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Street Legal H2R Replica – 1974 Kawasaki H2

In Custom, Japan, Race by AbhiLeave a Comment

Post Listing Update: This H2R replica was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. Kawasaki has brought back the H2R name with their new missile-on-wheels, but for fans of two-stroke machinery the three letters represent a legendary racer based on the H2 triple. This is a restomod replica with a custom frame and modern components in the suspension, brakes, …

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NHRA Pro V-Twin Drag Racer

In America, Race by Tim HuberLeave a Comment

Drag racers are particularly interesting motorcycles engineered to perform an extremely specific task, nonetheless these ridiculously powerful two-wheelers do have a place in the professional racing scene. While riding a bike in a straight line may seem like a fairly simple proposition, there are a myriad of elements that making this activity far more difficult than most realize. Few people …

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Rare Racer – 1979 Bimota YB3

In Italy, Race by Tim HuberLeave a Comment

For most of Bimota’s history, their bread and butter has been taking proven existing power plants (in the YB3’s case the Yamaha TZ350) and dropping them into advanced frames and outfitting them with trick components and bodywork. The YB3 is a rare example of one of the Italian manufacturer’s late-seventies/early-eighties race machines. Different sources made different claims but anywhere from …

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Isle of Man TT Racer – 2013 Honda CBR1000RR

In Japan, Race by Tim HuberLeave a Comment

The Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) is arguably the most iconic motorcycle race in history. In the modern era of the TT one name stands out as being the most successful pilot to take on the 37.73-mile mountain course, and that name is John McGuinness. With 23 TT wins and 45 TT podiums, McGuinness is something of a modern-day …

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1966 BMW-Powered Sidecar Racer

In 3 Wheels, Germany, Race by Tim HuberLeave a Comment

Built by Herr Helmut Lünemann in the winter of ’65, this rare BMW sidecar racer was used in international GP’s including Germany in ’66-’68. Since then this two-man racer has gone through a few different owners before ending up with its current seller who would go on to do extensive restoration work since buying it three decades ago. Despite it …

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Street Legal Road Racer – 2007 Aprilia SXV550

In Custom, Italy, Race by AbhiLeave a Comment

Aprilia’s SXV550 was an absolute monster that journalists fell in love with as soon as it was released. A supermoto with a powerful V-Twin, excellent components, and race-bred pedigree: the bike had already won the S2 World Supermoto Championship as a prototype before it was released to the world. Unfortunately, the early bikes had serious issues with the sealant used …

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1972 Harley-Davidson XR750 Flat Tracker

In America, Race by Tim HuberLeave a Comment

In 1969, an AMA rule-change would force Harley-Davidson’s then racing manager Dick O’Brian and his team to build the XR750 racer. It used a smaller version of its predecessor’s (the KR) 900cc engine. The first years of the XR had a lack of power as well as overheating issues so in 1972 parts of the engine were changed (aluminum head …

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WSBK Racer – 2007 HRC CBR1000RR

In Japan, Race by Tim HuberLeave a Comment

The mid 2000’s were something of a golden era for sportbikes. Sales were booming and manufacturers had deep pockets and were willing to throw heaps of cash into R&D to produce ever-evolving superbikes and supersports in the then highly competitive sportbike arms race. This 07′ CBR1KRR was released around the height of this era because as you may remember: some …

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1975 British Piper Kawasaki Endurance Racer

In Japan, Race by Tim HuberLeave a Comment

There’s something really special about 1970’s Kawasaki race machines. They possessed a unique style and flare that gave their bikes a unmistakable look and identity. The folks at Kawa weren’t afraid of wrapping their bikes in some pretty funky and interesting bodywork that was unmistakably theirs. This Kawasaki Endurance Racer is a prime example of this and on top of …

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Super Single – 2006 Honda CRF450X Road Racer

In Japan, Race by Tim HuberLeave a Comment

Last year while spending the day at Chuckwalla (A local SoCal circuit) I had the privilege of trying out what is referred to as a “super-single.” They’re essentially 450 (single-cylinder) MXers that have been fitted with new suspension and bodywork (along with all the other parts you need to partake in road racing/track riding.) Companies like Beon and Mototech sell …

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2010 BMW S1000RR Race Bike

In Germany, Race by AbhiLeave a Comment

The S1000RR sportbike was a revelation when it was first revealed, and it was an excellent platform for enthusiastic street riders and track racers. Here’s one that’s been focused on the latter – the seller has seen 178 miles per hour at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California – are you willing to try and top that?

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1965 Honda CB160 Racer

In Japan, Race, Small Displacement by AbhiLeave a Comment

A couple of years ago I attended my first Vintage GP. I went there specifically to check out some sidecars, but there were a lot of great classes. One of my favorites was the CB160 race, because it begins with a Le Mans start. I hope the next owner of this bike will participate in similar events.