For decades, Kawasaki ruled the 250cc ‘sport’bike market – though Honda has recently taken a chunk of the market with their CBR250R. Honda also challenged the little Ninja in the 80s with the VTR250, though it did not have much commercial success. For one year in the States, even Yamaha threw their hat into the ring with the Yamaha SRX250.
The Raider – 1968 Suzuki T-305
Also known as the Raider, the Suzuki T-305 was a small two-stroke twin that produced 37 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and was capable of 94 miles per hour. Here’s a reasonably priced example that was recently restored – the only flaw is that the speedometer is broken. This bike has 28,342 miles and looks like a fun runabout with the …
1983 Honda CB1100F
Post-Sale Update: This CB1100F sold for $3,100. Built for just one year, the Honda CB1100F was a sleek looking standard that evolved from the 900F. In the process, it had tremendous performance – in January of ’83, Cycle World said it was the fastest stock bike they’ve ever tested.
568 Miles – 1975 Yamaha DT125
With a 123cc two-stroke engine that produced about 10 horsepower, the Yamaha DT125 was a competent enduro. It was more capable than you’d expect because it shared almost everything but the engine with the DT175, so you got better components than the average 125. Here’s an example that looks almost new because it’s barely been ridden.
1 of 10 Prototypes – 1968 Honda CB350
You’re probably all quite familiar with the Honda CB350 – which was actually the world’s best selling motorcycle in just its first year of production. But here’s a special bike for classic Honda fans – one of the ten pre-production prototypes.
1979 Honda CBX
In the late 70s, the big four Japanese companies kicked off a horsepower war by stuffing big engines into their usual frames, creating the notion of superbikes. When it came to Big Red’s turn, Honda decided to push boundaries and utilize their first 6-cylinder engine in a production motorcycle. Benelli actually beat Honda to the punch in terms of 6-cylinder …
1992 Yamaha TDM850
1-17-15 Update: This TDM850 did not meet reserve at $3,050 last time around. But reader John K. just alerted me that nearly a year later, it’s back up for sale. Find it here with bidding up to $895 and the reserve not yet met or a BIN of $5,500 here on eBay. The Yamaha TDM850 is definitely an oddball…a well-rounded …
Japanese Indian – 1999 Kawasaki Vulcan Drifter
Post Sale Update: After 21 bids on eBay, this Vulcan Drifter sold for $3,601. In 1996, Cobra USA created a show bike homage to the ’48 Indian Chief based on a Kawasaki Vulcan. It was so popular that it inspired a production model – the Kawasaki Vulcan Drifter. Indian experts will never confuse this for an original Chief, obviously, but …
1969 Honda CL70
Here’s a very pretty example of the Honda CL70 with 3,345 miles. The seller suggests it’s near museum quality and that it has a new piston and cylinder. Everything works without issues and there’s only minor flaws: a small rip in the seat and a crack in the left side engine cover. Find this CL70 (VIN: CL70108136) for sale in …
Dealer Display – 1975 Suzuki RE5
Suzuki called the RE5 the future of motorcycling, thanks to its innovative rotary engine and distinctive styling. This is the ’75 model, which had more interesting design characteristics like the ‘tin can’ instrument cluster. The ’76 (and final model) was a little neutered in an attempt to make the bike more conventional.
1970 Yamaha HS1
A tiny ‘sport’ bike that incorporated Yamaha’s Autolube system, the HS1 was a 90cc twin with a 5-speed transmission. It produced 10.3 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and weighed just 196 pounds. This specific Yamaha HS1 was restored in 1997 and was featured in Old Bike magazine in 1998. Documentation of the restoration is available. Find it for sale for $4,000 …
2 Miles – 1983 Kawasaki KE100
A diminutive dual-sport produced for 25 years, the Kawasaki KE100 was an evolution of the G5. I can’t argue that there’s anything tremendously special about the KE100 versus the competition, however this example is worth featuring as it’s a 32 year old bike with…1.8 miles. With the exception of the tires and battery, it’s claimed to be original. Find it …
Fully Restored – 1971 Suzuki Stinger
The Suzuki T125 Stinger was a 125cc bike with a great name and looks to die for. As teenagers of the time remember, this little screaming two-stroke twin-cylinder was the most exciting 125 bike of the time.
Well Upgraded – 1978 Suzuki GS1000E
Post-Listing Update: This GS1000E did not meet reserve with bidding up to $3,350 on eBay. Considered by some to be the best 1000cc four-cylinder of its time, the GS1000 was based on the 750 but had many improvements – Cycle magazine called this bike the “best handling multi of all.” This example takes it even further with plenty of suspension …
1972 Kawasaki H2 750
Here’s an original example of the Kawasaki H2 that’s being offered with no reserve! This bike (VIN: H2F-12383) has 3,848 miles and everything works. The only non-original part is apparently a new set of reproduction pipes. The bodywork has been repainted, but the engine and frame do not match. Find this H2 for sale in San Marcos, California with bidding …