With teasers from Suzuki suggesting a new Katana is on the way, presumably to compete with Kawasaki’s modern classic Z900RS, it seemed appropriate to feature this blast from the past. The Suzuki Katana was a friendlier version of the GSXR-750, with a retuned engine and a seat that should actually be comfortable for a passenger. It fits best into the …
2007 Suzuki DR650SE
Post Listing Update: This DR did not get any interest at the asking price of $3,200. The recent uprising of supermotos both on the street and the track has driven up the price of dual sports. Even my own search for a traffic axe left me empty handed. However, with some perseverance, you can still find iron workhorses. The Suzuki …
$899 – 2011 Honda CGL 125
Post Sale Update: This Honda sold for the BIN of $899. This model was never exported to the US, though adventurers who have traveled to countries in Asia or Central America should recognize the CGL 125. This example was bought new in Guatemala – the seller then disassembled it, brought it into the US, and put it back together. He …
1983 Honda ATC70
After the success of the Z50 and the CT70, Honda wanted a bike that they could sell in the winters in the US market. They launched a small trike called the US90 in 1969. The success was immediate, and US beaches became Honda’s trike highways. In 1971, Honda acquired the trademark ATC, “all-terrain cycle”, and gave it to their three-wheelers. …
2000 Triumph Adventurer 900
Post Sale Update: This Adventurer sold for $2,150 after 9 bids on eBay. The Triumph Adventurer combines the smoothness of their 900cc triple with a laid back, standard frame. A larger front wheel and longer forks set it apart from the Thunderbird, giving it a relaxed sense and riding style. It can’t be described as sprightly, but is that really …
1984 Honda Gold Wing GL1200 Aspencade
In 1975, Honda released the GL1000 “Gold Wing” – the name referred to Honda’s logo, which is a wing. The huge success of the model coupled with the need of even more comfort led Honda to release the GL1100 Interstate in 1980. The factory full fairing helped define luxury touring for decades to come. In 1984, everything evolved with the …
Early MV Four-Stroke – 1956 MV Agusta Turismo Rapido 125
MV Agusta produced a number of successful lightweight, eighth-liter, two-stroke models in the post WW2 era, but it was in 1954 that the company decided to develop a 125cc four-stroke model to appease a market that’d become increasingly interested in performance oriented four-strokers. Starting that year, the company introduced the Turismo Rapido 125, also known as the TR.
$1,400 – 1983 Suzuki GS1100GK
In 1975, Honda started the legendary Gold Wing line with the GL1000. For the first time, Honda incorporated a horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine which produced 999cc. Five years later, in 1980, Honda launched the GL1100 Gold Wing Interstate. Not only did Honda up displacement by 100cc, but with the Interstate they showed the public what luxury touring looked like with …
1984 BMW R80ST
For two years, BMW created a street-focused variant of the R80GS. They only sold 5,963 examples of what was named the R80ST, and approximately 15% of them were exported to the US.
Rare Project – 1986 Laverda Lesmo
Here’s a project for someone who loves the thrill of the chase, looking for obscure, unobtanium parts to complete a project that will be worth – well, not much.
2010 BMW G450X
In the motorcycling world, it is not often that a manufacturer releases a model that flies under the radar. I must admit, I was unaware that this wonderful piece of German engineering existed. BMW wanted to send dirt flying in the endurance off road racing field, and was nice enough to fit headlights and blinkers to their product, making it …
Bike Review – 2018 Royal Enfield Himalayan
View PostTwo-Fer – 1979 and 1980 Yamaha XS1100
During the end of the ’70s, motorcycle manufacturers fought to create the most motors possible. After the 750cc and 900cc barriers were toppled, the next symbolic step was 1,000cc. Just like they did with the CB750, Honda were the first to beat that record thanks to its 1975 GL1000. In 1977 and 1978, Kawasaki and Suzuki responded to that with …
1972 Suzuki T250 Hustler
In 1969, Suzuki unveiled the successor to their popular Super Six T20 – the T250 Hustler. It took all the good parts of the T20 and added sleek styling in addition to an upgraded motor. The original was more newsworthy, but the T250 was arguably a better bike.
T is for Trunk – 1980 Yamaha Exciter 250T
Known outside the US as the SR250, the Yamaha Exciter was available in two versions: the 250 and the 250T, where T stood for trunk! That’s right, from the factory the Exciter had a large, lockable trunk that replaced the rear seat. In Yamaha’s words, “just flip a latch and the 250T’s trunk goes with you as conveniently as a …