Post Listing Update: This Z1R-TC did not meet reserve despite 37 bids up to $16,900. The Kawasaki Z1R-TC has the distinction of being the ‘first’ of many things. Most importantly, it was the first turbocharged bike released into the market, kicking off the 80’s turbo bike push which included bikes like the Yamaha Seca Turbo and the Honda CX650 Turbo.
Semi-Replica – 1985 Yamaha RD500
Yamaha’s RD500 was a sportbike that has a special place in the hearts of US 80s 2-stroke fans because it was never officially imported here. Nearly all of the examples you now find were brought in from Canada (where it was called the RZ500, hence the title in the seller’s listing). Here’s an example that has 11,600 miles, just 100 …
1973 Suzuki GT750
The Suzuki GT750, also known as the Water Buffalo, was the bike that put Suzuki on the map in the United States. Introduced as competition to the big bikes of the day, like the Honda CB750 and the Triumph Bonneville, this bike was basically a T500 with an extra cylinder and liquid cooling crafted on.
1992 Honda VFR400R
Ready for one of the most common folk riddles ever?
1986 Suzuki Rick Lance RG500 Gamma
In the 80s, Suzuki offered a limited run of 150 bikes as a replica of their Skoal-liveried RG500 Gamma – it was just a paint job but it looked great. That paint scheme was inspiration for this (presumably regular model) RG500 that’s been tuned and heavily modified by expert Rick Lance.
1973 Hodaka Combat Wombat
Featuring one of the greatest model names ever, the Hodaka Combat Wombat was part of a series of fantastically-named bikes like the Road Toad and the Dirt Squirt. Here’s a cherry example that has just 300 miles on it, and it’s claimed to look great and run great. Based on the photos, I’d say the former is true – hopefully …
The Commander – 1968 Kawasaki W2
A couple of weeks ago I featured a “fully restored” Commander with a couple of details that you guys didn’t care much for. Here’s an example that will probably go over a bit better thanks to the lack of pipe wrap and the factory tailight. The bigger brother of the W1 (a name which Kawasaki would eventually bring back), the …
“Sports Hog” – Custom 1994 Suzuki GSX-R 750
Here’s an odd-ball pairing – a 1994 Suzuki GSX-R 750 that’s been modified to look like a Harley. Work includes a 8 inch stretch to the swing arm, 18 inch ape handlebars, Harley teardrop exhausts, and a custom made fender from a Wide Glide. I’m almost speechless: Find the Sports Hog for sale here on Craigslist in Ambler, Pennsylvania for …
#126 – 1972 Honda CB350F
Post Sale Update: After 10 bids on eBay, this CB350F sold for $3,650. If you’re into classic Japanese iron and you have a thing for low serial numbers, here’s a bike for you – a Honda CB350F that was the 126th ever made.
Tiny Racer – 1989 Yamaha YSR50
The Yamaha YSR50 was the most common of the rare 50cc sportbikes that came from Japan in the late 80s and early 90s. An instant classic, the YSR50 was always street legal, but is now primarily used in spec racing. This is one of the nicer examples I’ve seen – most are usually scratched up or rocking replacement body panels.
1974 Kawasaki Big Horn Flat Tracker
The Kawasaki Big Horn, also known as the F-9, was Kawasaki’s response to the Yamaha RT-360. Here’s an example with a Woody Kyle built motor that’s been turned into a flat tracker. The base Big Horn featured a 346cc two-stroke single good for 28 horsepower. It had a five speed gearbox and one of the earlier implementations of capacitive discharge …
1977 Suzuki RM250 Fox Team Bike
Mark Barnett was one of the all-time motocross greats. Here’s a Suzuki RM250 that’s been modified into a replica of his rookie bike with Fox. Extras include NOS Gold Sun rims, Thor swinarm, Fox Air Shox, Simons forks, Profrom Pro pipe, Andre chromoloy bars, and plenty more. Find this Barnett replica for sale here at AMS Racing in Mesa, Arizona …
Bike Review – Honda Grom
The Honda Grom has become quite the internet sensation – I feel like I’ve seen a tremendous amount of press on it, and owners are a passionate group who have created a loyal community (and amusing internet memes):
Ending Soon – 1979 Honda CB750 10th Anniversary
10 years after releasing the CB750, Honda put out Anniversary Edition to mark the occasion. Differences between the Anniversary Edition and the K model include mag rims instead of spoked wheels, and different badges/side covers. Like the base bike, the 748cc engine produced 78 horsepower and 48 pound-feet of torque that went through a 5-speed transmission, yielding a top speed …
1974 Honda Elsinore CR125M Flat Tracker
When it was released, the Honda Elsinore was an absolute game-changer. Just under 20 horsepower and 200 pounds, it was light, it was reliable, and it had plenty of suspension travel. Competitors scrambled to catch up. Here’s an example that’s been converted into a flat tracker.