Post Sale Update: this NSR250R sold for $19,000 including fees after 8 bids on Iconic Motorbike Auctions. In 1991, Honda split the base and SP models of the NSR250R with the introduction of the SE (Super Edition) model. They had all of the SP goodies (dry clutch, adjustable suspension, special livery) except for the magnesium wheels. In 1994, the Japanese …
1983 Suzuki XN85 Turbo
Post Sale Update: This XN85 sold for $10,000 after 38 bids on eBay in Beaverton, Oregon. Of all the Japanese turbo wonder bikes of the 80s, Suzuki’s effort was the rarest. Just 1,153 examples of the XN85 Turbo were built, and it had the distinction of being the first production motorcycle with a 16″ front wheel. When paired with the …
Urban Tiger – 1994 Honda CBR900RR
Post Listing Update: this CBR900RR was pulled off eBay, final sale price unknown. Honda’s CBR900RR revolutionized what a sportbike could be. But I’m not featuring this bike because of its performance – this time around it’s for the livery. In 1994, Honda introduced a distinctive scheme called the Urban Tiger, but it was never offered in the US. Here’s one …
1985 Suzuki RG400 Gamma
Post Listing Update: this Gamma did not get any action at the opening ask of $8,000 on eBay. You know the RG500 – but did you know that Suzuki made a 400cc version for Asian markets?
1982 Honda Sabre V45
Here’s a first-year example of Honda’s V45 (750cc) Sabre. Within a couple of years, Honda had shrunk the bike down to 700 to circumvent the taxes imposed on 750cc and larger import bikes by the US International Trade Commission. This one stands out due to the impressive original condition and the rare Hondaline fairing.
No Reserve – 1971 Suzuki TC90
Post Sale Update: This TC90 sold for $1,475 after 51 bids on eBay in Mentor, Ohio. Also known as the “Blazer”, the TC90 was advertised by Suzuki as “built to take on the country” thanks to a dual-range transmission for 8 total gears.
VIN #1 – 2003 Honda RC51
Post Sale Update: This RC51 sold for $6,550 after 12 bids on eBay in El Paso, Texas. The RC51 combined Honda reliability with the joy of a V-Twin engine, beating Ducati at its own game with multiple World Superbike Championships and a AMA Championship. In 2002, Honda made some revisions to create the SP2 variant.
120 HP – 1974 Kawasaki H2 750
Post Listing Update: this H2 did not meet reserve with 41 bids up to $12,000 on eBay in Oxnard, California. It was later relisted with 4 bids up to $12,600 and the same result. The Kawasaki H2 earned a “Widowmaker” reputation with 74 horsepower…but this example now puts out 120 at the crank thanks to a built motor from Purple …
1968 Honda CB450P
Post Listing Update: did not meet reserve with 39 bids up to $7,000 on eBay in Butler, Pennsylvania. One of the rarer Honda motorcycles in the US, the CB450P (also occasionally referred to as the CP450) is a police model based on Honda’s popular CB450. I’ve featured a couple based on the KO Black Bomber model, but K1 police bikes …
196x Hodaka Ace 90
Post Sale Update: this Hodaka sold for $1,504 after 37 bids on eBay in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Debuting in 1964, the Ace 90 was Hodaka’s first model. The company made it a priority to upgrade parts throughout production in a manner that allowed owners of older models to easily upgrade their bikes, as well. Between 1964-1970, Hodaka sold over 24,000 …
1990 Honda CBR1000F Hurricane
The Honda CBR1000F, also known as the Hurricane, was an excellent sport-tourer that introduced some crucial technology into the Honda lineup. It eventually evolved into the well-known Blackbird. Oh yeah, and it had one of the greatest names in motorcycling history.
Original Owner – 2001 Suzuki TL1000S
Post Sale Update: this TL1000S sold for $6,420 including buyer’s fee after 7 bids on Iconic Motorbike Auctions. Over on the auction site we’ve got an impressively-modified TL1000S that’s being offered by the original owner.
No Reserve – 1986 Honda Z50RD Christmas Special
Post Sale Update: sold for $6,800 after 20 bids on eBay in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Considered by some as the ultimate Honda Z50, the “Christmas Special” was a limited edition that officially had the model name of “Z50RD” – the D was for “Dealer”. Honda gave two examples to each of their top dealers, though some called it the …
Wrong Exhaust – 1968 Honda SS125A
Post Sale Update: This SS125A sold for $1,525 after 37 bids on eBay in Trenton, New Jersey. Built between 1967 and 1969, the Honda SS125A wasn’t a huge sales success – and that’s why it’s an interesting and rare find nowadays. It was based on the CS125, a bike that was only sold in Japan.
1992 Yamaha TDM850
The TDM850 was a bit of an oddball that was about 15 years ahead of its time. A pavement-focused dual sport like the Ducati Multistrada or the BMW S1000XR, the TDM gave riders the ability to explore any paved road in comfort with the option to explore fire roads to their heart’s content. Unfortunately, not many riders in the US …