Similar to the Z50, the QA50 had fatter tires and was much more rare. Produced for just 5 years, the QA50 went through 4 generations in 6 years. It featured a 49cc single cylinder engine, 2-speed transmission, and not much else. This is one of the second generation bikes, known as the K1. The differences from the K0 generation were …
1967 Kawasaki Avenger
The last of the big 4 Japanese manufacturers to start selling motorcycles, Kawi had a little bit of catching up to do when it came to understanding the US market. They initially offered small-displacement two-strokes, and while those bikes have definitely caught the eye of a few passionate riders, the average American buyer was looking for something bigger and more …
1986 Yamaha SRX600
Just like the SR500, the SRX600 featured the engine from one of Yamaha’s dirtbikes placed into a chassis to enable sporty street riding. Unlike the SR500, this bike sold poorly outside of Japan. Here in the states, it only lasted for a year. But the 45 horsepower was enough to have fun, and it’s become a cult classic in North …
Silver Wing – 1982 Honda GL500 Interstate
Post Sale Update: After 29 bids on eBay, this Honda sold for $2,550. When it was first released, the Honda GL500 basically sat in a class by itself – a full dress, middleweight tourer. Hell, I can’t think of something similar that’s available now – can you? I suspect bikes like the BMW F800ST or the Honda VFR800 come closest, …
47 Miles – 1988 Honda NX250
Post Sale Update: After 44 bids on eBay, this NX250 sold for $3,049. The middle weight of the Honda NX line-up (which also included a 125 and a 650), the NX250 was available for just two years.
Movie Hero – 2009 Suzuki Gladius
I always thought that the Gladius was a dull follow-up to the SV650. But this custom version built for the movie Priest is anything but.
1986 Honda Z50 Christmas Special
Post-Listing Update: This Z50 did not meet reserve despite 32 bids up to $1,775. The Christmas Special is also known as the “Chrome Edition”, as everything (even the frame) is chromed. It seems that the model name was actually Z50RD, where the D stands for Dealer. Top Honda retailers got 2 of these to sell in 1986 in the month …
Couple of Unexpected Off-Roaders
The Suzuki SV650 and Harley-Davidson Sportster were originally designed to stay on pavement. But thanks to some creative owners, I can show you two examples that have been converted into bikes that can handle pavement or dirt.
AMA Superbike – 1986 Honda Interceptor VFR750F Racer
This Honda Interceptor VFR750F Racer was a AMA Superbike racer as soon as it was bought new in ’85. The original owner got one of the first 3 HRC “Power-Up” Kits and then raced it until 1990, where it stayed in climate controlled storage for 22 years. Now it’s ready to go back to racing.
Impressive Condition – 1990 Suzuki DR350S
25 year old dual-sports should not look this good.
2003 Cagiva V-Raptor 1000
1-4-15 Update: This V-Raptor is back up for sale with nicer photos and a BIN of $6,500 or best offer here on eBay. The Cagiva V-Raptor was designed as alternative to the Ducati Monster – they were even styled by the same man. Though there are plenty of similarities, the Raptor comes with the V-Twin heart from a Suzuki TL.
1973 Honda CL350
The scrambler variant of one of Honda’s best-selling motorcycles, the Honda CL350 differed from its’ street-based brother as it gained the high scrambler pipes and a 19-inch front wheel.
1972 Honda CB450 Cafe Racer
Hot on the heels of a stock CB450 K1 that I featured a couple of days ago, here’s one that’s been turned into a cafe racer.
Sad Story – 1973 Yamaha RT3
Here’s an unfortunate story for you – the seller of this Yamaha RT3 bought it only a few months ago, then stripped it down and repainted/polished everything. In his excitement about finishing the bike, he put a new battery in it and then tried to start while wearing bed slippers. Long story short, he’s now selling his bike to cover …
AHRMA Sportsman – 1972 Honda CL350
Shasta Smith, owner of the Vintage Monkey, designed this AHRMA racer which was co-sponsored by Randakk’s Cycle Shakk. It was very successful, winning every one of the 19 races it entered in SMRI and finishing 3rd Nationally in the 2013 AHRMA 350 Sportsman class. Find this CL350 racer for sale here at Randakk’s Cycle Shakk for $8,900 in Pinehurst, North …