For KTM fans, the letters RFR are something special. They stand for Rally Factory Replica, and they designate bikes that compete in legendary races like the Dakar Rally. Here’s an example that formerly campaigned in the world’s gnarliest off-road race, but it’s got the rare bonus of already being plated in the US, specifically in California.
2001 KTM 640 LC4 Enduro
Post Listing Update: This KTM did not get any interest at the asking price of $4,500. My research for the KTM 640 LC4 Enduro led me to the conclusion that KTM took their race bike, put blinkers on, and sent them to showrooms. Spotty reliability before 2004 and rough vibrations lead to some second thoughts when commuting to an off-road …
2012 KTM RC8R
Post Listing Update: This RC8R did not get any action at the opening bid of $7,000. I just featured a KTM RC8R last week, so it should be no surprise that this Austrian-bred machine is my kind of weird. 175 horsepower created by two cylinders with no factory electronic aids is a precise recipe for happiness I cannot wait to …
2012 KTM RC8R
Post Listing Update: This KTM did not get any interest at the asking price of $11,000. If you have read my articles, you know I love oddball sportbikes. The KTM RC8 is one of those oddballs, with the RC8R model being the more track oriented version. The WP suspension is top spec, and Brembo brakes are more than capable of …
Street Legal – 2018 Husqvarna FS 450
Post Listing Update: Unfortunately, this bike was pulled off of eBay as the bike was stolen from the owner. 9-19-18 Update: The seller let me know that the winning bidder “could not come up with financing” so the sale was cancelled. This Husky is back up on eBay with a lowered opening bid of $11,760 or a BIN of $14,260 …
2006 Husaberg FS650E
Husaberg was acquired by KTM in 1995, but Bergs weren’t built in Austria until 2003. That new generation of bikes utilized many KTM parts, and the press loved the Austrian-Swedish hybrids. One of the interesting options was a dedicated supermoto called the FS650E. This example has been impressively modified and it needs someone to ride it aggressively.
Basel Quest Kitted – 2010 KTM 690 Enduro R
Despite KTM’s 690 Enduro R being a competent off-roader, it still left something to be desired for die-hard rally fans. Enter KTM Basel AG, a dealership for the Ready To Race brand based in Northern Switzerland. In 2013, they introduced the Quest Kit, a high-end collection of parts that transforms the stock 690 into a bona fide rally machine.
Well Modified – 2018 Husqvarna 701 Supermoto
If you’ve never had the chance to ride a supermoto, you are seriously missing out. OEMs don’t help much in this case – there are very few factory supermotos available off the dealership floor. The best current option is from Husky, and if you’re in the market you’re going to want one from 217 at the latest, as that’s when …
On Any Sunday 2 Inspired in England – 2004 KTM 400 EXC-R
7-28-18 Update: I love this bike, but I also know the original asking price was on the steep side. How about a 50% discount? 5 months later, Tim Huber notes that this bike is back up for sale – find it here on The Bike Shed. Now all you need is $6,450 to put it in your garage, assuming you …
Wood Rotax 560 Four-Stroke – 1984 KTM 504 MX
At the dawn of the 1980s, a myriad of manufacturers were experimenting with producing a competitive four-stroke motocrosser, though dethroning the mighty two-stroke was a major uphill battle. Quite a few marques put their faith in Rotax, who had then recently debuted an impressive 498cc four-stroke single. Seeing the potential of the half-liter thumper, KTM worked out a deal with …
Nice Price – 2017 KTM 1090 Adventure
Nick Livingston of WideOpenADV is letting go of his well-prepped 1090 Adventure, and his asking price is more than fair considering the extras he’s added. The circumstances are unfortunate (his wife is very sick and he’s focused on her) so hopefully you can help him out with some cash and get a hell of a dual-sport in the process.
Ending Soon – 1967 Sears Allstate Puch 250 Twingle
Post Listing Update: This Puch did not meet reserve despite 15 bids up to $1,550. In 1967, Puch updated the styling of their 250 Twingle (two pistons share one combustion chamber). It lost some curves but gained some color, and the distinctive drivetrain was left alone.
Austrian Two-Stroke – 1990 KTM 250 MX
In the 1990’s, KTM’s MX machines were routinely winning magazine shootouts, and though they weren’t without flaws the Austrian brappers were thought of as solid bikes. The dawn of the ’90’s would see the “Ready To Race” brand release a highly updated version of its quarter-liter MXer. The 1990 KTM 250 MX boasted ample smooth and tractable low-to-mid range power, …
1 of 500 – 1982 Puch Magnum MkII Limited
Puch ended their venerable Magnum line of mopeds with a limited production run of 500 – these were called the LTD or Limited. It was basically a Magnum MKII with special cosmetics and a numbered plaque – this example is #152.
Catalog Bike – Sears Puch Sabre
Back in the 60’s and 70’s you could order motorcycles from the major department stores, like Sears and Montgomery Wards. Generally, the bikes were rebadged small-displacement singles sourced from Europe. One such example is this Puch Sabre, a 50cc tiddler sold by Sears Roebuck.