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1986 Yamaha TZR250 1KT

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Loosely based on Yamaha’s TZ250 racer, the TZR was a 2 stroke sportbike built between ’86 and ’99 – in 1986 it was the first production 250cc motorcycle to lap Isle of Man’s TT course at over 100 miles per hour.

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Great Extras – 1982 Honda CX500 Turbo

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

Depending on how you define “production”, Kawasaki was the first motorcycle manufacturer to roll out a turbocharged motorcycle. But as this excellent article on OddBike points out, Kawasaki’s effort was more of a quasi-aftermarket creation, and it wasn’t well-thought out either. Honda’s CX500 Turbo is more deserving of the ‘first production turbo bike’ title, as it truly started the forced …

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1998 Muzzy Raptor

In Japan, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

In 1997, Rob Muzzy debuted the Raptor: aka what happened when Kawi gave him a Ninja ZX-7R and told him to go nuts. The Raptor immediately competed in Formula USA, and Muzzy decided to produce 50 to offer to the general public.

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1975 Suzuki TS400 Apache

In Dual-Sport, Japan by AbhiLeave a Comment

Built between 1972 and 1979, the TS400 was the largest of Suzuki’s two-stroke off-road family. Suzuki had a wide range of “T” bikes – TM was for motocross, TC, was for trail, TF was for farm, and TS was the enduro. The 400 produced 34 horsepower and 29.7 pound-feet of torque. Dry weight was 277 pounds, and Suzuki guaranteed their …

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#19 of 45 – 2020 Bimota Tesi 3D Final Edition

In Italy, Sport by AbhiLeave a Comment

You guys and gals have seen my ownership experience with a Bimota Tesi 3D Final Edition – here’s a rare chance to snag one for yourself! Tesi is Italian for “thesis”, and the name reflects that this bike started as a thesis project by Pierluigi Marconi exploring hub-center steering for his mechanical engineering degree.

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1971 Moto Guzzi Ercole

In 3 Wheels, Italy by AbhiLeave a Comment

The Moto Guzzi Ercole (Italian for Hercules) is a fantastic vintage three-wheeler typically used as a shop/farm runabout. Able to carry nearly a ton, this bike truly earned the nickname. On either side of the rider there are optional fold out seats, upping capacity to 3 total individuals, and the bed works hydraulically.

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No Reserve – 1965 Cushman Super Silver Eagle

In America, Scooter, Vintage by AbhiLeave a Comment

In the wake of the Second World War, the United States was experiencing a transportation boom, and Cushman Motor Works was eager to capitalize on the trend. Come 1949, the Nebraska-based manufacturer dressed up one of its 50cc scooters to resemble popular baggers like the Harley-Davidson Big Twin and Indian Chief. Dubbed the “Eagle,” the little scooter proved an instant …

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Restored – 1976 Yamaha XT500

In Dual-Sport, Japan by AbhiLeave a Comment

Yamaha’s XT500 was an instant sales success and it led to a full series of XT bikes. Thanks to the big thumper of an engine and the ample ground clearance, it was good for just about anything you could throw at it. This enduro bike was produced for 15 years, eventually leading to an entire range of “XT” bikes of …