As Honda’s scramblers got bigger, they became more street focused. Cycle magazine called the CL350 not “really a scrambler at all, but a street-scrambler…doubt arises regarding the bike’s suitability for bashing around rocks and pines.” Sounds awfully similar to today’s current crop of scramblers, if you ask me.
Bond, James Bond – 1998 BMW R1200C
There are always some sort of exotic vehicles in Bond movies. In “Tomorrow Never Dies,” Pierce Brosnan had a chase scene on a BMW R1200C. Now, I know Pierce Brosnan is no Sean Connery, but he WAS better than Timothy Dalton or George Lazenby, but I digress…
1967 Yamaha YR-1 Grand Prix
When you think of a Yamaha R1, what usually comes to mind is a 150+ HP liter bike with a racing heritage and championship DNA throughout. Well it’s not the only R1 nor is it the original R1 with that kind of heritage and DNA. The 1967 YR-1 Grand Prix was a greyhound in sheep’s clothing and it was the …
1969 Honda SL350
Honda’s 350-series bikes are legendary for their reliability and their unsurpassed popularity. One of the variants created to quench the dirt-bike/scrambler craze of the 70’s was the SL350. 1969 was the introductory model year but the bike itself had very few differences from the CB350 and CL350 aside from off-road friendly tires, exhaust, and cross-braced handlebars.
Unexpected Scrambler – 2001 BMW R1150GS Custom
Starting with a R1150GS, the seller of this bike has turned it into a scrambler that can actually tackle some trails. He calls it a proven performer that has completed several Iron Butt rides and big bike Woods Trials. You may not like the way it looks but it’s definitely a different take on the popular big enduro.
2000 Moto Guzzi Quota 1100ES
In a 2012 review, Ed Milich of Motor Cyclist called the Quota “One of Moto Guzzi’s famous engineering answers to questions no one asked.” So what is it?
Nice Price – 1988 Honda NX125
I have very fond memories of my Honda NX650, which means I got excited when Zack B sent over this cheap-as-chips baby NX – a NX125 for about $10/cc.
Rare in the US – 2001 Italjet Dragster 180
One of the most interesting two-wheelers of all time, the Italjet Dragster is the only scooter to have ever combined a space frame and a RAAD forkless front suspension (think of what was equipped on the Yamaha GTS1000. It was built between 1998 and 2003, and very few made it to the states as the bike was never officially imported …
1982 Honda MB5
“You meet the nicest people on a Honda.”
SR250 Engine – 1987 Yamaha TW200
Notice anything peculiar about this TW? See how the tank says TW250? Well, Yamaha never made a TW250 – but the builder of this oddball did. It features an engine swap from a Yamaha SR250, which doesn’t just bump up power to 20hp, it also gives a more powerful alternator and electric start.
Well Modded – 2000 Suzuki DRZ400E
A street legal dual sport, this DRZ400E (E for electric start) has been well modified for a nice combination of power and suspension at a reasonable price.
Sleeper Scooter – 1999 Italjet Formula 125
At first glance, you might think this scooter was only good for quick runs to a coffee shop at 25 miles per hour. But thanks to a 2 stroke 125cc engine, this Italjet Formula can get you up to an indicated 85! The seller says he’s never seen another example of this model in the US, and I haven’t either. …
One Owner – 2000 KTM Duke II
One of the first semi-popular supermotos in the US, the KTM Duke II was a revelation for the lucky few that got to enjoy it. Lots of sportbike riders looked down upon a bike with “just” 50 horsepower, but the comfortable ergonomics and light weight made this an excellent hooligan bike. Get used to riding with the front wheel off …
Purple Rain Tribute – 1981 Honda
This bike doesn’t run at the moment, but it’s a pretty good find for a Prince fan who wants something two-wheeled in their collection…
1964 Honda C200
By 1965 I knew the inside of my local Honda shop at least as well as my own bedroom. After all, my best buddy had an S90 and I lusted for a Honda to replace my Yamaha. Imagine my surprise when I saw this bike that I had no idea ever existed. It would be like my mother asking me …