A quick look through the archives of Bike-urious suggests that Cagiva’s Alazzurra 650 SS is an acquired taste. Which is a polite way of saying that bikes highlighted in 2017 and 2016 struggled to find buyers. With its ostensibly low asking price, you would think this particular piece of Italian history might have a chance, but who knows? The only …
1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL
One of the lesser-known bikes in Ducati’s history is the distinctively-styled Pantah 500SL, a replacement to the 350/500 parallel twins that stunk up the marketplace. They’re hard to find in original or restored condition – this is one of the latter. Basic specifications included 45 horsepower at 9,000 rpm, a top speed of 115 miles per hour, and a wet …
2017 MV Agusta Brutale 800 America
You may have caught the news recently that MV Agusta has managed to buy its way out of its partnership with the deeply troubled KTM and is, in its own words, “back to running on its own.” “This is a moment of pride for all of us at MV Agusta,” a press release quotes CEO Timur Saradarov as saying. “Regaining …
3 KM in Germany – 2006 Bimota DB4
The Bimota DB4 Tricolore followed the Italian firm’s modus operandi of taking a well established engine from another manufacturer and surrounding it with beautiful Italian bodywork. Using a frame similar to the Bimota Mantra, this successor wasn’t much of a technological advancement. Think of it instead as a moving piece of art.
Customized 2009 Ducati SportClassic 1000 S
Slightly reminiscent of the Paul Smart LE model that I wrote up earlier this month is this unique beauty born of the same family. That is to say, it has the same basic building blocks. The bike that you see here is a long way from stock.
No Reserve – 2008 Ducati Desmosedici RR #669
Over at Iconic we’re doing something a little risky – we’re selling a Desmosedici with no reserve! Who knows what it will sell for, but it’s guaranteed to find a new home…
1974 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport
The V7 remains as Moto Guzzi’s most iconic platform, with a history stretching back to 1964, when it was initially created to serve as a motorcycle for Italy’s Polizia Stradale (highway patrol). Two years later, in 1966, Moto Guzzi started producing models for foreign markets. Interestingly, it didn’t produce V7s for Italian riders until 1967. Back then, the V7 was …
2006 Ducati Paul Smart LE
The last time a Paul Smart LE appeared on Bike-urious ─ roughly six years ago ─ Abhi summed up the model as “a cult classic that’s arguably better to look at than to ride.” I’ve never ridden one of these (and probably never will), but maybe that’s not the backhanded compliment it seems to be. Maybe it’s a “Wichita Lineman” …
1985 Moto Morini 500 Sport
Most riders think of the 3 1/2 when they hear Moto Morini, but the firm was also known for their 500 Sei-V that was produced a decade later…to very little fanfare. What was once a classically beautiful motorcycle got a bit fatter and more angular as the Italian company tried to compete with bikes coming out of Japan.
11 Miles – 1993 Moto Guzzi Daytona 1000
Dr. John Wittner made a name for himself in the late 80’s thanks to his ability to modify the hell out of MG’s – his bikes won consecutive US Endurance Championships, among other racers. Due to his success, the Guzzi factory asked him to come to Italy and help develop a superbike unlike anything the Italian firm had produced before. …
1985 Garelli Monza GT
Garelli is not a well-known marque in the world of motorcycling, but this moped was released while they were in the middle of an impressive run of 6 consecutive 125cc 2-stroke World Championships from 1982 to 1987.
1984 Moto Guzzi California II
The California is easily one of Moto Guzzi’s best-known and best-loved models. It was born of a collaboration with the Los Angeles Police Department back in 1969, and built around Moto Guzzi’s equally iconic V7 roadster. The bike was a hit and found itself added to the fleets of a number of other police departments. But it wasn’t too long …
1972 Ducati 750 GT
Post Listing Update: This Ducati did not meet reserve with 3 bids up to $15,000 on eBay. I’m not sure I’d want to touch its $20,000 Buy It Now asking price, but there’s no question this iconic Ducati is a beauty. The first of the L-twins, the 750 GT was manufactured from 1971-1974. Designed by Ducati legend Fabio Taglioni, its …
From the Quail to On Sale: Revival Cycles’ “Odioso” Ducati Sidecar Crosser
11-19-2024 Update: Six years later, Odioso is still on the market but it’s back at Revival. Find it for sale in Austin, Texas for $15,000 here on BikeEXIF Classifieds.
Flying Fortress – 2017 Moto Guzzi MGX-21
Not so many years ago, I got a chance to visit Moto Guzzi’s factory in Mandello del Lario, Italy, where the iconic brand has been producing bikes for more than 100 years. As we were being shown around, our factory guide pointed to a gated opening in a nearby cliff.