A sought-after collectors bike in the US, the Yamaha RZ350 Kenny Roberts probably needs no introduction. Only sold in the states from 84-85, these were the first bikes in the US to come equipped with catalytic converters and the first Yamaha street bike in the US to use a perimeter frame.
New York Steak – 1973 Kawasaki Z1 900
8-8 Update: Despite 38 bids on eBay up to $61,100, this Kawasaki Z1 900 did not meet reserve. It’s been relisted with an opening bid of $25,000 (and better photos) here on eBay. Before Honda released the instant classic CB750, Kawasaki was also working on a a four-cylinder, 750cc sportbike – except Kawi thought it was going to be first …
JDM and 17k RPM – 1986 Yamaha FZR250
Originally sold only in Japan, the Yamaha FZR250 was one of the few “learner legal” race replica bikes. A small amount of these bikes eventually made their way to other countries, just like this excellent example in front of you. Yet despite the gray-market importation, this bike has a California title and plate.
Reader Ride – 1990 Honda NS50F
Alex M is getting married, and he’s looking to sell his Honda NS50F to help pay for the wedding. This is an incredibly rare bike sold only for just one year, with a small, but incredibly passionate following.
Modern Homologation – 2014 Honda CBR1000RR SP
I realize that it’s very rare when I feature a bike built in the last couple of years. But after being inspired by yesterday’s RC45, it’s nice to see a modern homologation bike from Big Red – today’s example is the 2014 Honda CBR1000RR SP.
1994 Honda RVF750 RC45
The Honda RVF750, also known as the RC45, was a legendary homologation bike and successor to the popular RC30. Though it was sold between ’94 and ’99, the US only got the ’94 model.
Eddie Lawson Rep – 1983 Kawasaki KZ1000R ELR
Post-Listing Update – Despite 26 bids on eBay, this Kawasaki KZ1000R ELR did not meet reserve at $15,200. One of 750 ever built, the Kawasaki KZ1000R ELR (Eddie Lawson Replica) was a limited edition homage to the mount of Eddie Lawson, 4x winner of the World Championship (among many other titles). It was aggressively set up, and with the exception …
1989 Honda PC800
The Honda Pacific Coast was marketed towards white-collar professionals as an easy daily rider, and was one of the easiest motorcycles in the world to own and maintain, with a comfortable riding position, low-maintenance shaft drive, and a reliable drivetrain that can easily go 80-100k with just regular services. By far the niftiest feature was the integrated trunk. The passenger …
1979 Yamaha RD400F Daytona Special
The Yamaha RD400F Daytona Special represents the last of a few key milestones in motorcycling history – it was the last air-cooled two-stroke street bike sold in the United States, and it was the last of Yamaha’s RD series. And the cherry on top of this history sundae? Today’s Daytona Special model was the top of the line of the …
Wabi-Sabi – 1976 Honda CB750K Custom Cafe Racer
Post-Sale Update: After being relisted, Wabi-Sabi sold for $7,001. The creation of Illinois-based Powder Monkees (not related to Wrenchmonkees), the Wabi-Sabi is a cafe racer “designed to celebrate the fusion of classic vintage styles, modern minimalism, and the natural beauty found within the imperfections of hand-crafted objects.” I see it as a good-looking (and very black) example of a custom …
1997 Suzuki TL1000S
Post-Listing Update: This Suzuki TL1000S was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. Back in the 70s, the Kawasaki H2 developed the reputation of a ‘widowmaker’ due to its’ incredible power and complete lack of handling. The Suzuki TL1000S also earned such a reputation when it was released in 1997, for slightly different reasons. This bike was introduced with …
1986 Honda NS400R
Post Sale Update: This NS400R sold for $10,750 after 3 bids on eBay. Can you remember back to 1983? If so, you may remember Freddie Spencer winning the World Championship for Honda despite competing on a triple that was outclassed by the competition. Almost immediately, Honda released a 250cc bike to commemorate the win. A couple of years later, they …
Black Beauty – 1978 Honda CT70
Everyone knows the CT70 – not everyone knws that for just one year, it was available in black. Here’s one of those rarities in “perfect” shape. Everything works, it’s street legal, and it comes with the original tool kit. You have to love those 70s decals. Find this Honda CT70 for sale here on Craigslist in Dracut, MA for $2,500. …
1989 Honda GB500
Post-Listing Update: After being relisted, this GB500 did not meet reserve at $5,500. In the late 80s, Honda took a risk and gave the world a beautiful motorcycle inspired by 60s thumper racers of the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy race – bikes like the Manx Norton and AJS 7R. Originally created as a 400cc bike in Japan, the bike …
Rothman’s Edition – 1994 Honda NSR250R SP MC28
Post Listing Update: This NSR was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. Honda’s NSR250R was sold from ’87 to ’99, and was pretty much the defining 250 racer replica over all those years. To celebrate Honda’s success in racing in the 250cc and 500cc classes, they would occasionally release a limited edition of the NSR in Rothman’s livery. …