This Yamaha street tracker is based on a XS650, though the motor has been bored out to 750cc and it’s got a Shell cam. Other highlights of the work include a Mikuni VM36 carb, Dunlop flat track tires, Yamaha XT500 seat, Galfer stainless steel brake lines, Brembo front brake, Boyer ignition, Hugh’s Handbuilt stator/rotor kit, a new wiring harness, and …
First Ride Review – 2019 Kawasaki Z400
View PostRestored Vintage Enduro – 1980 Yamaha IT175
Immediately after Yamaha unveiled the IT400 in 1976, a trio of Yamaha riders nabbed gold medals at the Austrian International Six Day Trials on the newly debuted IT’s. With the success of the 400, the Tuning Fork Company opted to expand the IT — or “International Trial” — range the following year to include smaller displacement variants, one of which …
Lighting Kit – 1972 Honda TL125
Post Listing Update: This TL125 was sold on Facebook, final sale price unknown. The TL125 was Honda’s first production trials bike. It was introduced in 1973 and was much more affordable than the competition, but trials never truly caught on in the states and it was out of the market by 1976. This example stands out as it’s one of …
Japanese American Mini Trail – 1977 Hodaka Dirt Squirt 80
Hodaka Motorcycles first started as a producer of engines before later joining forces with another existing outfit and going on to build complete bikes. The Japanese (and American joint) firm capitalized on the influx in popularity of small displacement trail bikes — a phenomenon due largely thanks to Honda’s wares and marketing. Hodaka’s philosophy was that riding should be affordable/accessible, …
Don Vesco-Bodied – 1982 BMW R65 w/ Rabid Transit Fairing
Don Vesco was a prolific name in the motorcycling world for several decades. On top of being a (US) Grand Prix winner, drag, and dirt-track Racer, he set well over a dozen landspeed records and ran a successful California-based motorcycle dealership. Vesco also famously sold a bevy or moto parts and accessories under the Don Vesco Products banner.
1990 Honda VTR250 Interceptor
Sold in the US for three years, the Honda VTR250 has become a cult classic for riders that love small bikes. The liquid cooled 250cc engine was paired with a six-speed transmission, and interestingly, an inboard front disc – though by 1990 the front brake would change to the industry standard.
Rare in the US – Honda Monkey Baja
Post Sale Update: This Monkey Baja sold for the BIN of $5,000 on eBay. In 1991, Honda released a new variant of the Monkey/Z50R. Called the Baja, it featured rally-style dual headlights in addition to the taillight, turn signals, and the classic Honda red tail bag. They were not officially sold in the US, but this modified example is already …
First Ride Review – 2019 Honda Super Cub C125
View PostIn England – 1988 Yamaha TDR50
I’ve featured several examples of Yamaha’s TDR250 in the past, but until today I had no idea that they made a little 50cc version!
2 KM Project – 1981 Honda Stream
Post Listing Update: This Stream was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. I’ve featured a few Honda Gyros over the years, but this is the first time I’ve had a chance to share the Gyro’s predecessor. The Stream was Honda’s first tilting three wheeler, and it was built on license from G. L. Wallis & Son of Surrey, …
Rare Project – 1960 Peugeot S57
In 1953, Peugeot introduced a new model called the S55, and it stood out from the competition with dramatic styling. The French manufacturer updated the model to the S57 the following year, and by 1957 it had taken its final form with a new gear shifter and a few smaller revisions.
Team Green’s Indian Tribute – 2000 Kawasaki Drifter 1500
Nowadays there are plenty retro-inspired bikes with modern performance and reliability: Triumph Bonnevilles, Ducati Scramblers, BMW R9T’s, etc. But two decades ago, Kawasaki took this now-popular recipe and ran with it in an unusual direction, leading to the birth of the Kawasaki Drifter 1500.
1983 Yamaha Midnight Virago 920
In 1983, Yamaha offered a “Midnight Virago” that featured a black paint scheme with gold accents. They also offered a rare color-matched factory touring package with a fairing, saddlebags, and trunk for even more Midnight goodness – though this example seems to only have the fairing as well as a giant aftermarket backrest for the passenger.
2009 Suzuki DR-Z400
Post Sale Update: This DR-Z sold for $3,000 after 20 bids on eBay. Everyone loves a dual sport, and the Suzuki DR-Z400 has been a dual sport staple since 2000. It hasn’t changed much, but that just means you’ll get plenty for your dollar. The suspension might be more adjustable nowadays, but even in 2018 it still came with carburetors. …