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Josh Herrin Practice Bike – 2017 Yamaha R1M

In Japan, Race by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: This Yamaha sold for $17,000 after 46 bids on eBay in Cresson, Texas. Built by Eleven Motorsports (check out this profile on Asphalt & Rubber if you’re not familiar with their model) as a practice bike for when Josh Herrin is in town, this Yamaha R1M is heavily modified to be an impressive track toy. Now if …

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1975 Yamaha RD350

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

1975 was the end of the RD350 run, by which point it had established itself as a giant killer. A period ad showed a sad looking rider at a bar with the phrase “Don’t feel bad. You’re not the first 750 rider to get blown off by a Yamaha 350.”

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AHRMA Racer – 1982 Yamaha Seca 550

In Japan, Less than 5k, Race by AbhiLeave a Comment

It would be easy to assume that the engine in the XJ550 was just a destroked 650, but that ain’t fair. It was almost an all-new design, with a 6-speed transmission, chain final drive, and a new cylinder head with Yamaha’s YICS system that enabled 50+ mpg fuel consumption. It was a solid mid-sized motorcycle with a love it or …

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Still New – 2019 Suzuki SV650X

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

A couple of years ago, I got some quality time with the Suzuki SV650X and I came away quite impressed. I found it quite enjoyable to ride with a slightly underwhelming suspension but nothing unreasonable at the MSRP of $8,399. Here’s a leftover model that a dealer’s got for $5,999 (plus fees), and that seems like a screaming deal if …

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1970 Honda CT70

In Japan, Off-Road by AbhiLeave a Comment

In 1969, Honda released one of the most important motorcycles that would ever be sold in America – the Trail 70 (also known as the CT70). It was the first motorcycle for many of today’s riders, and nowadays it serves double duty as an excellent entrée into motorcycling as well as a lovely reminder of times gone by.

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Aviator Nation – 2018 Honda Rebel 500 Custom

In Cruiser, Custom, Japan, Less than 5k by AbhiLeave a Comment

For 2017, Honda completely revamped the Rebel to create a new generation with 300cc and 500cc powerplants. As part of their marketing efforts when launching the bike, Honda partnered with Aviator Nation, a “1970’s inspired California lifestyle brand” which focuses on hoodies and sweatpants. Aviator Nation customized one Rebel 300 and one Rebel 500, both of which were eventually given …

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In Germany – 1976 Suzuki GT750 Patroller

In Japan, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

Here’s one of the coolest bikes we’ve had the chance to feature over on Iconic Motorbike Auctions – an ex-Australian Police Suzuki Water Buffalo! Suzuki offered police versions of both the GT500 and the GT750 – the latter was built sold between 1972 and 1976 mostly in Asia and Africa, though a few made their way to Europe and Australia …

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1984 Yamaha RZ350 Kenny Roberts

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

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. They were also one of the last street-legal two-strokes available in this country. The ’85 RZ was available in red/white and yellow/black – either option …

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AHRMA Racer – 1981 Kawasaki GPz550

In Japan, Race by AbhiLeave a Comment

In this article for Motorcyclist magazine, Mitch Boehm said, “fast, sexy, and nimble, the GPz…catapulted Kawasaki into the leadership position for middleweight streetbikes.” Here’s one that takes the leadership position literally as it’s won several AHRMA races over the years.