Like most motorcycle aficionados, I’m a big fan of Paul D’Orleans – also known as the man behind The Vintagent. I’ve always found him to be very detailed in his research, and therefore very knowledgeable about the vintage motorcycles he’s passionate about.
Video Intermission – Rossi vs. Stoner, 2008
Let’s back up 6 years to a better time when MotoGP was still at Laguna Seca and Valentino Rossi could win a race. Here’s one of the better duels in modern MotoGP – Rossi vs. Stoner. I still can’t believe Rossi didn’t lose control on his bike during the pass on the corkscrew:
Video Intermission – 2015 Kawasaki Ninja H2R
Kawasaki’s been teasing this bike for weeks, but they’ve finally released a video that actually shows the whole bike: Frankly, the way they’ve released it this (with useless videos referring to a small detail of the bike every week or so) has annoyed me. But then they announced that it will make ‘roughly’ 300 horsepower, and all is forgiven. Head …
Video Intermission – Riding the Wall
Well…this guy got lucky. Originally found on reddit.
No Wind – 1973 BMW R75/5
This BMW R75/5 is an unrestored original example with one of the largest fairings you’ll find – a period Avon unit. It comes with Krauser saddlebags, Reynolds ride-away center stand, and a rare locking fuel tank cap. You’ll also get original paint, the original seat and rear rack, and of course, the toaster tank. Find this BMW R75/5 for sale …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Easy Rider – The Captain America
One of the most replicated motorcycles of all time (I’ve even featured a well done replica for sale before), the Captain America from Easy Rider is an icon for all kinds of riders. One month from now, however, the real thing is coming up for sale at auction, where the estimated sale price is…are you sitting down? $1-1.2 million.
Supercharged – 2006 Triumph Rocket III
The Triumph Rocket III made quite the stir when it first came out in 2004, as it had the largest displacement engine fitted to mass production motorcycle – a whopping 2.3L that put out 140 hp. Fun fact: the STARTER motor on this bike makes as much power as Triumph’s first-ever motorcycle – just about 1.75 horses.
Video Intermission – MotoGeo Mongolia Adventure
You ever meet someone who’s doing what you’ve been dreaming of? Once you get over the initial jealousy, it’s incredibly inspiring. This weekend, I went through that exact experience with Jamie Robinson: former motorcycle racer, current founder of MotoGeo, and as you’ll see when you watch his videos – a big fan of giving people a “thumbs up”.
Picture Intermission – Venice Vintage Motorcycle Club Rally 2014
This past Saturday, I went to see the Venice Vintage Motorcycle Club Rally, which was fantastic. Unfortunately, I was only able to spend about an hour there, so I didn’t have a chance to see as much as I would have wanted to. With that in mind, I also didn’t get as many photos as usual, so I apologize in …
Video Intermission – Honda RC148
Jesus Christ. Turn your speakers down, because this is just incredible. I wasn’t paying attention the first time I watched this – you hear a tiny idle and I naively thought it was the motorcycle. Then you see that the noise was just a generator for a wheel to bump start the racer. 5 cylinders, each 25cc, could rev up …
Dirt Cheap – 1995 MZ Skorpion 660
The MZ Skorpion was the result of an international partnership between a British design firm, the East German manufacturer, MZ, and Yamaha. Weighing 380 pounds and packing 48 horsepower, this is a rare sportbike that has become quite the cult classic. The Skorpion utilizes the engine and electrical systems from a Yamaha XT660, and the brakes/suspension from Italian firm Grimeca. …
Rare in the US – 2007 Honda Varadero XL1000V
I’m still trying to figure out how this bike came to the United States, because Honda never imported them here. But the Varadero has been around since 1999, steadily plugging along as an adventure bike with the heart from a Superhawk.