View Post

Flying Dragon Tribute – 1972 Honda CL350

In Japan, Standard by AbhiLeave a Comment

In ’72 and ’73, you could order an incredible set of alternate bodywork for CL350 or CL450 models – an idea that came from Honda’s paint department because they figured us crazy Americans were obsessed with tie dye, and some would want a similar scheme on their motorcycles. The Flying Dragon was born, but it didn’t sell well. That just …

View Post

Signed By Schwantz – 2018 Suzuki GSX-R1000R

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

At the 2022 Vintage Motorcycle Days in Ohio, the AMA Heritage Foundation showed off a ’18 GSX-R1000 created by Suzuki and painted in a tribute to his iconic ’80s Pepsi Racing livery. Schwantz himself was the Grand Marshall of the event – he did a parade lap on it and signed the top of the tank. A year later, the …

View Post

In Crate – 2002 Kawasaki KX250

In Japan, Off-Road by AbhiLeave a Comment

The Kawasaki KX250 still exists today (and the KX lineup celebrates its 50th anniversary this year), though the current model name is the KX250F because it’s now a four-stroke. But from 1974-2007, the KX250 was a successful two-stroke MX bike that won several AMA Championships over time – especially with Jeff Emig and Ricky Carmichael in recent years.

View Post

No Reserve – 1994 Kawasaki ZXR400

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

The liveries of the 90s are some of my favorites, and I think the black/purple/pink paint jobs that Kawasaki and Suzuki offered are absolutely fantastic – but they weren’t offered in the US! Over at Iconic we have a rare-in-the-US example of the ZXR400 rocking a delightfully 90s paintjob.

View Post

GG Retrofitz Kit – 2015 Yamaha R3

In Custom, Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Over at Iconic we have an interesting take on Yamaha’s entry-level (at least in the US) sportbike, the R3. I actually bought this because Iconic is starting a rental fleet at our new location in Rhode Island but it turns out that the tail section has made it too small for Adam and I to comfortably fit on even when …

View Post

1973 Honda CL450 Scrambler

In Dual-Sport, Japan by AbhiLeave a Comment

The dual-sport cousin of the Black Bomber, Honda’s CL450 was the best selling of the scramblers of the day. Because of this, you can find one with relative ease even though they haven’t been made in 40+ years…unless it’s a highly original example with just 2,642 miles on it!

View Post

102 Miles – 2005 Honda XR650L

In Dual-Sport, Japan by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Sale Update: This XR650L sold for $5,002 after 36 bids on eBay in Star, Idaho. Introduced as a 1993 model, the XR650L was a revelation that was considered by many to be the best dual-sport ever. Impressively (or depressingly, depending on your outlook), the bike has just about stayed the same as it’s still offered new from Honda with …

View Post

1984 Zoe Zipper

In 3 Wheels, Japan by AbhiLeave a Comment

In 1983, Zoe (rhymes with Maui) Products of California licensed a three-wheeler from Mitsuoka Motors of Japan. The Zipper featured a 49cc Honda engine (5 horsepower) paired with a CVT with an electric reverse gear. Zoe claimed 45 miles per hour and 112 miles per gallon.

View Post

1988 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Built between 1988 and 1990, the ZX-10 (known as the Ninja in the US as well as the Tomcat in some other markets) was the fastest production motorcycle in the world when it was first released. It was able to hit 165 thanks to the 135 hp, 997cc inline four engine and improved aerodynamics in the bodywork. This example (VIN: …