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Boutique Italian Enduro – 2000 VOR EN 400

In Italy, Less than 5k, Off-Road by Tim HuberLeave a Comment

VOR (or Vertemati Offroad Racing) is a high-end Italian motorcycle manufacturer specializing in – as the name suggests – enduros and offroad scoots. The small Milan-based company was founded by brothers Alvaro and Guido Vertemati, both of whom had prior experience working in the offroad segment, as well as serving as the Italian importers for Swedish manufacturer Husaberg in the …

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Still New – 2007 Aprilia SXV450

In Italy, Less than 5k, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

On paper, Aprilia’s SXV450 was destined to be an all-time great in the world of production supermotos. 60 horsepower at the crank was about 10 more than other 450s were making at a time, and the twin cylinder layout rewarded riders who were willing to play near the 13,000 rpm redline. Unfortunately, it was Aprilia’s first attempt at building an …

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1976 Montesa Cota 348

In Less than 5k, Off-Road, Spain by AbhiLeave a Comment

Montesa developed a prototype of the Cota 348 to compete in the 1975 Scottish Six Days Trial, and Malcolm Rathmell rode it to a second place finish. Rathmell was an accomplished trials rider who won the World Championship in 1974 and the British Trials Championship 6 times in a 10 year period, and the 348 was developed with him as …

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Bavarian Desert Racer – 2009 BMW G450X

In Germany, Less than 5k by Tim HuberLeave a Comment

For the past few decades, BMW Motorrad’s sales have been objectively prosperous and they are looking to the future which means attracting a new younger demographic. In the last year BMW has debuted its new entry-level oriented R 310GS and G 310R machines, and the entire heritage lineup of R nineT’s definitely possess the ability to attract new clientele. BMW …

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Yamaha Way-Back Machines

In Dual-Sport, Japan, Less than 5k by Ted CloughLeave a Comment

Vintage dirt bikes and enduros have become very popular lately. People have been dragging them out of their garages and barns and cleaning them up and they show up in large numbers at events like Barber Vintage Festival. Cruising Craigslist as I do (it’s a problem, I know) it appears the trend may be peaking. When you see a lot …

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Divisive Classic – 1964 BSA B40

In England, Less than 5k, Standard by Tim HuberLeave a Comment

The BSA B40 is a cool little classic with a deservedly poor reputation, yet that didn’t stop it from being an incredibly popular machine. It served as one of the primary replacements for the post-WW2 BSA M20’s and Matchless GL3’s. The B40 would see ample use by the British Armed Forces who ordered more than 3,000 units, including 141 for …

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Rare Z – 1988 Honda ZB50

In Japan, Less than 5k, Small Displacement by Tim HuberLeave a Comment

Honda’s Z series is responsible for a myriad of mini-models that were the first forays into motorcycling for many a rider. As a result, many of these Honda minis hold a special place in legions of riders’ hearts. Though it lacks the older vintage flavor of the original Z50, the ZB50 still has its own unique late-’80’s character that’s hard …