It’s always nice to break up posts of expensive exotica with cheap bikes that run or could be restored. In that spirit, here’s a straightforward Kawi KZ400.
Guess That Bike – Electric Ducati Edition?
I’m not entirely what to say about this bike. The seller says it’s got a Ducati frame with an electric motor in it, but I just don’t see it. In fact, I’m hopelessly lost on what this bike is – do you know?
Restored – 1972 Honda CB450
The K5 model of the CB450, the 1972 model was a gradual evolution of the famous Black Bomber. Over the years, a moderate amount of changes were made – megaphone mufflers, rubber fork gaiters, and a front disk brake were added over time, along with other cosmetic changes like paint colors and sidecover emblems. By 1970 (when the K3 was …
Holland Import – 1978 Batavus MoBat
Batavus is a long-time Dutch manufacturer of bicycles and mopeds. They produced several stylish moped models and began importing to the U.S. in the 1970s, including the HS-50 and this more sinister sister model, the MoBat. Like most Batavus models, these are powered by a 48cc Laura 2-stroke engine and sport motorcycle styling with large wheels and between-the-knees fuel tank. …
Cute Project – 1963 Bridgestone Surfrider Model 7
Imported through the Rockford Scooter company, Bridgestone sold a variety of motorcycles in the US, ranging in displacement from 50cc from 350cc. Here’s one of the babies, a 50cc BS7-D, sometimes called the Surfrider. For some reason, the seller calls this NOS, even though it has 1,562 miles, doesn’t run, and is missing a few parts. Still, this looks like …
Barn Find – 1971 BSA B25SS Gold Star
Though some purists scoffed at it, BSA brought back the Gold Star name for the 250 and 500 cc street scramblers. Here’s an example of the former (the B25SS), which was powered by a unit construction 250cc four stroke that dated back to 1958. In 1971, BSA introduced the oil-in-frame design but the 250s were done the next year and …
Nice Price – 2010 KTM 530 EXC Champions Edition
If you’re in Northeast Pennsylvania, here’s a great deal on an excellent street-legal off-roader that’s been well modified.
Restored Mini Bike – 1970 Ruttman Wild Goose
Post-Sale Update: After 36 bids on eBay, this Ruttman sold for just $800. Based out of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, Ruttman offered a variety of mini bikes called the “Uglys”, named after “the world’s ugliest little creatures all ready to unleash a whole pack of fun.” You could get a Pak Mule, Horny Toad, Vulture, Spyder, Grasshopper, or the Wild Goose …
595 Miles – 1975 Yamaha DT400
The DT400 was an instant press favorite when it was introduced in 1975, though the average US dirt rider preference was shifting to four-strokes (and thus, the XT/TT series of Yamaha’s offerings). For more on the Yamaha DT400, check out this Retrospective from Rider Magazine.
1974 Suzuki GT250
An evolution of the T250 Hustler, the Suzuki GT250 got a “Ram Air” cylinder head that was supposed to force cold air to the back of the cylinder, as well as fake air scoops in the sidecovers. Depending on who you talked to, the Ram Air system resulted in actual gains – or it was just as useful as the …
Custom Scrambler – 1980 Yamaha XS650
Here’s a polarizing scrambler based on a Yamaha XS650 Special. The seller has apparently been cranking out XS-based customs for a few years now, so you’d hope that the quality was up to snuff (and the price is hard to argue with). That just leaves the styling up for debate.
Nice Price – 1988 BMW R100GS
I feature plenty of GSes, but I can’t remember the last time I saw a running, relatively low mileage 100GS for sale for less than $5k – especially in a big city.
Cleanest Barn Find Ever – 1969 Suzuki TC120
The seller of this bike says it’s a barn find – well, the seller sure spent some time cleaning up the great lines of this simple two-stroke dual-sport, also known as the Trail Cat.
Christmas Special – 1986 Honda Z50
Considered by some as the ultimate Honda Z50, the “Christmas Special” was a limited edition – you can probably guess what time of year it was released. Honda gave two examples to each of their top dealers, though they typically called it the “Chrome Edition” seeing as nearly every part on the bike (even the frame!) was chromed. This example …
Needs Some Work – 1979 Chrysler Snorunner
Post Sale Update: This Snorunner sold for $1,065 after 25 bids on eBay. The Chrysler Snorunner has an interesting history, though there isn’t 100% consensus on the origin story. Some people claim that Chrysler built them for the Army, which was looking for light weight snow transport that could carry a soldier for 30 miles. Unfortunately, the finished vehicle was …