“Between the small and the large, though, there is a perfect size that enhances the multi-functional nature of these “dual-purpose” motorcycles. That balance seems to be right around 350cc. This is enough displacement so that freeway travel won’t spin an engine’s heart out, without the weight and bulk that can limit off-road use mainly to smooth dirt roads.” Those are …
1980 Benelli 254 Quattro
Back in the early 1970s, Benelli was in a precarious financial position. The brand’s GP efforts from the decade prior proved costly, and their uninspiring two-strokes were struggling to sell. Thankfully, Alejandro de Tomaso (you’ll recognize that name on account of four-wheeled exotics like the Mangusta and the Pantera) stepped in and acquired 85% of the company in 1971.
“OEM Plus” – 1990 Suzuki GSX-R1100
Introduced in 1986, the Suzuki GSX-R 1100 was a speed demon’s dream thanks to 137 horsepower and a wet weight of 434 pounds. Even better, it was released right after the United States lowered the import tax on bikes above 700ccs to 24.4 percent (from over 39 percent), so it actually felt like bargain to American riders. The seller of …
1941 BMW R12
The BMW R12 was an evolution of the iconic R7 concept and it was the first motorcycle in the world with hydraulically damped telescoping forks. BMW produced roughly 36,008 over a production run between 1935 and 1942.
2001 Kawasaki LeoStar
A few days ago we featured an imported Honda NSR50 and commenter Zebulon Pike mentioned that the seller also had an interesting imported underbone scooter and I had to make sure you all saw it as well. Meet the Kawasaki LeoStar!
1960s Sears Allstate Compact
When I was a boy, one of my favorite things to do in the weeks leading up to Christmas was get a hold of the Sears Wish Book, go through it with a marker, and circle all the toys I wanted. You need to be of a certain age to know what the Sears Wish Book was, I suppose. It …
Dunstall Kit – 1974 Norton Commando
Paul Dunstall’s motorcycle business was humming by the time the 70s rolled around, and he was so successful that he had started shipping completed motorcycles over to contracted delaers in the United States. By the mid 70s, he was almost exactly splitting his production between Norton and Hondas, though he was definitely more famous for his work with the British …
1998 Honda NSR50
The NSR50 was in Honda’s lineup for decades before they blessed the USA with a chance to officially try it for ourselves in 2004. Before that year, Americans had to either order one directly from HRC (Honda Racing Corporation) or try to import one through the gray market. It was well worth the effort, because Honda used components that made …
80s Racer – 1984 Yamaha RZ350
Per the seller, “this is the RZ350 that Larry Trow raced with NOCAM Racing at Portland International Raceway in the late 80’s.”
1975 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing
In its modern iteration, I wholeheartedly believe that the Honda Gold Wing ─ relative to its intended purpose ─ is the greatest motorcycle in the world. It is very hard to find another bike that does what it’s supposed to do as well as the Wing. So, this (somewhat suspiciously) affordable first-gen model speaks to me.
In Spain – 1970 Mini Marcelino
Mini Marcelinos were built in both Italy and Spain – originally created by Dinamica Meccanica Tassinari in Italy, a Spanish version was built by a former Ducati employee. As you may guess, MotoTrans was involved and they built 48cc Ducati engines under license.
9.2 Gallons – 1996 Honda PC800 Pacific Coast
I will never not click an ad for a Honda PC800 Pacific Coast. It is the Joe Biden of motorcycles ─ the reliable stalwart that nobody wants. But if you take the time to really look at a PC800 some part of you ─ the sensible dad that’s deep down in your soul ─ will fall in love with it.
1973 Norton Commando 850
The Norton Commando 850 is no stranger to Bike-urious. By my count, more than a dozen versions of this iconic British twin have appeared on this site over the years. But there’s always room for one more.
2004 BMW R1100S Boxer Cup Replika
The base model R11S was a wonderful all-around streetbike similar to the Honda VFR800. BMW went above and beyond with a couple of limited editions, including the Boxer Cup Replika as featured today. BMW created a spec series to race these bikes, and 300 examples were released as a homage. They were equipped with Ohlins suspension, Laser exhaust, and custom …
Made in Gilroy – 2000 Indian Chief Centennial
You probably know that the history of Indian Motorcycle between 1953 (when the original Indian Motocycle Co. went bust) and 2011 (when Polaris took over the marque) is murky and filled with charlatans and dreamers. In that 58-year period, no less than 10 individuals or entities laid claim to the Indian name, each offering (or promising to offer) a new …