In the US, a small learner bike means some sort of 250cc bike. But internationally, learners often start on a bike like the Honda CBR125R – a reliable mount that’s perfect for teaching a beginner the joys of riding a bike. More importantly – it’s nearly impossible to find these things in the US!
Little Honda – 1971 Honda CL70
From reader Jim R. comes this reasonably priced little Honda. Everything works, it looks good, and you’ll get a rebuilt carb, oil change, and new spark plug to ensure that you can immediately enjoy this rare classic Honda. Find this Honda CL70 for sale here on Craigslist in Chester, Virginia for $1,500.
1987 Bimota YB7
Bimotas are already rare finds in the states, but the Bimota YB7 is even more exclusive. Only sold in Japan, and powered by a 399cc, 65 horsepower engine (a 27-year old design that revs to 14k!) from the Yamaha FZR400, this bike was built in response to Japanese importers who were asking for a “baby Bimota” to compete in the …
1968 Marusho Magnum Electra
Post-Sale Update: This Marusho sold for $7,207 after 31 bids on eBay. Marusho/Lilac was a Japanese motorcycle manufacturer that was constantly under the shadow of Honda. After peaking in the late 50s, the company went bankrupt in 1962. The company was brought back to life just a year later, free of debts and configured to specifically target the American market …
Rare Color – 1987 Honda GB500
Post Listing Update: This GB was relisted several times, but it never met reserve. The final listing got up to $1,924 after 14 bids on eBay. I’ve featured a bunch of GB500’s (but considering how iconic they are, I’ll probably never stop). With that said, I’ve never seen one of the burgundy models (with unique decals), which weren’t available in …
2006 Honda NSF100
Motorcycle racers are all aware of the NSR50, Honda’s beginner race bike that has started plenty of careers and passions. But for one year, just 50 examples of the Honda NSF100 were also imported to the states as one of the best ways to get into road racing.
1988 Honda Hawk NT650
In the late 80s, Honda introduced one of the first modern production naked motorcycles. Though the Honda NT650 (also known as the Hawk) was not a commercial success, it went on to inspire more prevalent motorcycles like the Suzuki SV650N, and has become an absolute cult favorite.
1954 Honda Juno KA
Post-Sale Update: After 3 bids on eBay, this Juno sold for $16,000. Built as a competitor to the successful Fuji Rabbit, the Honda Juno was Honda’s first scooter and was intentionally built to be full of features. You got the first electric starter, a full windscreen with an optional sun visor, and was the first use of FRP (fiber reinforced …
689 Miles – 1981 Honda CBX SuperSport
Honda wasn’t actually the first to put a 6-cylinder powerplant in a production motorcycle – Benelli earned that honor with the 750 Sei. Thanks to the modern day Goldwing, the idea of a 6-cylinder Honda isn’t a foreign concept, but it all started with the CBX. Built in response to a horsepower war started by Kawasaki, the CBX packed all …
2000 Honda RC51 SP1
A couple of weeks ago, while writing up a CBR600F4 racebike, I mentioned that I’ve been on the hunt for some good RC51s to feature. Reader Zack B has answered my call thanks to this find of a Honda RC51 SP1 that, unlike most, is reasonably priced!
1966 Honda S90
In a weird alternative reality that I dream about, every motorcycle rider has a Honda S90 in the garage, so I’ve got to share them with the world when good examples come up for sale. This beauty has been restored both cosmetically and mechanically – you’ll get new paint, seals, fork springs/boots, tires/tubes, and much more. In addition, the top …
1983 Kawasaki GPz750
Post Sale Update: This GPz sold for $2,605 after 53 bids on eBay. This Kawasaki GPz750 (VIN: JKAZXDA16DA00271) has over 14,000 miles on the odometer, but you’d be hard pressed to tell that from the excellent cosmetic shape it’s in. Thanks to a recent restoration, you’ll get plenty of new parts and a new paint job. Buy this and pay …
30 Miles – 1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma
Post-Sale Update: After 35 bids on eBay, this Suzuki RG500 Gamma sold for a whopping $36,900! Suzuki’s RG500 Gamma is one of the defining bikes of the 1980’s. Somehow, there’s now one for sale with just 30 miles on the odometer.
1973 Yamaha TX650
Incredibly similar to the popular XS650, the Yamaha TX650 differentiated itself solely through a larger gas tank. The 653cc twin engine yielded 53 horsepower and a top speed of 105 miles per hour. For more information, check out this 600 mile road test from Motorcycle Classics. This example looks great thanks to a recent (1,100 miles ago) restoration, so find …
1983 Honda MVX250F
Post-Listing Update: This MVX250F did not attract any bids at $4,200, even after being relisted. Two things you don’t expect to see in the world of motorcycles: a 2-stroke V3 engine, and a Honda that’s unreliable. You’ll get both with this Honda MVX250F!