought something that was also quite cool – a Japanese-import Honda CBR250RR!
Our video was all about Adam riding the NR, but he kindly let me try it out for a couple of miles. I only rode it in some straight sections so I don’t really have an opinion on it yet, but it did feel very surreal to look down and see the NR logo. I never thought I’d see one of these up close, but here I was…riding one.
Don’t worry – it’s in kilometers.
Our first stop was at Malibu Country Mart, which is heavily car-focused. I loved seeing an old Gullwing and a new one side by side.
If I could have taken one car home with me, it would have been this Lamborghini Miura.
I’ve never heard of a justification for the “eyelashes” beyond a styling feature, and I’ve always been on the fence about them.
Another car that stood out for me (and Nathan’s favorite from the day) was the original GT-R, the Nissan 2000 GT-R “Hakosuka”.
Just 1,945 were built – I have no idea if this is original or a replica (I assume the latter), but I love it either way.
Of all the weird color schemes that BMW has offered on generations of the GS, this might be the oddest. I’m sure I would have hated the purple/yellow combination when it was new, but now I find this two-wheeled tribute to Easter rather charming.
No, Adam didn’t get pulled over (though he may have the last time he rode a NR). The gentleman speaking to the cop is founding chairman of the Petersen Automotive Museum and noted automotive collector Bruce Meyer. Click here for a 8 minute tour of his private garage.
One last car before we head out:
This is a “CitiCar” from the late 70s/early 80s. It was originally built by Sebring-Vanguard, though the designs were eventually sold to Commuter Vehicles. I dig the “Batteries Not Included” license plate frame.
This is one of the earlier designs – by 1980 they had moved the batteries behind the bumper and it was quite an eyesore
The structure is an aircraft-grade aluminum tube space frame surrounded by ABS plastic. The interior is pure 70s.
The next stop was the Rock Store, wherever everyone’s focused on bikes. Hence, the NR750 quickly attracted a crowd.
I still haven’t had a chance to try a LiveWire, but they always catch my eye.
Saw my first Kawasaki Z H2 in the wild. Did you see my behind-the-scenes video from the international launch in Las Vegas?
Stickers on stickers!
I suspect I’ll own a ZRX someday – I still haven’t ridden one but the combination of classic looks and modern-ish performance is very appealing to me. Doesn’t hurt when it’s got Ohlins shocks, as well…
I’ve got a soft spot for the K1200R. Though I barely ride mine any more, it’s got just under 90k miles on it. It’s also much less yellow than this one.
The coolest BMW there.
On the way back, we got some more footage of the NR. I tried to get a behind-the-scenes shot of Nathan at work but my camera was in the wrong setting.
I also made sure to goof around on the R1M a bit:
Thanks for following along, and I’ll let you know when the video is out…