With the latest chopper craze safely behind us (for now) nice examples of the genre are now available for pennies on the dollar. The Tuetuls and Jessie James’ of the motorcycle world felt the need to get ever more creative in an attempt to stand above the rest and at times the results got a little, uh, outlandish.
Tall Trike – 1960 Harley-Davidson Servicar Custom
Post Sale Update: After 37 bids on eBay, this Servicar custom sold for $20,400. Based on a HD Servicar, this custom was built ‘in the style of Ed Roth’s trike body’.
1970 Speedway Silver Shadow
Post Listing Update: This Silver Shadow did not meet reserve despite 26 bids up to $7,500. I’m not a huge fan of minibikes, but this is one of the most collectible of them all. Don’t believe me? Well, bidding is already up to $7,300 with plenty of time to go in this auction. I’ve seen one or two non-definitive mentions …
1967 MTD Trail Flite Mini Bike
One of the rarer trail bikes out there, the Trail Flite stood out with features like wire wheels, drum brakes, and the nifty leading link suspension.
Purists Will Cry – 1940s Indian Bobbers
Here’s a couple of Indian bobbers that have had some interesting work done, though traditionalists aren’t going to happy.
Dos Hombres – 1959 Harley-Davidson Flathead Custom
Post-Listing Update: This bike was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. This pretty Harley was just featured in the December issue of Easyriders Magazine (NSFW!) I’m digging the shade of blue used on the bodywork, as well as the “4D5” on the tank, referring to the 45 cubic inch flathead engine. What do you think?
1930 Harley-Davidson Model C
The big news for 2014 from Harley Davidson was the addition of a 500cc and 750cc ‘lighter version’ to the HD lineup. It presents a low entry level price point for the HD experience. But the 2014 500cc Harley Davidson wasn’t anywhere near the first. In 1929 Harley introduced the Model C, a 500cc (30.5 cid) flathead single. The model …
All-Electric – 2011 Zero DS Dual Sport
Zero is the largest ‘all electric’ motorcycle manufacturer and a survivor of the rush to electrics. They have consistently pushed the needle in performance and usability.
2011 Hammarhead Solo X
Based on the Ural sT, the Solo X was a custom that you could order from James Loughead, the man behind Hammarhead Industries. Suggested price was $12,500. This example is claimed to have been built for Ewan McGregor, and it has just 200 miles.
1951 Indian Chief Roadmaster
A rare bike from a glorious marque. Nobody knows exactly how many Indians were made in the 1950s, but by 1951 the Chief was the only model left in production, and not many were made. All production ceased in 1953.
Who Needs Wheels – 1970 Air Cycle Hovercraft
No, it’s not really a motorcycle, but it sure is a curiosity! Built by Air Cushion Vehicles, this hovercraft is interesting as the fan is placed in the front, rather than the rear.
1969 Van Tech Bridgestone SR100
Founded by Bill Van Tichelt, Van Tech ended up building aftermarket frames for small-displacement Japanese bikes like the Honda S90, Kawi 100/120, Bridgestone 90/100, and more. The main purpose was to reduce weight, but also give riders the ability to almost ‘hot swap’ engines and suspension work. As they claimed in one of their ads – you can “run a …
Jet Powered Go-Kart
This is quite a disappointing listing, but the concept sure is cool!
Half-Price Demo Bike – 2014 EBR 1190RX
Obviously, EBR has come and gone (though hopefully Bruce Belfer will be bringing it back, yet again). Before EBR went out of business, they created an excellent superbike called the 1190RX, and here’s one that you can get for a song.
Pulsetjet Powered – 2015 Robert Maddox Custom
Post Listing Update: This bike was relisted multiple times on eBay with the BIN eventually dropping to $4,500, but that wasn’t enough to attract a buyer. A pulsejet engine is named for the fact that the combustion happens in pulses. They’re not a particularly popular powerplant (how’s that for alliteration), but Robert Maddox has established himself as a leader in …