The Moto Guzzi Ercole (Italian for Hercules) is a fantastic vintage three-wheeler typically used as a shop/farm runabout. Able to carry nearly a ton, this bike truly earned the nickname. On either side of the rider there are optional fold out seats, upping capacity to 3 total individuals, and the bed works hydraulically.
2002 Moto Guzzi V11 LeMans
Back in 2001, Moto Guzzi introduced the V11 LeMans as a spiritual successor to its iconic 850 racer. The bike featured the marque’s tried-and-true transverse 1100cc V-Twin – per MCN, “If you want an old-school Italian heavyweight with 21st century components, finish and style, look no further than the Moto Guzzi V11.” Here’s an interesting one that comes with all …
2004 Ducati Multistrada 1000 Custom
Custom built by Spirit Lake Cycles, this Ducati is an interesting take on what the Italians called the Multistrada, which translates to “many roads.” That reflects the broad capabilities built in by Ducati and Pierre Terblanche – their attempt at a touring bike you could hustle with. As MCN put it, “On face value, the Ducati Multistrada 1000DS shouldn’t work …
In Australia – 1985 Ducati TT1
Ducati’s TT1 was a 748cc race bike based on the iconic TT2 (600cc), a bike that won multiple world championships. The TT1 ultimately wouldn’t be as successful as its predecessor, but the 750 was nonetheless a solid racer that would lead to a street-legal variant we know as the F1 750. This example is not one of the original (50-60 …
1962 Aermacchi Chimera 250
The Chimera was a bit ahead of its time – despite rarely seen features (for the time) like a single rear shock and the futuristic styling, Aermacchi was only able to sell 119 examples of the 175cc variant and 177 examples of the 250cc. Here’s a rare example of the latter that’s in the US.
Zero Miles – 2003 Ducati 999R FILA #0005
Over on the auction site we’ve got an impressively original example of the bike that Ducati built to celebrate its 200th win in WSBK. The Italian firm released just 200 examples of their top of the line 999R in the Team Ducati FILA livery of 2003 – 75 were supposed to make it to the US but it’s possible that …
1970 Benelli Volcano
In a moment of insanity, Benelli shoved a 180cc two-stroke engine into a minibike frame and created the Volcano. It was the most powerful minibike Benelli created and was capable of hitting 56 miles per hour!
1993 Moto Guzzi Strada 1000
Here’s a model I wasn’t familiar with previously: the Moto Guzzi Strada 1000. Based on the limited information I’ve been able to track down, these were built between ’92 and ’94 and it was a combination of the Mille GT and the SP III. Do you have any information on it?
1999 Aprilia RS250 with SXV450 Engine
Reminisicent of Super Single racers from back in the day, this Aprilia RS250 is actually powered by the 450cc parallel-twin V-Twin engine from Aprilia’s SXV450.
2018 Walt Siegl Leggero
A few years ago, Walt Siegl started building a limited run of custom motorcycles based on Ducati 900cc 2V engines – the idea was that by making a limited run, he could lower the cost a little bit, giving more people the chance to afford one. He called these bikes the Leggero series.
1980 Moto Guzzi Le Mans CX100 Custom
Over on the auction site we’ve got a lovely take on one of Moto Guzzi’s ugly ducklings – the CX100. In the states, however, not even that was enough. To satisfy the American mantra of “no replacement for displacement” and to compete with the BMW R100RS, Guzzi took the 1000cc engine and lower fairings from the 1000SP sport tourer and …
2004 Moto Guzzi Breva
Originally available as a 750, the Breva was given a bigger engine just as Moto Guzzi got an infusion of cash from Piaggio. The Breva was designed to be a modern naked tourer, and with the 1100 engine you could expect 72 horsepower at the rear wheel and 56 pound feet of torque.
1970 MV Agusta 250B
The “B” stands for “Bicylindrico”, as this MV Agusta utilizes a 250cc four-stroke twin cylinder motor.
1987 Moto Morini Camel 501
The Moto Morini Camel was an incredibly rare dual sport built to capitalize on the dual sport craze that flared up as the Paris-Dakar rally got popular. The Camel featured a 500cc V-Twin – its little brother, the Kanguro, got a 350cc engine.
1994 Benelli Devil 80
Here’s a little Italian I’ve never heard of, let alone seen: a Benelli Devil!